Dan Luo

Doctorate
The Ohio State University
1997

Bachelor of Science
University of Science and Technology of China
1989

Nucleic acids play a critical role in living organisms as the carriers of genetic information. The Luo Lab has been using DNA as a true polymer and has developed generic DNA materials, including tree-shaped DNA, DNA gels, and DNA-nanoparticle hybrid assemblies. With these novel DNA materials, Professor Luo’s group is exploring real-world applications from biology to materials in diagnostics, pharmaceutics, protein production, drug delivery, cell culture, and optoelectronics.

• Cornell Outstanding Educator for having most influenced a Merrill Presidential Scholar (2015) Cornell University
• College Fellow (2013) American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering
• Outstanding Accomplishments in Basic Research (2012) Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenge Diagnostics Award recipient (2011) Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Plenary speaker, 2nd Nano Today Conference (2011) Nano Today

Professor Luo’s teaching emphasizes active learning, and students are exposed to real-world problems and solutions. In ENGRI 1337, nanoscale bioengineering including abio-engineering will be introduced. In BEE 3801, emphasis will be on the integration of biotechnology and nanotechnology. BEE 3801 is offered as part of the CALS Signature Semester in Shanghai, China (Toward a Sustainable Future and Emerging Technologies). In BEE 7600, students learn the structure-property-function relationship of nucleic acids, and a project design using nucleic acids as a general material for non-medical applications will be required.

• ENGRI 1337 Introduction to Biological Engineering
• BEE 3801 Introduction to Nanobiotechnology
• BEE 7600 Nucleic Acid Engineering