top of page

RESEARCH

My current research focuses on the design and application of physical methods to produce and characterize functional nanosystems. Numerous ongoing, collaborative efforts involve the study of molecular machines and devices, nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, inorganic carbon-based materials, supramolecular assemblies toward the construction of meso-scale devices, methods for targeted stem cell differentiation and the development of morphic nanoarchitectures which generate the class of dynamical properties which underlie biological cognition. 

Method Development

Method Development

Fundamental and applied research relies on the detection and characterization of physical observables related to matter, energy and time. To overcome the limitations imposed by any one individual technique, we seek to generate multidimensional datasets that serve to bridge resolution gaps and integrate structural information. Although integrated detection, measurement, and imaging systems are hard to come by; a motto of our group remains “if you can’t buy it, you build it”.

Nanoarchitectonics

Nanoarchitectonics

The rational design and fabrication of robust, functional materials from atomic and molecular building blocks relies on a capacity to exploit chemical insight while managing the delicate balance between thermodynamic and kinetic effects. Developments in self- and directed-assembly through field-induced manipulation has enabled the preparation of functional materials, structures, and devices extending over various scales through a top-down meets bottom-approach.

Stem Cell Development

Stem Cell Development

A major hurdle for the cardiac stem cell therapy is the fact that embryonic stem cells remain phenotypically at the fetal stages in culture. Critical for the application of PSCs to the cardiac regeneration is a comprehensive understanding of the role of biophysical environment during their maturation. We hypothesize that bio-electromechanical cues are required for further maturation of the stem cell derived cardiomyocytes.

Cognitive Technology

Cognitive Technology

The self-organization of dynamical structures in complex natural systems is associated with an intrinsic capacity for computation. The construction of purpose-built dynamical systems known as atomic switch networks (ASN) comprised of highly interconnected, networks of inorganic synapses (atomic switches) combines the advantages of controlled design with those of self-organization to produce a system whose operational dynamics facilitate biomorphic computation.

© 2015 by Adam Z. Stieg

bottom of page