Dissertation Title: "Composition as a Catalyst for Critical Awakening" English PhD Dissertation Defense

Educational Psychology Dissertation Defense: "Paradigm Adherence in U.S. Gifted Education"

Abstract: Novel nanomaterial design and implementation have driven the evolution of biological interfacing research over the past decade. With a growing interest in new nanomaterials for coatings and composite-based scaffolds, families of nanomaterial interfaces have formed based on their chemical, physical, and electrochemical properties. This includes carbon-based, polymer-based, and biologically-inspired nanomaterials that all aim to enhance cell integration, attenuate immune response, improve electrical conductivity, promote bioactivity, or a combination of these therapeutic properties. In recent years, versatile materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), conductive polymers (CPs), and organic biomaterials have been leveraged across multiple complex tissue interfaces, interacting with various cell types as regeneration scaffolds or interface coatings. Although the versatility of these nanomaterials has been well documented, many current coatings and scaffolds address only a portion of the challenges that a biological interface presents, which limits their therapeutic potential. Due to the nuanced nature of tissue interfaces, traditional nanomaterials lack the customizability and specificity required to address the biocompatibility, bioactivity, and functional requirements of multiple tissue interfaces. Herein lies the incentive that drives the development of novel and versatile nanomaterial-based scaffolds capable of targeting the specific requirements of different tissue interfaces. This work pursues the characterization and application of Janus Base Nanomaterials (JBNs), a novel family of versatile and biologically-inspired molecules predicated on DNA-base chemistry. Janus Base Nanotubes (JBNts) offer a unique chemical structure that enables π-π electron-mediated conductivity, electrostatic biomolecule encapsulation, and a wide range of outfacing amino acid groups for improved cell binding. This chemistry promotes JBNts as a proper multifunctional bioactive substrate for cell interactions across multiple tissue interfaces. To investigate the bioactive versatility of JBNts, we developed and implemented JBNts as 1) a bioactive matrix scaffold for stem cell differentiation and cartilage tissue regeneration and 2) an electrically conductive interface for stimulation and recording applications. Utilizing the conductive and bioactive properties of JBNt, we improved upon the current limitations of cartilage regeneration scaffolds and bioelectronic interface coatings, demonstrating the true multifunctional capabilities of JBNts.

Doctoral Defense Title: Echo Mapping the Kinematic Environments of Supermassive Black Holes Field of Study: Astronomy Department: Physics

Department of Educational Psychology Dual Focus of Special Education and Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development