The Smith Group of analytical and bioanalytical chemists develops imaging instrumentation and methods, and they apply these techniques to study enzymatic catalysis, polymer films and the cell membrane. The team uses imaging techniques including fluorescence and Raman scattering.
The Smith Group’s research efforts in the laboratory have two main objectives: the development of methods to study cell membrane organization and dynamics, and the development of instrumentation for analysis of enzymatic catalysis and polymer films, which has applications in developing improved biofuels and energy storage and capture devices. The former is funded by the National Science Foundation, Divisions of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, and formerly by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust; the latter area of focus is funded by the Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences through Ames Laboratory.