Faculty Highlights
Andrew Develops Photothermal Fabric "Skin" to Reduce Home Energy Use
Chemistry professor Trisha Andrew, alongside Carolina Aragón from Landscape Architecture, and Ho-Sung Kim from Building and Construction Technology, have created a way to keep buildings warmer via applying fabric-covered panels or tiles to external walls. Key to this research was the Andrew’s group development of a special photothermal dye that can be used on fabrics. “We can put this dye on anything,” Andrew says. “It doesn’t have to be on an expensive fabric. We chose to test it on umbrella fabric—something that was rugged and robust but still affordable.”
The panels both capture solar heat and add insulation, keeping a home about 8.64ºF warmer over of the course of a day, yielding modeled energy savings of up to 15% for a northern-climate house and as much as 23% for a 16-story apartment building. Designed to be decorative, customizable, and easy to install, the panels could be especially appealing to renters, offering a DIY way to reduce heating bills.
Next, the team needs to conduct further real-world tests, with more information and field tests with life-sized prototypes. Down the road, these panels could have a tremendous societal impact, serving as an accessible tool against energy insecurity.
Jianhan Chen Faculty Series
Professor Jianhan Chen has been selected for the 2026–2027 Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series and will receive the Chancellor’s Medal. The series honors individual achievements and a commitment to academic excellence within the campus community. The Chancellor’s Medal is the highest recognition bestowed upon faculty by the campus.
Mystery of Big Potassium Channels in Cells
Professor Jianhan Chen with coauthor Zhiguang Jia, found that “big potassium” (BK) ion channels, critical conduits for electrical signaling in tissues like neurons and heart, are inherently leaky. Building on their 2018 work showing the BK pore is highly hydrophobic and can exclude water to form a vapor barrier that blocks potassium flow, their new PRX Life study shows this soft, hydrophobic gate cannot completely stop ions. Because potassium ions remain hydrated, the vapor barrier usually prevents passage, but physical laws allow a small probability that ions slip through. The team also found that the gate’s leakiness can be altered by changes or mutations to the channel. These findings provide a new experimental handle for studying the body’s electrical infrastructure and its disorders, such as epilepsy and hypertension, and could guide future diagnostics and interventions. This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Jianhan Chen Tool Provides Unique Look Inside Cells
Cell interiors are crowded with proteins and RNA that must act precisely; misregulation can lead to diseases such as ALS, Huntington’s disease, and many cancers. Prof. Jianhan Chen and lead author Shanlong Li have developed iConRNA, a publicly available computational model published in PNAS that provides a detailed view of RNA-driven phase separation, the process that forms membrane-less biomolecular condensates. iConRNA captures the physical forces driving condensation of long, flexible RNAs and intrinsically disordered proteins, and lets researchers “turn the knob” on variables like temperature and salt to predict phase behavior. Unlike earlier coarse-grained models, it closely reproduces experimental results, offering a practical, high-resolution tool to study how condensates form, dissolve, or malfunction. By enabling molecular-level investigation of condensate dynamics, iConRNA could accelerate research into cellular organization and diseases linked to aberrant phase separation. This research is supported by the US National Science Foundation.
He's Freshman Lab Students Gain Hands-on Research Experience in the Community
In partnership with the Massachusetts Geological Survey, Dr. Haoze He works with teams of freshmen in his honors-level general chemistry lab to analyze Fort River water samples using EPA‑validated nutrient and metal assays. These analyses help to map how local land use affects water chemistry, producing data that pinpoints likely sources of bacterial contamination.
By embedding research into a first‑year lab, the Chemistry department is training future scientists while supplying a local organization, the Fort River Watershed Association, with insights on nutrient and bacterial pollution sources. “We’re proud of the collaboration between our students and the Fort River Watershed Association, which gives them meaningful, real-world research experience,” Dr. He says.
Lin Collaboration Wins NSF Grant
Chemistry Professor Zhou Lin, along with co-investigator Prof. Hui Guan from Computer Science, received an NSF grant for a project aimed at improving how scientists from various areas identify unknown molecules through spectroscopic analysis. Combining chemical knowledge with state-of-the-art foundation models in artificial intelligence, especially large language models (LLMs), Lin and Guan aim to create a universal toolkit that can automatically and accurately translate complex spectral signals into detailed molecular structures without trial and error, accelerating chemical analysis across multiple fields.
“Our project utilizes powerful AI—particularly the technology behind Google Translate—to instantly ‘translate’ a numerical fingerprint into an atomic-level picture of the unknown molecule,” explains Lin. “Our toolkit will significantly accelerate the solution of chemical mysteries in various areas. It marks the beginning of a new research direction, where AI accelerates scientific discovery in a distinct area.”
Lin Receives Multiple 2026 Honors
Professor Zhou Lin received several 2026 honors recognizing her leadership in computational spectroscopy, catalysis, and artificial intelligence. She is one of 24 recipients of Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s Cottrell Scholar Award, which supports early career research and education; Lin says she is “honored” and will pursue spectroscopic studies of Fischer–Tropsch–type catalysis in space using generative AI while expanding students’ math and AI skills through workshops, CURE labs, and summer programs. Lin also won the International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy’s Flygare Award for outstanding early career contributions and will present a Flygare lecture in Urbana, IL in June 2026. Q Chem awarded her the Nick Besley Award for pioneering work at the intersection of machine learning and quantum chemistry; she will give a Besley Award webinar later this summer. Additionally, Lin received the ACS COMP OpenEye Cadence Molecular Sciences Outstanding Junior Faculty Award supporting her presentation at the Fall 2026 ACS National Meeting.
Martin Awarded IALS Seed Funding
Professor Emeritus Craig Martin has received a UMass Institute for Applied Life Sciences Seed Award to develop a novel approach to manufacturing mRNA with tunable length polyA tails. For proper protein expression in the cell, mRNA must have a 100-300 repeat polyA tail. Normally, in our cells, this feature is added by an enzyme called polyA polymerase, but for mRNA therapeutics, a polyA tail is included as a part of the delivered therapeutic. Since these tails can be removed by processes in the cell, longer polyA tails tend to confer longer therapeutic efficacy. Currently there are two approaches by which developers include a polyA tail. One approach mimics the cellular process — polyA tails are added enzymatically after RNA is synthesized. The second approach avoids this extra step by directly encoding the polyA tail in the DNA that directs the RNA polymerase. This latter approach, however, limits the lengths of tails that can be added. With this new IALS seed funding, the Martin lab is developing a third approach that aims to provide very long polyA tails, but with the simplicity of the one step process. The Seed Award will allow Martin lab researchers to demonstrate and hone the practical utility of this new approach.
Metz Receives CNS Exceptional Internal Service Award
Professor Ricardo Metz received a CNS Exceptional Internal Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions and service to the department. Nominated by fellow faculty, he was selected “for placing the interests of the Department and the University ahead of his own.” After two terms as department chair, Metz was expecting to step away from a leadership role, as most former heads do, but he agreed to serve as Associate Head to provide valuable continuity and institutional context for the many decisions that accompany departmental leadership.
As Associate Head, he has taken on a wide range of responsibilities in addition to a significant teaching load and running a research group. His insight of operational and budgetary matters, as well as providing clear summaries of prior actions and the rationale behind each recommendation, have helped with both short-term needs and long-term planning.
Rotello AIMBE Fellow
Distinguished Professor in Chemistry Vincent Rotello has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) in recognition of his transformative contributions to nanomedicine and biomedical engineering. The honor cites his pioneering work on therapeutic nanoparticles and the development of innovative delivery systems with significant applications for human health.
AIMBE, a nonprofit based in Washington, DC, represents the leading figures in medical and biological engineering. Fellows are nominated annually by their peers and selected from among the top 2% of the field. The College of Fellows now includes nearly 3,000 engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, and clinical innovators whose work shapes science and policy. Among its Fellows are Nobel laureates and recipients of major national honors, including the Presidential Medal of Science and the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation, as well as numerous members of the National Academies of Engineering, Medicine, and Sciences. Professor Rotello’s induction highlights his role as a leading innovator at the intersection of chemistry, nanotechnology, and medicine.
Surampudi: Faculty Spotlight
General and Organic Chemistry are among the most challenging courses in STEM, often associated with high withdrawal and failure rates. Sravan Surampudi, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, was recognized by the university for working on a robust library of concise, explainer videos for Organic Chemistry: CHEM 261 to help students succeed. Sravan’s strategy focuses on addressing common challenges faced by students in organic chemistry such as remembering prerequisite material, applying abstract concepts, and being reluctant to seek help.
Surampudi’s goal is “to empower students, particularly those pursuing professional pathways like medicine, with the tools they need to excel, both during their coursework and in post-graduate endeavors.” His project reflects Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning by using focused, bite-sized videos to clarify complex concepts and offer unlimited, on-demand access of reference materials for all students, regardless of enrollment or location.
Thayumanavan Customizes Cellular Proteins to Fight Cancer
Professor Sankaran (Thai) Thayumanavan, a Distinguished Professor in Chemistry and in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and his group have developed precise methods to remove or replace cancer-causing membrane proteins, applicable to immunological diseases. Published as two separate papers in JACS, the work presents two platform technologies. PolyTAC (polymeric lysosome-targeting chimera) uses an antibody to recognize a specific problematic membrane protein and a polymer to indent the cell membrane. This multivalent contact triggers cellular internalization and lysosomal degradation—shredding the targeted protein. The second platform, ACDV (artificial cell-derived vesicle), delivers fully functional proteins to the cell surface to reprogram malignant cells, restoring normal behavior or revealing them to the immune system. Their research demonstrated implantation of four different proteins and expected compatibility with many therapeutic proteins. Both approaches emphasize customizable, platform-based interventions aimed at reducing side effects and expanding treatment to diverse cellular diseases. The research leverages interdisciplinary expertise to translate discoveries into therapies. This work is supported by NIH and developed at UMass’s Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS).
Venkataraman Named AAAS Fellow
Professor Dhandapani Venkataraman (DV) was named an AAAS Fellow (Class of 2025). This prestigious, lifetime recognition from the American Association for the Advancement of Science honors outstanding contributions to science.
Venkataraman is being honored for his contributions to the field of materials chemistry, particularly in advancing understanding of charge and ion transport in organic and hybrid semiconductors.
“This is a great honor,” he says, “not just for me, but for my students who have worked on this research with me. I interact with my students on a daily basis, and though I guide them, I also learn from them every day. We work together and learn together—that’s the fun part. And I can’t forget my collaborators among the faculty and staff. I’ve been very fortunate at UMass to have so many of these collaborations. It has been a great learning atmosphere for everyone.”
Thompson's Biophysical Society Presidency
In an earlier Goessmann Gazette, we noted that Professor Lynmarie Thompson had been elected President of the Biophysical Society. She formally assumed the mantle in February 2025, at the end of the Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. This past year, she has served during times that have been more turbulent than she had hoped for. With a steady hand, she worked with society leadership and with leaders of other scientific societies to craft messages affirming the essentiality of cutting-edge basic research, particularly at the interface of the physical and life sciences, towards improvements in human health and well being. In addition to developing near term solutions, cutting edge science lays the foundational groundwork that will underly advances for years to come (anyone had an MRI recently?).
In her role as President, Thompson regularly crafted the President’s Columns in the Biophysical Bulletin sent to the Society's~7,000 (international) members, reaffirming the value of scientific excellence, integrity and transparency, universal access and opportunity, broad representation and belonging, and community building.
At the annual meeting in San Francisco this past February, Thompson organized a very well-received session on “Communicating the Value of Biophysics in a Changing World.” The session included Jeremy Berg, former Director of NIH’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences; Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the journal Science; and Sean Decatur, president of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The session also highlighted two university faculty who, in addition to their primary research programs, engage with the public with creative endeavors. Theanne Griffith, of UC Davis, writes science adventure chapter books for children and co-writes a nonfiction companion book series for a Netflix show that addresses the many “Why?” questions posed by the scientists of tomorrow. Daniel Cohen, of Princeton University, conducts storytelling workshops (including one during Biophysics Week 2025), and does stand up science outreach nightclub performances!
Professor Thompson also organized a professional development workshop “From Data to Dialogue: Artful Strategies Against Misinformation” that demonstrated how to tell stories about science that engage the public. The Biophysical Society continues to be a leading voice for the value, impact, and future of biophysics, especially in the face of challenges to scientific progress. We encourage all of our Goessmann Gazette readers to think about what they can do to tell stories about the many positive impacts of science on the world.
Wu Develops Unique Tool for Studying RNA
An innovative three-color labeling method for capturing the dynamics of mRNA inside live mammalian cells has been developed by Professor Jiahui (Chris) Wu’s group. Because RNA is both incredibly important to human life and health and poorly understood, the ability to tag disparate RNA with different colors and watch them, in real time, as they do their work is a giant step forward in understanding one of life’s basic building blocks.
Wu’s lab makes individual RNA strands visible against the cellular background by labeling them with fluorescent tags and viewing them through a powerful fluorescence microscope. The team’s approach builds upon the “RNA hairpin method,” which tags glowing fluorescent proteins to mark a target RNA strand. Wu’s lab designed these proteins to glow only when bound to a specific region of the RNA strand of interest. This differs significantly from traditional methods, which use fluorescent proteins that are “always on,” and can create unwanted background light pollution, making it harder to distinguish the target RNA clearly within the cell. Wu and lead author, graduate student Daisy Pham, engineered three distinct proteins that glow in green, red, and far-red, enabling researchers to distinguish among different RNAs with distinct functions.
The study was published in Nature Methods. Their technology is publicly available to the research community and could be an important addition to the tool kit with which scientists seek to better understand how life works.
This research is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and UMass Amherst’s Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS).
Wu Awarded NIH Grant to Study RNP Condensates
Prof. Jiahui (Chris) Wu received a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates — tiny subcellular structures made of RNAs and proteins — form, function, and sometimes malfunction inside living cells. Because these condensates are linked to diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders, the research aims to develop new tools to analyze their composition and observe them in real time.
RNAs are often depicted as spaghetti-like molecules that act on their own, but in reality, they are very often bound by various protein molecules, forming little “workshops” known as ribonucleoprotein complexes or RNPs. Recent research has shown that these RNA-protein workshops can form and break apart into tiny structures in the cell, much like tiny droplets of oil in water. Wu’s research seeks to understand how these structures form, how they disassemble, and how these processes are regulated in health and disease.
By developing and applying new tools to unravel the composition and dynamics of RNP condensates, Wu’s research could transform our understanding of how cells regulate gene expression, maintain genome stability, and respond to stress.