[ { "event" :"A Perspective on Hardware & Quality: \"What\", \"Why\" & \"How\"" , "date" : "Thursday, October 23, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Thu, Oct 23, 2025" , "month" : "10" , "day" : "23" , "time" : " 2:00 p.m." , "location" : "IREAP Large Conference Room (Energy Research Facility 1207)" , "id" : "20339" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["Clark School","All Students","Graduate","Faculty"] , "eventurl": "", "description" : "

Dr. Krishna Darbha, <\/strong>a UMD alumnus, will be visiting on Thursday, October 23, and giving a perspective lecture on hardware and quality. The lecture will be of particular interest to students thinking about an industry career with continued involvement in scientific work.<\/p>\r\n

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\"Professor<\/p>\r\n

Krishna Darbha leads the Devices Reliability, Safety, and Failure Analysis organization at Microsoft, where he drives the strategy and execution behind the quality, durability, and performance of Surface and other Microsoft hardware. With a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and nearly 30 years of experience across academia and industry, Krishna brings a deep technical foundation and a systems-level approach to reliability engineering.<\/p>\r\n

Krishna joined Microsoft in 2002, beginning his journey in PCHW and gradually expanding across the broader hardware ecosystem.  Krishna's organization has played a pivotal role in<\/p>\r\n

transforming how Microsoft designs, tests, and validates its products— ensuring that Surface devices meet the highest standards of quality and user experience. His team's work has directly influenced product improvements and helping Microsoft respond to field learnings with agility and precision.<\/p>\r\n

Krishna is a passionate advocate for transparency and continuous improvement. He and his team frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams to support strategic partner engagements, whitepaper development, and executive briefings that showcase Microsoft's commitment to reliability and safety.<\/p>\r\n

Outside of work, Krishna enjoys reading and biking\/hiking with his wife and children.<\/p>\r\n

Location:<\/strong>  The Energy Research Building is on Paint Branch Drive, Across from Clark Hall.<\/p>\r\n

\"Professor<\/p>\r\n

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 <\/p>" } , { "event" :"BIOE Seminar: Self-Assembling Peptide-Drug Conjugates" , "date" : "Friday, October 24, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Fri, Oct 24, 2025" , "month" : "10" , "day" : "24" , "time" : " 9:00 a.m." , "location" : "A. James Clark Hall, Room #2121" , "id" : "20338" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["All Students","Graduate","Undergraduate","Faculty","Post-Docs"] , "eventurl": "", "description" : "

Honggang Cui<\/strong>
Professor
Johns Hopkins University<\/p>\r\n

Self-Assembling Peptide-Drug Conjugates: A New Frontier at the Intersection of Prodrug Design, ADCs, and Nanomedicine<\/em><\/p>\r\n

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

To be safe and effective in clinical applications, most therapeutic agents require formulation strategies that enhance efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. In this presentation, I will highlight our recent efforts to advance a new class of self-assembling peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs), a platform that merges the design precision of prodrugs, the modularity of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and the structural functionality of nanomedicine. By leveraging the inherent bioactivity and self-assembly properties of peptides and therapeutic agents, we have developed PDCs in which drugs are covalently linked to rationally designed peptide sequences. Upon dissolution in aqueous solution, these constructs can self-assemble into discrete supramolecular nanostructures for systemic or inhalable delivery, or into supramolecular hydrogels for injectable, localized treatment. This approach enables carrier-free delivery of both small molecules and macromolecules, mimicking some of the combinatorial strengths of ADCs while expanding into broader delivery modalities. Our studies reveal that molecular design, assembly conditions, and kinetic control are key factors that govern the resulting nanostructures and, in turn, influence the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic outcomes of the conjugates. Together, these findings support a shift in how we approach drug formulation: less is more. We view molecular self-assembly not merely as a delivery mechanism, but as a guiding design principle for constructing sef-formulating therapeutic systems. This PDC platform opens new opportunities for next-generation drug delivery systems operating at the intersection of prodrug engineering, conjugation strategies, and supramolecular assemlbies.<\/p>\r\n

Speaker Bio <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Dr. Honggang Cui is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a core member of the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology at the Whiting School of Engineering. He also holds joint appointments in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Whiting School, and in the Department of Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He earned his B.S. in Polymer Materials Science and Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology in 1999, followed by an M.S. in Materials Science\/Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University in 2002. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Delaware in 2007. From 2007 to 2010, Dr. Cui was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine (IBNAM) at Northwestern University. Dr. Cui joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2010. His research focuses on molecular self-assembly and biomolecular engineering, with applications in drug delivery and cancer therapeutics. He has published over 160 peer-reviewed articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Science, Cell, JACS, PNAS, and the Journal of Controlled Release. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award, the Johns Hopkins Catalyst Award, and the Johns Hopkins Discovery Award. He is an elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Controlled Release, and co-chaired the inaugural Gordon Research Conference on Peptide Materials.<\/p>" } , { "event" :"Mpact Lecture: Can We Re-create Joints? Exploring the Future of Tissue Engineering" , "date" : "Wednesday, October 29, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Wed, Oct 29, 2025" , "month" : "10" , "day" : "29" , "time" : " 5:00 p.m." , "location" : "1101 Zupnik Forum, A. James Clark Hall " , "id" : "20328" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["Public","Campus","Clark School","All Students","Graduate","Undergraduate","Prospective Students","Faculty","Staff","Post-Docs","Alumni","Corporate","Donors","Parents and Family"] , "eventurl": "", "description" : "

 <\/p>\r\n

Join us for an inspiring talk by Dr. Rocky S. Tuan, on the cutting-edge world of stem cells, smart biomaterials, and organ-on-a-chip technology. Discover how scientists are engineering living joint tissues, designing biomimetic scaffolds, and creating the \"miniJoint\" to model disease and test new treatments. Come learn how these breakthroughs could transform medicine and move us closer to repairing, restoring, and regenerating articular joints in the future.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Wednesday, October 29, 2025<\/strong><\/span>
Reception: 5 p.m. | Lecture: 5:30 p.m. 
1101 Zupnik Forum | A. James Clark Hall<\/p>\r\n

Register for this FREE event at: https:\/\/go.umd.edu\/22pm<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Hosted by the Fischell Department of Bioengineering<\/em><\/p>\r\n

Speaker Bio<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Professor Tuan is a globally renowned biomedical scientist specializing in musculoskeletal biology, tissue regeneration, stem cells, biomaterials, 3D bioprinting, and tissue\/organ-on-a-chip technologies. He is the founding director of CUHK’s Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), former founding director of the Center of Military Medicine Research and associate director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and former chief of the Cartilage Biology and Orthopedics Branch at the NIAMS of the NIH. He has authored over 650 publications and received numerous prestigious honors, including fellowships in the National Academy of Inventors, AIMBE, ICORS, ORS, and TERMIS. In 2025, he was awarded the Jensen Tissue Engineering Award by TERMIS.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Recognized by Times Higher Education as one of the “People of the Year, 2019,” Professor Tuan holds significant leadership roles including Chair of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and membership in the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Leadership Council. He also serves as founding editor of <\/span>Birth Defects Research<\/span><\/em> and <\/span>Stem Cell Research & Therapy<\/span><\/em>, and associate editor of <\/span>Stem Cells Translational Medicine<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>" } , { "event" :"BIOE Coffee Connect @4MLK" , "date" : "Thursday, October 30, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Thu, Oct 30, 2025" , "month" : "10" , "day" : "30" , "time" : " 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m." , "location" : "4th floor lounge of 4MLK, Baltimore" , "id" : "20342" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["Clark School","All Students","Graduate","Undergraduate","Faculty","Staff","Post-Docs"] , "eventurl": "", "description" : "

Join Bioengineering faculty, staff, and students for a BIOE CED Coffee Connect on Thursday, October 30, from 2–3 PM in the 4th floor lounge of 4MLK. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to meet members of the growing BIOE community in Baltimore, share ideas to strengthen connection and belonging within the department, and explore ways to engage more deeply with the local community. Coffee and cookies will be served (while supplies last!).<\/p>\r\n

\"\"<\/p>\r\n

Questions? Contact Rohan Fernandes (rohan@umd.edu<\/a>), BIOE CED Member.

[Click here to register<\/a>] — please RSVP by October 29, 2025.<\/p>" } , { "event" :"BIOE Seminar: Single Molecule and Single Particle Analysis for Clinical Diagnosis" , "date" : "Friday, November 7, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Fri, Nov 7, 2025" , "month" : "11" , "day" : "7" , "time" : " 9:00 a.m." , "location" : "A. James Clark Hall, Room #2121" , "id" : "20318" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["All Students","Graduate","Undergraduate","Faculty"] , "eventurl": "", "description" : "

David Walt
<\/strong>Professor 
<\/strong>Harvard University
Wyss Institute at Harvard<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Single Molecule and Single Particle Analysis for Clinical Diagnosis<\/em><\/p>\r\n

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

A major challenge for many clinical diagnostic applications is the quantification of low-abundance proteins and other species in biological fluids. For example, traditional techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), can only measure several hundred proteins in human blood, which is limiting because there are thousands of proteins present at low concentrations of potential diagnostic utility.   Single-molecule technologies allow for digital counting of individual protein molecules and have enabled 1000-fold increases in sensitivity over conventional protein detection methods. Similarly, measuring single extracellular vesicles (EVs) enables one to detect rare events that are undetectable with bulk measurements.  We have pioneered the development of single molecule and single EV technologies that provide for ultrasensitive multiplexed measurements. I will discuss the technologies and describe their application to neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases. <\/p>\r\n

Speaker Bio <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Walt’s research focuses on creating and using novel technologies to solve unmet clinical diagnostics problems. Walt is the Scientific Founder of Illumina Inc., Quanterix Corp., and has co-founded multiple other life sciences startups. He has received numerous awards and honors for his fundamental and applied work in the field of optical microwell arrays and single molecules including the 2023 National Academy of Engineering’s Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize and the 2021 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, a Member of the American Philosophical Society, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, and is inducted in the US National Inventors Hall of Fame. In 2025, he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Biden. <\/p>" } , { "event" :"Graduate Programs Information Session: Fire Protection Engineering" , "date" : "Friday, November 7, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Fri, Nov 7, 2025" , "month" : "11" , "day" : "7" , "time" : " 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m." , "location" : "Virtual only: Held on Zoom" , "id" : "20320" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["Graduate","Undergraduate","Prospective Students"] , "eventurl": "https:\/\/fpe.umd.edu\/graduate\/prospective-students", "description" : "

Pre-registration required! Complete the Registration Form<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to receive the Zoom link<\/div>\r\n
 <\/span><\/div>\r\n
This information session is for prospective graduate (master's degree) students. Students interested in the undergraduate Fire Protection Engineering B.S. program should see information dates listed at go.umd.edu\/FPEIS. <\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n
 <\/div>\r\n
In this graduate programs information session, students will learn about career paths, research areas, and funding opportunities<\/strong><\/a> <\/span>available to graduate students in fire protection engineering. This session will be geared towards students interested in the <\/span>Master of Science<\/a> (on-campus, research thesis required) program; however, students interested in the Master of Engineering<\/a> (on-campus or online, no research thesis required) program are also welcome to attend. Students who are not sure which graduate program is the best fit are encouraged to attend. <\/span><\/div>\r\n
 <\/span><\/div>\r\n
Students interested in the Master of Engineering program may also attend MEng information sessions<\/a>, which are held by the Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) program.<\/span><\/div>" } , { "event" :"ENEE476 Renewable Energy Seminar" , "date" : "Monday, November 17, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Mon, Nov 17, 2025" , "month" : "11" , "day" : "17" , "time" : " 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m." , "location" : "Virtual - Open to All" , "id" : "20258" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["Graduate","Undergraduate","Faculty"] , "eventurl": "", "description" : "

Zoom: https:\/\/umd.zoom.us\/j\/97067576313 <\/a><\/p>\r\n

Passcode: MSEM <\/p>\r\n

Speaker: <\/strong>Shuyan Zhao, ABB Research Scientist - Power Electronics<\/p>\r\n

Title:<\/strong> A Review of Solid-State Circuit Breakers in DC Power Protection<\/p>\r\n

Abstract:<\/strong> As power distribution systems evolve—especially with the rise of DC microgrids and other emerging architectures—the limitations of conventional electromechanical circuit breakers become increasingly apparent. In particular, the demand for faster and more efficient interruption capabilities has driven significant interest in solid-state circuit breaker technologies. In this session, a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in solid-state circuit breakers will be presented, highlighting how innovations in power semiconductor devices and circuit design are reshaping protection strategies. The focus will be key design elements including topologies, fault detection methods, gate drivers, and commutation techniques, and discuss the challenges that arise when adapting these technologies for real-world applications. By comparing various approaches and performance metrics, this session aims to provide a clear framework for future development and deployment of solid-state breakers in next-generation power systems. ABB is one of the major player and technical lead in the industrial switching and power protection area, this session also introduces our recent innovation and research advancements in ABB US Corporate Research Center on the switching and power protection topics.<\/p>\r\n

Bio:<\/strong> Shuyan Zhao (Senior Member, IEEE) received the B.S. degree from Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, in 2017, the M.S. degree from the China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China, in 2020, and the Ph.D. degree from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, in 2024, all in electrical engineering. He is currently a Research Scientist with ABB Corporate Research, Raleigh, NC, USA. His research interests include the application of high-voltage wide bandgap semiconductors, solid-state power protections, and wireless power transfer technology.<\/p>" } , { "event" :"BIOE Seminar: Dean Ho" , "date" : "Friday, November 21, 2025" , "shortdate" : "Fri, Nov 21, 2025" , "month" : "11" , "day" : "21" , "time" : " 10:00 a.m." , "location" : "A. James Clark Hall, Room #2121" , "id" : "20319" , "featured" : false , "audiences" : ["All Students","Graduate","Undergraduate","Faculty","Post-Docs"] , "eventurl": "", "description" : "

Dean Ho
<\/strong>Professor
National University of Singapore
(Virtual)<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Speaker Bio<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Professor Dean Ho is currently Provost’s Chair Professor, Director of The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM) at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; Director of The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). In 2024, Professor Ho and team launched a first-in-kind trial - with Professor Ho as the test subject - to optimise his performance and biomarkers with digital technologies. This study has been featured on television and digital media programming, and major global meetings. Prof. Ho and team also manage a portfolio of over 10 prospective, interventional human oncology clinical trials with life-saving outcomes. A serial entrepreneur, he has advised health\/human performance teams, nutrition and wearable firms, and venture funds on digital medicine deployment. Professor Ho is an elected Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors (NAI), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Professor Ho is Co-Chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) Working Group for the regulation of AI for Health.<\/p>" } ]