Mastering the Craft of Research: Engineering

The FED and the Division of Research (DoR) invites you to the fifth Mastering the Craft of Research in the Virtual Faculty Café. Modeled after the Mastering the Craft of Teaching series of interviews, Professor Dmitri Litvinov (Electrical and Computer Engineering) will interview Professor Richard Willson (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) on his fundamental science and engineering research, translating research into commercial products, building teams across a broad range of disciplines, and lessons learned.

Richard Willson

Professor Richard Willson is the Huffington-Woestemeyer Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Biology & Biochemistry. His laboratory works on applications of biomolecular recognition to bioseparations, molecular diagnostics and process analytical technology. A major current focus of activity in the lab is the development of clinical diagnostics for infections and diseases, and field-portable methods for detection of toxins and contaminants. Professor Willson received the 2020 Esther Farfel Award, which is the highest faculty award the University of Houston bestows on its faculty for research, service, and teaching. He was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2015, and has been a Fellow of the American Chemical Society since 2014 and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 2011. Professor Willson served as Associate VP for Research.

Dmitri Litvinov

Professor Dmitri Litvinov is the John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He also holds joint appointments in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, in Chemistry, and in Materials Engineering. Professor Litvinov received the 2014 Esther Farfel Award and was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2013. His research interests are in biosensors, point-of-care diagnostics, nanomagnetic materials, devices and systems, nanofabrication, and materials synthesis at the nanoscale. He is the director of the Center for Integrated Bio and Nano Systems and the Director of the Nanofabrication Facility. Professor Litvinov served as the founding dean of the Graduate School.