Research labs at University of Houston .

Jacinta C. Conrad Research Group

Complex fluidsParticle transportRheology

Jacinta C. Conrad · Frank M. Tiller Professor

How does a bacterium move through a crowded fluid, or a nanoparticle navigate a microscopic pore? Jacinta Conrad’s research investigates the motion and assembly of particles in soft materials and near surfaces. The group combines microscopy, microfabrication, rheology, scattering, and computation to study bacteria, colloids, polymers, and nanoparticles. Projects connect microscopic transport with bacterial adhesion, antifouling surfaces, environmental remediation, and sensitive diagnostic tests. The research is particularly relevant to understanding how confinement and crowding reshape the behavior of materials that flow.

JPIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Jeremy Palmer Research Group

Molecular simulationStatistical physicsMaterials design

Jeremy Palmer · Ernest J. and Barbara M. Henley Professor

Jeremy Palmer’s group uses molecular simulation to uncover how materials behave where direct observation is difficult. Its computational research spans crystalline materials, soft and complex media, glasses, and metastable liquids, with energy and environmental applications motivating material design. Physics-based calculations and machine learning help investigate molecular transport, nanoparticle dispersion, and the structure of challenging liquids. The group also contributes simulation software and reproducible workflows. This research connects chemical engineering and statistical physics with the practical task of predicting material properties from microscopic interactions.

NVIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Navin Varadarajan Research Group

Single-cell analysisCancer immunotherapyT cells

Navin Varadarajan · M.D. Anderson Professor

Immune cells can behave very differently even when they look similar. Navin Varadarajan’s group develops high-throughput assays to measure the functions of individual cells, including how T cells recognize and kill cancer targets. Its work connects single-cell profiling, microscopy, and protein engineering with therapeutic antibodies, autoimmune disease, and cancer immunotherapy. Published studies examine antitumor cell interactions and ways to improve engineered immune-cell therapies. The group’s approach emphasizes what cells actually do, creating a functional view that complements measurements of genes or molecular markers.

RCIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Richard C. Willson Research Group

Molecular diagnosticsBioseparationsLateral flow assays

Richard C. Willson · Huffington-Woestemeyer Professor

Could a sensitive molecular test work with a smartphone and very little laboratory equipment? Richard Willson’s group applies molecular recognition to diagnostics, biological separations, and analytical tools for monitoring processes. Its published projects include smartphone-readable lateral flow tests, persistent luminescent reporters, and glow-based immunoassays designed to reduce equipment demands. The work brings chemical engineering together with biochemistry, microbiology, materials, and computation. A central challenge is translating the ability of molecules to recognize one another into measurements that are sensitive, practical, and easier to use.

ZRIndependently curated · Unclaimed

Zhifeng Ren Research Group

ThermoelectricsNanomaterialsHydrogen

Zhifeng Ren · Professor

Turning wasted heat into useful electricity is one focus of Zhifeng Ren’s materials research. His work investigates nanostructured thermoelectric materials whose thermal and electrical properties can be tuned for energy conversion. Other directions include catalysts for generating hydrogen and oxygen from water, materials with high thermal conductivity for managing heat, and superconductors. The research connects nanoscale structure and material characterization with practical energy challenges, offering a meeting point for condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, and the engineering of more efficient energy systems.