Our group performs research on novel methods for sensing and sequencing nucleic acids, proteins and chemical compounds with an emphasis on simplicity, low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP), and stability under challenging field conditions. Our approaches to nucleic acid sensing use CRISPR/Cas recognition systems combined with molecular reporters for detection and nanopore sequencing for unknown target identification. We are exploring the use of small single molecule protein sequencing platforms and developing novel bioinformatics algorithms to support data from those platforms. Our Low SWaP approaches use electrochemical sensing using miniaturized potentiostats combined with molecular recognition components. 

Schultzhaus, Zachary, Zheng Wang, and David Stenger. "CRISPR-based enrichment strategies for targeted sequencing." Biotechnology advances 46 (2021): 107672.

Green, Christopher M., Joseph Spangler, Kimihiro Susumu, David A. Stenger, Igor L. Medintz, and Sebastián A. Díaz. "Quantum dot-based molecular beacons for quantitative detection of nucleic acids with CRISPR/Cas (N) nucleases." ACS nano 16, no. 12 (2022): 20693-20704.

Leski, Tomasz A., Chris Rowe Taitt, Abdulai G. Swaray, Umaru Bangura, Nathanael D. Reynolds, Andrew Holtz, Chadwick Yasuda et al. "Use of real-time multiplex PCR, malaria rapid diagnostic test and microscopy to investigate the prevalence of Plasmodium species among febrile hospital patients in Sierra Leone." Malaria journal 19 (2020): 1-8.

key words

CRISPR; Nanopore Sequencing; Protein Sequencing; Microelectronics; Bioinformatics

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants