Nanoseconds, Megavolts, Picojoules, and Semiconductor Crystal Quantum Dots in the Intracellular Envi

P. Thomas Vernier, Ph.D.
Bioelectrical Engineer
University of Southern California
Megavolts, micrometers, picosecondsElectrical engineers play an important role in cross-disciplinary investigations of pulsed power applications in biomedicine at the University of Southern California, providing enabling technology for studies ranging from fundamental research in bioelectrical physics to
cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. We present an overview of this work, which includes:
- validation of biophysical models with experimental observations
(responses of molecules and membranes in living cells to nanosecond,
megavolt-per-meter pulsed electric fields);
- cellular signal transduction (nanoelectropulse-induced
intracellular calcium release);
- mechanisms of programmed cell death induction by ultra-short,
high-field electric pulses;
- internalization of fluorescent quantum dots for cell tagging and
tracking and for monitoring the intracellular environment;
- development of advanced pulse generators, catheter electrodes, and
other devices for remote delivery of nanoelectropulses to biological
systems;
- exploration of minimally invasive nanoelectropulse diagnostics and
therapeutics for malignancies, atherosclerosis, and other medical
conditions.P. Thomas Vernier, Engineering Manager of MOSIS at the University of Southern California Information Sciences Institute, received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from USC in 2004. His research and industrial experience includes ultraviolet microscopy of psychrophilic yeasts, characterization of the temperature-sensitive host restriction of bacterial viruses, environmental gas monitoring, wide-band instrumentation data recording, and multi-project semiconductor wafer fabrication. He currently works on the responses of biological systems to nanosecond, megavolt-per-meter electric fields.Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Place: Olin Hall 230 (OHE)
Time: 12:00 – 1:00
Refreshments will be served at 11:45
ALL First Year EE-EP Graduate Students are REQUIRED to ATTEND

Location: Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE) - 230

Audiences: Electrical Engineering Graduate Students

Contact: Robert Mena