Maria Stepanova, PhD, DrSci, PEng

Area of Study / Keywords

Biomedical Engineering Microsystems and Nanodevices Photonics and Plasmas Nanofabrication Electron Beam Lithography

About

Dr.Sci. (Physics and Mathematics) Higher Attestation Commission, Moscow, 1998

Ph.D. (Physics and Mathematics) National Center for Surface and Vacuum Research, Moscow, 1992

M.Sc. (Physics) Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1984

Research

Development of multifunctional nano-bio-photonic platforms

In our team, we develop multifunctional nano-bio-photonic platforms that enable light-based interrogation and modulation of hybrid architectures that interface specifically engineered, nanostructured photonic metasurfaces with stimuli-responsive biological materials. By confining electromagnetic fields at the nanoscale, photonic metastructures enable minimally invasive, multimodal communication with biomolecular assemblies. The integration of nanofabrication, photonics, and biomolecular engineering opens new avenues for the dynamic interaction and modulation of hybrid architectures interfacing biological materials with nanostructured solid metasurfaces. 

Ultrahigh resolution nano-lithography

The ability to fabricate structures (plasmonic materials, electrodes, switches, channels, etc.) down to deep nanoscale dimensions with high size and position control is critical for successful development of bio-nano-electro-mechanical devices. Over recent years, we have optimized electron beam lithography (EBL) processes to enable the fabricating of dense arrays of nanostructures, as well as bridge nano-architectures. Building upon these experiences, we are working to develop efficient nanostructured substrates involving dimensions below 15-20 nm for SERS bio-detection and other applications. Complementary to EBL, we are also interested in optimizing and applying focused ion beam (FIB) techniques in order to increase the resolution of nanofabrication.

Fundamental studies of biopolymers

 Proteins and other biological polymers are extremely complex systems that change their spatial organization (conformation) when they perform their function, and the confinement to solid surfaces adds even more dimensions to this complexity. Our research strongly relies upon the use of various modeling methods, such as molecular dynamics simulations, statistical-mechanical analysis, and kinetic modeling, including our original inventions, to better understand the structure and dynamics of biological polymers and their interactions with surfaces and interfaces.

Publications

Teaching

ECE209 (2021,2022)

ECE341 (2020)

ECE202 (2019)

ECE750 "Simulation of Nanostructured Materials” (2007)

PHYS395 "Electronics" (2003,2004)

ECE 455 - Engineering of Nanobiotechnological Systems

Microfluidic and nanobiotechnological devices. Fabrication techniques for devices: self-assembly, lithographic technologies. Applications of nanobiotechnology in computing, electronics, human health, environment and manufacture. Prerequisites: MATH 201 or PHYS 230. Credit may be obtained in only one of ECE 455 or E E 455.

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• Publications