[Colloq] The College of Computer and Information Science Distinguished Speaker Series - Thursday, Nov. 18 - John Reif, Duke University

[Rachel Kalweit]

The College of Computer and Information Science Presents a Distinguished Speaker Lecture:

Speaker:
John Reif
Duke University
Durham, NC USA

Title of Talk:
DNA-Based Autonomous  Devices for Molecular-Scale Computation, Transport, and Sensing

Abstract:
This talk overviews work in the field of DNA nanostructures and DNA-based autonomous biomolecular devices. We particularly emphasize molecular assemblies and molecular devices that are (i) programmable: the nanostructures assembled or tasks executed can be modified without an entire redesign and (ii) autonomous: they operate without external mediation (eg thermal-cycling). We describe recent experimental progress that achieve: 2D patterning, computation, amplified sensing, and molecular nano-scale transport. These have taken the technology from a state of intriguing possibilities into demonstrated capabilities of quickly increasing scale, and we describe a number of major potential applications.

Bio:
John H. Reif is A. Hollis Edens Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, Duke University. He received a B.S. (magna cum laude) from Tufts University in 1973 and a M.S. and Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1975 and 1977. He developed efficient randomized and parallel algorithms for a wide variety of graph, geometric, numeric, algebraic, and logical problems. In the area of robotics, he gave the first hardness proofs for robotic motion planning as well as efficient algorithms for a wide variety of robotic motion planning problems. He also has done applied research in parallel architectures, data compression, and optical computing. In the last five years he has led a group at Duke which has developed novel self-assembled DNA nanostructures and patterned DNA lattices, as well as various molecular robotic devices. He is the author of over 150 publications and has been awarded Fellow of Association for the following organizations: Advancement of Science (AAAS), IEEE, ACM and the Institute of Combinatorics. He is also President of Eagle Eye, Inc., which specializes in defense applications of DNA biotechnology. 

Host:
Karl Lieberherr