-- Personal Information --
Randall M. Erb, Ph. D.
Duke University
Center for Biologically Inspired Materials and Material Systems
"Awarded a Ph. D. in Materials Science from Duke University in May 2009, I am actively seeking Post-Doctoral and tenure-track faculty positions. My work at Duke has led to 9 refereed journal publications (including papers in Nature, Nanoletters, Advanced Materials, with 2 more currently in submission), 2 book chapters, and over 22 conference presentations world-wide."
Download my Research Statement.
Education and Work Experience
- PhD Candidate at Duke University (Durham, NC). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science - Center for Biologically Inspired Materials and Materials Science. GPA: 3.8/4.0, (2005-Present).
- Electrical Engineer-Washington Group International (2004-2005).
- B. S. at University of Rochester (Rochester, NY). Electrical Engineering with minor in Computer Science. GPA 3.5/4.0, graduated with Distinction (Dean's listed 4x), (2000-2004).
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My current research interests include:
Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Concentration Gradients
- By putting ferrofluid, a suspensions of dense magnetic nanoparticles, into high gradient magnetic systems, concentration gradients naturally arise in the suspension.
Image from paper accepted at Journal of Applied Physics, 2008.
- We have developed analytic models to describe local magnetic nanoparticle concentrations in these systems.
- By putting nonmagnetic nanoparticles into these systems, the ferrofluid causes the particles to behave like magnetic holes and are driven to local field minimums. In similar ways, we study the concentration gradients of nonmagnetic particles in these systems.
Image from paper accepted at Journal of Applied Physics, 2007.
- We have extended our analytic models to describe the local concentration of nonmagnetic particles in these systems.
- Using these models, we can better design mixed media systems that allow for the programmable self-assembled patterning of surfaces.
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Magnetophoretic Transport and Separation
- Using micro-magnetic patterned substrates and a rotating field, magnetophoretic transport of particles becomes possible. The rotating field adds to the local fields of the islands causing the potential landscape to move laterally across the substrate.
Image from paper accepted at Lab on a Chip, 2007.
- This separation scheme is sensitive to particle magnetic moments and attached biomaterial (viruses, etc.).
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Magnetic and Nonmagnetic Particle Manipulation
- In addition to magnetic particle manipulation, we manipulate nonmagnetic particles using ferrofluid as a magnetic contrast medium. This includes rod orientation, chain formation, and organized self-assembly.
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Skills & Qualifications
- Certified as an Engineer-In-Training
- Extensive understanding of electrical and magnetic systems, nano- and micro-sciences, colloidal systems, magnetophoresis, magnetic tagging, ferrofluid, surface plasmon resonances.
- Proficient with high-level instruments: SEM, AFM, TEM, Electron-beam Evaporator, PhotoAligner, Reflected-light microscopes, confocal microscopes.
- Proficient in programming languages: Java II, C, C++, VHDL, Cadence, CAD, Matlab, MathCad, LabView, FEMLab.
- National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship - Honorable Mention (September 2006)
- National Merit Semi-finalist: Awarded Rush Rhees Presidential Scholarship at University of Rochester ($10,000/year).
- University of Northern Colorado State Math Contest - 10th place overall in the state of Colorado - 1999
- Perfect scores in Math on SAT, SAT II, ACT, and GRE.
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Graduate Academic Laboratory Research & Engineering Projects
- Currently pursuing many research projects related to micro- and nano- magnetic systems
- The magnetic alignment of gold nano-rods in ferrofluid; The chaining of plasmon resonating gold nano-spheres; the use of ferrofluid as a diffusion mask to block chemical hybridization; novel microfluidic separation using magnetic beads for anthrax detection; and collaborating with Duke University Surgeons to incorporate magnets into surgical procedures.
- Extensive modeling of physical systems in Matlab, FemLab, and Mathcad.
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Engineering Work Experience
2003-2005 The Washington Group International - Engineering Company Denver, CO
- Electrical Engineer (WGI formerly called Raytheon Construction and Morrison Knudsen)
- Helped design the electrical systems for several large industrial facilities including a nuclear missile dismantling facility, a sulfur pipeline project in the Middle East, and two Oil and Gas Projects.
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Undergraduate Research & Engineering Projects
- Designed an artificial vision armband that allows people who are blind to determine distances to objects in their proximity through sonar, infrared rangers, and vibrating motors. See article in Scientific American, February 2005, "The New College Try".
- Had a preliminary patent on this device, device won 1st place in the Forbes Entrepreneurial Competition, ($2,000 scholarship based on product design and business proposal)
- Was a national finalist in the National Inventors' Hall of Fame's Collegiate Inventors Competition, ($1,000 scholarship based on product design and product benefits)
- Programmed and constructed a self-standing chip and infrared motion sensor that reported periods of heavy customer traffic for the University of Rochester's dining facility.
- Created an on-chip/on-board simulator for a 2-cab elevator system and pipelined multiprocessor in VHDL.
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Engineering and Computer Science Coursework
- Engineering - Advanced Electrostatics & Magnetostatics, Condensed Matter Physics, Thermal Physics, Electrochemisty, Advanced Laboratory, Opto-Electronics, Digitally Integrated Circuit Design, Integrated Circuits, Electronic Devices & Circuits, Communications, Signals, Computer Organization, Logic Design, Circuits & Signals, Electromagnetic Waves, Thermodynamics, Biosensors, Electrochemistry.
- Computer Science - Data Structures, Computation & Formal Systems, Computer Organization, Computer Models & Limitations, Design & Analysis of Efficient Algorithms.
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Extracurricular Activities
- Student Member of IEEE; 2003-2004
- Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Material Science: 2006
- Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Computer Science: 2001-2002
- Intramural Sports; ultimate Frisbee, flag football, floor hockey, soccer, volleyball; captain of floor hockey and soccer.
- UR Crew Team, rowed stroke (1st seat); 2001-2002
Randall M. Erb
PhD Candidate
Center for Biologically Inspired Materials and Materials Science
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
144 Hudson Hall, Box 90300, Durham, North Carolina 27708
Phone: (919) 475-8687, Fax: (919) 660-8963, E-mail: randall.erb@duke.edu