Welcome to Dr. Heo's Homepage
Research Synopsis
Our lab has broad interests in the field of bioimaging, biomimetic materials, and biosensor. One of our research goal is to develop a portable biosensor and bioassay for forensic applications. This on-the-spot-test kit can complement rigorous instrumental analytical methods that often require long and cumbersome sample preparation steps. We are pursuing a highly specific, cost effective, and reliable method for the detection of illegal drugs or toxic chemicals from various types of biological samples. We will employ several different approaches to minimize false signals while improving detection limit and sensitivity of target analytes.
We are also interested in developing new analytical methods or tools for understanding physical and biological behaviors of cell systems. The interactions between a cell and its microenvironments, such as other cells, surface, small molecules, and proteins are essential cue signals that can determine cell development including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. The precise control of the microenvironments of cells is necessary to isolate and identify multiple factors affecting the behavior of cells. Recent introduction of microfabrication technology, such as microfluidics and micropatterning, in cell biology gives us new insights and approaches to understand the complex behaviors of cells. Our research will be focused on elucidating the cellular behavior in response to external stimuli and extracellular communication using either whole cells or a model system that can represent specific functions of cells. Surface and material science integrated with microfabrication technology will be appropriately introduced to enhance specific biomolecular interaction and biocompatibility, reduce nonspecific adhesion, and control microenvironments of biomolecules of interests.
Students who want to pursue their career in biology, physiology, biophysics, analytical chemistry, forensic science, and pharmaceutics can join our group. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in the highly interdisciplinary projects.
About Dr. Jinseok Heo
He obtained his
B.S and M.S. (Advisor: Dr. Seungbin Kim, retired) in chemistry and analytical chemistry from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea in 1992
and 1994, respectively. After working in industry as a researcher for
about five years, he moved to Texas A&M University to contiune
his study in analytical chemistry. He received his Ph.D. under the
guidance of Dr. Richard M. Crooks (currently, University of Texas, Austin, TX) in
2005. His reseach was then focused on the development of a microfluidic
biosensor based on immobilized enzymes and cells. From 2006 to 2009 he
was a postdoctoral researcher at Dr. Susan Z. Hua's Lab at Universtiy at
Buffalo, State
University of New York. He investigated cell biophysical and
physiological phenomena using a microfabricated biosensor. In fall 2009 he joined Buffalo State College as an assistant professor of chemistry.Updated on Sept. 6, 2012.