Research Overview

Professor Clark’s research is in the broad field of dynamic systems, measurement and control, and the current focus of his research group is aimed at the development of new instruments for the exploration of single-molecule mechanics, the deposition and control of materials at the nanoscale required to enable an industry in bio-nano-manufacturing, and the development of scaffolds for tissue engineering through electrospinning and electrospraying processes. Recent research efforts have addressed issues associated with multi-valency in molecular binding events required for quantitative diagnostic sensing applications, the use of catalytic and biocatalytic stamps to render surface patterning as an alternative to micro-contact printing, and the use of spatial light modulators for optical tweezing and photo-initiated polymerization of three-dimensional structures on surfaces. Our research group relies upon multidisciplinary collaborations spanning all disciplines of engineering, the physical sciences and life sciences.

The Clark Research Group

Representative Publications

1. Carnell, L. S., E. J. Siochi, R. A. Wincheski, N. M. Holloway, and R. L. Clark, 2009. “Electric field effects on fiber alignment using an auxiliary electrode during electrospinning,” Scripta Materialia, 60, 359-361. 
2. Rivera, M., W. Lee, C. Ke, P. E. Marszalek, D. G. Cole, and R. L. Clark, 2008. “Minimizing Pulling Geometry Errors in Atomic Force Microscope Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy,” Biophysical Journal, 95(8), 3991-3998. 
3. N. J. Jenness, K. D. Wulff, M. S. Johannes, M. J. Padgett, D. G. Cole, and R. L. Clark, 2008. “Three-dimensional parallel holographic micropatterning using a spatial light modulator,” Opt. Express 16, 15942-15948. 
4. Shestopalov A. A, R. L. Clark, and E. J. Toone, 2007. “Inkless Microcontact Printing on Self-Assembled Monolayers of Fmoc-Protected Aminothiols,” J. Am. Chem. Soc.; 2007. 
5. Johannes, M. S., D. G. Cole, and R. L. Clark, 2007. “Atomic force microscope based nanofabrication of master pattern molds for use in soft lithography," Applied Physics Letters , 91(23), 123111. 
6. Snyder, P. W., G. Lee†, P. E. Marszalek, R. L. Clark, E. J. Toone, 2007. “A Stochastic, Cantilever Approach to the Evaluation of Solution Phase Thermodynamic Quantities,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(8), 2579–2584. 
7. Abu-Lail, Nehal, Marian Kaholek, Bruce LaMattina, Robert L. Clark, and Stefan Zauscher, 2006. “Micro-Cantilevers with End-Grafted Stimulus-Responsive Polymer Brushes for Actuation and Sensing,” Sensors and Actuators B, 114, 371-378.

Research Interests

• Dynamic systems
• Measurement and control
• Single-molecule mechanics
• Bio-nano-manufacturing
• Scaffolds for tissue engineering