Rotello to discuss nanoparticles in biology in Distinguished Faculty Lecture
Vincent M. Rotello, the Charles A. Goessmann Professor of Chemistry, will give a Distinguished Faculty Lecture on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. in the Massachusetts Room of the Mullins Center.
In his talk titled, “Nanoparticles in Biology: Small Packets that Go Places and Do (Big) Things,” Rotello will discuss how nanoparticles provide unique scaffolds for the binding of such biomolecules as proteins and DNA. Rotello will describe how his research team combines synthesis, materials science and biology to create nanoparticles that bind to specific targets, providing new systems for chemotherapy and diagnostics. One focus of his research is on gene delivery, with potential for treating many genetic diseases. Another is on “silver bullet” treatments designed to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Rotello joined the faculty in 1993. In addition to being the Goessmann Professor of Chemistry, he is also a professor in the program in molecular and cell biology and an adjunct in the department of polymer science and engineering. Rotello conducts research in the field of supramolecular chemistry of biological and materials systems. His research team is also applying synthetic chemistry to the creation of nanoscale devices.
Rotello’s research is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health, the Office of Naval Research, the Army Research Office and the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative. Rotello received the Samuel F. Conti University Distinguished Faculty Fellowship in 2004-05, and he was an Alfred P. Sloan fellow from 1998 to 2000. He received an NSF Career award in 1997 and was a Lilly Teaching Fellow from 1996-97. He was an invited professor at the Ecole Normale Superieure de Cachan in France in 2005.
Rotello earned his bachelor’s degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1985, and a master’s degree and doctorate from Yale University in 1986 and 1990, respectively. He was a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1990-93.
The other three lectures in the series will be delivered by Joseph I. Goldstein, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Monday, Feb. 5; Sut Jhally, Communication, Thursday, March 8, and Melinda A. Novak, Psychology, Monday, April 23.
A reception follows each talk. Faculty members in the series receive a Chancellor’s Medal following their lectures. The Chancellor’s Medal is the highest honor bestowed on individuals for exemplary and extraordinary service to the campus. The lecture series is sponsored by the offices of the chancellor and the provost.
November 28, 2006.
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