Doctoral Student

“The response of anisotropic colloidal particles to a nearby polarized electrode”

Dr. Wirth is seeking applications from highly motivated individuals for one (1) doctoral position studying the directed assembly of anisotropic colloidal particles in an electric field. The central hypothesis of this research is that the microstructure of a colloidal assembly can be finely tuned by tailoring the anisotropies of particles comprising the assembly. The technological need for this work resides in both the fabrication of photonic band gap materials and in the fundamental investigation of colloidal interactions as an analog for molecular interactions.

Dr. Wirth’s lab (wirthlab.org) in the Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department at Cleveland State University (CSU) studies the interactions, dynamics, and assembly of particles suspended in bulk fluids and at interfaces. In particular, the group seeks to measure and exploit weak ~kT scale interactions between complex colloidal particles, including carbon nanotubes, Janus particles, and ellipsoids, and subsequently leverage this new knowledge for implementation in a broad selection of industrial, engineering, and scientific areas. In addition to doing fundamental research, Dr. Wirth anticipates working with the coatings, biomedical, and oil & gas industries on the development of innovative new products and tools.

The Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department is part of the Washkewicz College of Engineering at CSU. The Doctorate in Engineering (DRE) is a unique, college-wide interdisciplinary doctoral degree, with specialization in a specific discipline. The CSU campus is in the heart of downtown Cleveland and recently underwent a $500 million dollar renovation.