Research

Advancing the frontiers of imaging, photonics, and nanoscale materials to better understand biological systems and develop next-generation technologies.

Work spans cutting-edge optical microscopy, single-molecule spectroscopy, near-field nano-imaging, and lattice light-sheet live-cell imaging to probe everything from cellular communication to quantum materials. By integrating custom instrumentation, computational analysis, and innovative nanomaterial design, we explore phenomena across scales – from molecular interactions and membrane dynamics to plasmonic metasurfaces and emerging optoelectronic devices – and push the limits of spatial and temporal resolution to drive new discoveries in biomedical imaging, materials science, and quantum-enabled technologies.

South Dakota Mines houses a custom-built lattice light-sheet microscope (LLSM) under license from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This state-of-the-art system enables rapid, high-resolution 3D live-cell imaging with minimal phototoxicity. There are only a few dozen lattice light-sheet microscopes worldwide.

Dr. Steve Smith’s research focuses on lasers, optical imaging, and spectroscopy to probe nano- and quantum-materials, with biomedical applications in arteriosclerosis and osteoarthritis. His work leverages advanced light–matter interactions to develop multiphoton, super-resolution, and spectrally resolved nonlinear optical imaging techniques. Current efforts include nanoscale multiphoton microscopy of plasmonic metasurfaces, low-dimensional quantum materials, and upconverting nanomaterials, alongside correlative optical, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electron microscopy of bio-nanomaterials. His laboratory also advances single-molecule imaging, time-resolved spectroscopy, and computational image analytics to enable deeper biological insight and high-precision materials characterization. Learn more at Nano-fs Lab.

Dr. Robert Anderson is an expert in 3D live-cell imaging, leveraging advanced lattice light-sheet microscopy to capture fast, volumetric fluorescence data with minimal phototoxicity. His research combines cutting-edge optical methods with custom computational pipelines – including hardware and software developed in-house – to reconstruct, visualize, and analyze spatiotemporal dynamics in living cells. He applies these tools to study nanomaterials, upconversion luminescence, and their interactions in biological settings, bridging the gap between high-resolution imaging and quantitative image informatics.

Dr. Brandon Scott’s research explores how cells communicate and organize their receptors, focusing on the dynamic changes in cell membranes and signals, using advanced imaging techniques, biosensors, and computational tools. Dr. Scott has worked with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to develop live-cell imaging techniques using a new lattice light sheet microscope. His research, focused on the BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR) core, involves the use of advanced microscopy and computational analysis to visualize cellular and molecular activities within living cells. 

Dr. Mingyuan Chen’s research combines advanced near-field nano-imaging and nano-spectroscopy with the design and fabrication of next-generation nanophotonic, electronic, and optoelectronic devices that harness the unique properties of quantum and emerging materials to enable innovative material and device design and address challenges in materials science, quantum, sensing, and imaging technologies. Learn more at Chen Research Group.

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Developing advanced biomaterials and cellular therapies to repair, regenerate, and restore damaged tissues.

By integrating material design, protein engineering, and high-throughput biological approaches, we tackle challenges ranging from bone and soft-tissue regeneration to complex craniofacial repair. Together, our efforts create innovative platforms for wound healing, therapeutic delivery, and next-generation regenerative technologies to drive the future of healthcare.

Dr. Jue Hu’s research develops bio-inspired nanofibers, porous scaffolds, and hydrogels that integrate nanomaterials for bone and soft tissue engineering. Her work explores these functional scaffolds as platforms for drug and gene delivery and for directing stem cell behavior within the local microenvironment. By combining biomimetic materials design with stem cell and inflammation-modulation strategies, she aims to control cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions to promote regeneration. Her specialties include biomimetic nanomaterials, stem cell differentiation, extracellular vesicles, and therapeutic modulation of inflammation for tissue repair. Learn more at Jue Hu Research Lab.

Dr. Tugba Ozdemir’s research centers on designing novel hyaluronan-binding biomaterials that advance wound healing, tissue regeneration, and longevity. Her work addresses the complex needs of craniofacial tissues – such as skin, muscle, glands, and supportive vascular and neural structures – where injury or congenital defects can severely impair both function and appearance. By integrating synthetic polymers with the bioactivity of natural extracellular matrix components, her lab develops tunable hybrid materials that provide the biochemical cues needed for effective healing. Through advanced material synthesis, protein engineering, and high-throughput approaches, the Extracellular Mimicry Laboratory creates next-generation ECM mimics to guide cell behavior and support transformative craniofacial therapies.

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Studying and developing advanced nanomaterials, polymers, and metamaterials for applications in medicine, energy, and emerging technologies.

Our researchers create safe and effective nanomaterials for cancer therapy and diagnostics, engineer metamaterials through nanoparticle self-assembly with high-resolution in situ imaging, and explore polymer and nanocomposite processing to produce lightweight, high-performance, and functional materials. By combining biophysical studies, advanced imaging, and scalable materials engineering, we tackle challenges across biomedical, energy, and industrial applications. Together, our programs integrate fundamental science with translational research and technology-driven approaches to drive innovation right here at South Dakota Mines.

Dr. David Salem’s research involves polymer processing and nanocomposites, including the biosynthesis and purification of biopolymers for biomedical use. His work investigates process–structure–property relationships to develop advanced materials with tailored mechanical, functional, and multiscale reinforcement characteristics. Key areas include lightweight, high-strength composites, self-assembled nanocomposites, energy-absorbing materials, and novel polymer systems for energy storage. With extensive experience at the academic–industrial interface, Dr. Salem leads research programs that emphasize scalable manufacturing and technology transfer through industry and government partnerships. Dr. Salem is the director of the CAPE Laboratory.

Dr. Congzhou Wang’s research centers on developing safe and effective nanomaterials for cancer therapy and early disease diagnosis, with a strong focus on understanding nanoscale interactions between materials, proteins, and cells. He has made key discoveries on inhibiting cancer cell migration using engineered nanomaterials, advancing new therapeutic strategies for metastatic disease. His work spans photothermal nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks for protein stabilization, and biophysical studies on how nanoparticles influence healthy and cancerous cells. Dr. Wang is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, 2024 South Dakota Mines Outstanding Research Award, and is one of only nine investigators highlighted by the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Biology (DCB). Dr. Wang leads a growing research program that integrates biomechanics, nanomaterials, and innovative nanotechnology for improving human health. Learn more at Nanobiointerfaces Laboratory.

Dr. Shan Zhou’s research focuses on designing metamaterials through nanoparticle self-assembly and developing advanced in-situ characterization tools to address challenges in energy conversion, quantum communication, and biometrics. He leads the Materials-Interfaces Imaging and Design Laboratory (MIDL), which integrates nanoscience, biomedical engineering, analytical chemistry, and materials science. A major effort in this lab is creating an in-situ imaging platform with sub-nanometer spatial and high temporal resolution to directly visualize native and engineered material interfaces in energy and biological systems. His expertise includes nanoparticle synthesis, 2D materials, plasmonic metamaterials, regioselective surface chemistry, and cutting-edge electron and electrochemical AFM-based characterization methods. His efforts helps to secure a $1 million DOE grant to pioneer nanoscience research. Learn more about Dr. Zhou’s research projects here.

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