APPROACHING EFFICIENT NANOMOTORS VIA BIOMIMICKING MECHANISMS

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Design automation in synthetic biology : a dual evolutionary strategy

PhD ThesisSynthetic biology o ers a new horizon in designing complex systems. However, unprecedented complexity hinders the development of biological systems to its full potential. Mitigating complexity via adopting design principles from engineering and computer science elds has resulted in some success. For example, modularisation to foster reuse of design elements, and using computer assisted design tools have helped contain complexity to an extent. Nevertheless, these design practices are still limited, due to their heavy dependence on rational decision making by human designers. The issue with rational design approaches here arises from the challenging nature of dealing with highly complex biological systems of which we currently do not have complete understanding. Systematic processes that can algorithmically nd design solutions would be better able to cope with uncertainties posed by high levels of design complexity. A new framework for enabling design automation in synthetic biology was investigated. The framework works by projecting design problems into search problems, and by searching for design solutions based on the dual-evolutionary approach to combine the respective power of design domains in vivo and in silico. Proof-of-concept ideas, software, and hardware were developed to exemplify key technologies necessary in realising the dual evolutionary approach. Some of the areas investigated as part of this research included single-cell-level micro uidics, programmatic data collection, processing and analysis, molecular devices supporting solution search in vivo, and mathematical modelling. These somewhat eclectic collection of research themes were shown to work together to provide necessary means with which to design and characterise biological systems in a systematic fashion

2006 Eighteenth Annual IMSA Presentation Day

We believe that our goal of creating decidedly-different learners is already being met and will make a profound impact on the future of humanity.https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/archives_sir/1020/thumbnail.jp

2017 - The Twenty-second Annual Symposium of Student Scholars

The full program book from the Twenty-second Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 20, 2017. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/sssprograms/1019/thumbnail.jp

A complex systems approach to education in Switzerland

The insights gained from the study of complex systems in biological, social, and engineered systems enables us not only to observe and understand, but also to actively design systems which will be capable of successfully coping with complex and dynamically changing situations. The methods and mindset required for this approach have been applied to educational systems with their diverse levels of scale and complexity. Based on the general case made by Yaneer Bar-Yam, this paper applies the complex systems approach to the educational system in Switzerland. It confirms that the complex systems approach is valid. Indeed, many recommendations made for the general case have already been implemented in the Swiss education system. To address existing problems and difficulties, further steps are recommended. This paper contributes to the further establishment complex systems approach by shedding light on an area which concerns us all, which is a frequent topic of discussion and dispute among politicians and the public, where billions of dollars have been spent without achieving the desired results, and where it is difficult to directly derive consequences from actions taken. The analysis of the education system's different levels, their complexity and scale will clarify how such a dynamic system should be approached, and how it can be guided towards the desired performance

Electrochemical impedance modelling of the reactivities of dendrimeric poly(propylene imine) DNA nanobiosensors

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDIn this thesis, I present the electrochemical studies of three dendrimeric polypropylene imine (PPI) nanomaterials and their applications as a platform in the development of a novel label free DNA nanobiosensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), differentia pulse voltammetry (DPV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used to study and model the electrochemical reactivities of the nanomaterials on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as the working electrode.South Afric