Physical Chemistry Seminar: Professor Bozhi Tian, University of Chicago
About the Seminar
Leveraging Constraints to Enhance Spatial Resolution, Sensitivity, and Applications in Bioelectrical Interfaces
By embracing constraints as opportunities, we can design experimental conditions that reveal new pathways for scientific discovery. This approach not only accelerates advances in fundamental research but also fosters innovation in practical applications. In this talk, I will illustrate this method by presenting our recent work, particularly on the bioelectrical interfaces between materials and biological systems. I will discuss how we have enhanced spatial resolution to improve the precision of photostimulation in cells and tissues, increased microbial sensitivity to electrical stimulation to suppress virulence, and advanced gas-phase detection of biological markers—especially those relevant to preterm infants. Furthermore, I will showcase new bioelectronic applications, such as minimally invasive optical pacing in translational medical settings and the development of cell-laden bioelectronics for inflammation treatment. These examples will demonstrate our process of identifying key questions, navigating conflicts, and using constraints to guide our solutions, transforming challenges into engines of discovery. I will conclude with my vision for the future of bioelectrical interface research and how this constraints-driven approach can continue to expand the frontiers of the field.
About the Speaker
Dr. Bozhi Tian earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University and completed postdoctoral research in regenerative medicine at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. At the University of Chicago, his research focuses on developing new materials for bioelectronics, employing semiconductor- and electronics-based tools to investigate (sub-)cellular dynamics and soft-hard interface interactions, and the translational applications of diverse bioelectrical systems. Dr. Tian’s work has been recognized with several honors, including the Raymond and Beverly Sackler International Prize in the Physical Sciences, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), recognition as an MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 (TR35) in 2012, and the 2023 Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring from the University of Chicago.