Physics Graduate Brochure - Physics - North Carolina State University

Daniel Dougherty
Prof. Dougherty’s research group uses high resolution
scanned probe microscopy (STM and AFM) to image
the surface structure and nanometer scale morphology
of organic molecular films and self assembled
monolayers. Growth of these structures is carried out
in the group using both vacuum deposition and
solution chemistry. It typically involves complex,
nonequilibrium processes in which multiple
intermolecular interactions (often comparable in
strength) compete to determine the final structure.
Experiments at NC State that directly observe and
quantitatively describe these complex processes push
the boundaries of statistical physics and are crucial for
optimizing applications of molecular films to
electronics technology. (dan_dougherty@ncsu.edu)
Hans Hallen
Prof. Hallen and his group have developed a technique
to deposit nano-defined laterally in-surface-plane
oriented organic materials. It is based on a split-tip
optical probe that the group developed. Electrical
characterization and optimization of these materials
and new device opportunities they may enable are of
current interest. (hans_hallen@ncsu.edu)
Shuang Fang Lim
Prof. Lim’s work focuses on DNA methylation
analysis and chromatin histone modifications of rare
earth doped nanoparticles. These particles emit in the
visible when excited in the near infrared. Her research
includes synthesis of nanoparticles, bioconjugation,
their photophysics and bio-applications such as
biosensors and biotherapeutic agents.
(sflim@ncsu.edu)
Robert Riehn
Prof. Riehn is interested in the physics of biological
polymers in nano-scale environments. In particular,
DNA can be efficiently manipulated by confining it to
channels with a cross-section that is on the order of
the DNA persistence length (50 nm). By studying the
dynamics of single DNA molecules inside systems of
these channels, he is able to test fundamental
assumptions of standard theory of polymeric solids.
This model views the motion of single chains as a
“reptation” of this molecule through a forest of tubes
formed by the other strands that make up the solid.
Based on experimental insights into the dynamics of
DNA in tailored nanofluidic systems, he plans to
design functional polymer nanodevices. Dr. Riehn is
further interested in the interaction of ions and
polyelectrolytes in electric fields. He is also working
on the transition from thermal to athermal regimes in
microfluidics. (rriehn@ncsu.edu)
Christopher Roland and Celeste Sagui
The Roland and Sagui research group studies several
polymer and biophysical systems using computer
models. For example, self-assembled domain patterns
formed by result of competing short-range attractive
and long-range repulsive interactions often result in
metastable or glassy states. These patterns could one
day see application as templates for the fabrication of
nanostructures. Of particular biophysical interest is the
ability to accurately evaluate the free energy within a
biomolecular simulation. Recent work has shown the
efficacy of adaptively biased molecular dynamics
methods in quantifying the transition pathways
connecting different minima in simulations of
polyproline peptides.
(cmroland@ncsu.edu, sagui@ncsu.edu)
Further Information
We encourage interested applicants to learn more through the individual web pages of each faculty member, for
which links are provided at www.physics.ncsu.edu Prospective students can contact any faculty member directly
(see email addresses above) or the Graduate Program office at py-grad-program@ncsu.edu.
.NC STATE Physics.
www.physics.ncsu.edu