Bi-min Zhang Newby

Associate Professor

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department

The University of Akron

Akron, OH  44325-3906

(330) 972-2510

bmznewby@uakron.edu

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Education:    

Ph. D. (1999) and M. S. (1995) in Chemical Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

B. S. (1993) in Chemical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Experience:         

Associate Professor (August, 2007 – Present)

Assistant Professor (August, 2000 – August, 2007)

The University of Akron, Akron, OH, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

·   Teaching various chemical engineering courses, including mass transfer operations, process economics, chemical engineering laboratory, transport phenomena, surface science in chemical engineering (elective), and exploring micro/nano technologies through characterization (elective); advise undergraduate students on their design electives, honor’s projects, and research projects; developed new elective courses associated with surface science and micro/nano characterizations.

·   Exploring both applied and fundamental research in the areas of surface modification, interfacial phenomena, polymer thin films and antifouling.  The details are:

 

     Utilizing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of organosilane for generating various gradient surfaces to (1) conduct combinatorial studies on polymer thin film behaviors, (2) fabricate tunable nanoparticle density gradients for sensor applications, (3) drive liquid droplet movements for microfluidic/nanofluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications, and (4) evaluate hydrophobic interactions and poly (ethylene glycol) density and conformation on protein adsorption/cell attachments and subsequent biofilm formation.

    

Assessing antifouling mechanisms of low-toxicity and non-toxic natural product antifoulants, and applying the solvent assisted technique to generate controlled released monolithic coatings entrapped with natural product antifoulants.

·   Conducting service to the university, local communities and professional societies, including (1) coordinating various departmental activities, (2) collaborating with National Inventors’ Hall of Fame on activities to promote youngsters’ interests in science and engineering, (3) judging posters in local schools’ science fairs, (4) reviewing papers and proposals, and (5) chairing sections and judging posters in national/international meetings.

Postdoctoral Researcher (August 1998 – June 2000)

The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Supervisor:  Russell J. Composto)

·  Investigated confinement effects on phase separation of polymer blend thin films.  Explored protein adsorption/cell attachment and growth on surfaces modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and bio-active peptides.

·  Assisted and supervised graduate and undergraduate students in their research projects.  Co-taught an introductory polymer course in Spring semester of 2000.

Research Assistant (June 1994 – June 1998)

Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, Department of Chemical Engineering

(Advisor:  Manoj K. Chaudhury)

·  Discovered a new relationship between friction and adhesion in fracture processes.  Developed novel methods to investigate interfacial slip near crack tip.

Process Engineer (September 1991 - March 1992)

E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company, Inc., Philadelphia, PA

·  Developed and performed statistically designed experiments to optimize acrylic polymerizations. 

Student Engineer (August 1990 - March 1991)

E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company, Inc., Philadelphia, PA

·  Optimized polymer/solvent systems in developing a better surface coating. 

Learning Specialist and Tutor (January 1990 -August 1993)

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, Drexel Center for Learning and Instruction

·   Provided assistance to students in improving their study skills.

 

Journal Publications:           

Y.-j. Cai, Y. H. Yun, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Protein and Cell Repellency on Ethylene Glycol Gradient Surfaces Generated with the Contact Printing Based Approach”, Langmuir, under revision, 2008.

Y.-j. Cai, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Marangoni Flow Induced Self-Assembly of Hexagonal and Stripelike Nanoparticle Patterns”, JACS, accepted, 2008.

Y.-j. Cai, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Dewetting of Polystyrene Thin Films on Poly(ethylene glycol) Modified Surfaces as a Simple Approach for Patterning Proteins”, Langmuir, in press, 2008.

F. Song, Y.-j. Cai, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Fabricating Tunable Nanoparticle Density Gradients with the Contact Printing Based Approach”, Appl. Surf. Sci., 253(5), 2393-2398, 2006.

C. Loskofsky, F. Song, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Under Water Adhesion Measurements Using the JKR Technique”, J. Adhesion, 82(7), 713-730, 2006.

A. A. Al-Juhni, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Incorporation of Benzoic Acid and Sodium Benzoate into Silicone Coatings and Subsequent Leaching of the Compound from the Incorporated Coatings”, Prog. Org. Coatings. 56 (2), 135-145, 2006. 

S.-H. Choi, B. Zhang Newby, “Suppress Polystyrene Thin Film Dewetting by Modifying Substrate Surfaces with Aminopropyltriehtoxylsilane”, Surf. Sci. 600(6), 1391-1404, 2006.

S.-H. Choi, B. Zhang Newby, “Dynamic Contact Angle in Rim Instability of Dewetting Holes”, J. Chem. Phys. 124(5), Art. No. 054702, 2006.

B.-m. Zhang Newby, T. J. Cutright, C. A. Barrios, Q. W. Xu. “Zosteric Acid – An Effective Antifoulant for Reducing Fresh Water Bacterial Attachment on Coatings”, JCT Research 3(1), 69-76, 2006.

Q. W. Xu, C. A. Barrios, T. J. Cutright, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Evaluation of Toxicity of Capsaicin and Zosteric Acid and their Potential Applications as Antifoulants”, Environmental Toxicology 20 (5), 467-474, 2005.

Q. W. Xu, C. A. Barrios, T. J. Cutright, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Assessment of Antifouling Effectiveness of Two NPAs by Attachment Study with Freshwater Bacteria”, ESPR 12(5), 278-284, 2005.

H. Haque#, T. J. Cutright, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Effectiveness of sodium benzoate as a freshwater low toxicity antifoulant when dispersed in solution and entrapped in silicone coatings”, Biofouling 21(2), 109-119, 2005. (# Mr. Haque was then an undergraduate student at Ohio State University)

L.-f. Wang, G.-y. Zhu, P. Wang, B.-m. Zhang Newby. Self-assembling of Polymer-enzyme Conjugates at Oil/water Interfaces”, Biotechnology Progress 21, 1321-1328, 2005.

C. A. Barrios, Q. W. Xu. T. J. Cutright, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Incorporating Zosteric Acid into Silicone Coatings to Achieve its Slow Release while Reducing Fresh Water Bacterial Attachment”, Colloid. Surf. B: Biointerfaces, 41, 83-93, 2005.

C. Turgut, B.-m. Newby, T. J. Cutright, “Determination of Optimal Water Solubility of Capsaicin for Its Usage as a Non-toxic Antifoulant”, ESPR 11(1), 7 – 10, 2004.

S.-H. Choi, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Micrometer-Scaled Gradient Surfaces Generated Using Contact Printing of Octadecyltrichlorosilane”, Langmuir 19(18), 7427 – 7435, 2003.

S.-H. Choi, B. Zhang Newby, “Alternative Method for Determining Surface Energy by Utilizing  Polymer Thin Film Dewetting”, Langmuir 19(4), 1419 – 1428, 2003.

B. Zhang Newby, K. Wakabayashi, R. J. Composto, “Confinement induced stabilization in polymer blend thin films”, Polymer 42(21), 2001. 

B. Zhang Newby, R. J. Composto, “Phase-morphology map of polymer-blend thin films confined to narrow strips”, Phys. Rev. Lett. 87(9), 098302-1-098302-4, 2001.

B. Zhang Newby, R. J. Composto, “Influence of Lateral Confinement on Phase Separation in Thin Film Polymer Blends”, Macromolecules, 33, 3274-3282, 2000. 

B. Zhang Newby, M. K. Chaudhury, “Friction in Adhesion”, Langmuir, 14(17), 1998.

B. Zhang Newby, M. K. Chaudhury, “Effect of Interfacial Slippage on Viscoelastic Adhesion”, Langmuir, 13(6), 1997. 

B. Zhang Newby, M. K. Chaudhury, H. R. Brown, “Macroscopic Evidence of the Effect of Interfacial Slippage on Adhesion”, Science, 269, 1995. 

Refereed Publication:

S.-H. Choi, Y.-j. Cai, B. Zhang Newby, “Adhesion Enhancement of Polystyrene Thin Film on Surfaces Modified with Aminopropyltriehtoxylsilane Ultrathin Layers”, Proceeding of the fifth symposium of silanes and other coupling agents, In press, 2006.

Conference Proceedings:     

B. Zhang Newby, Y. Cai, F. Song, S.-H. Choi, “Generating Step-wise Gradient Surfaces as Combinatory Tools for Investigating Adhesion Phenomena”, the Proceedings of the 29th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2006.

A. Al-Juhni, B.-m. Zhang Newby,Bulk Entrapment of Less Toxic Antifouling Compounds into Silicone Coatings to Evaluate Their Release: Experimental Studies and Mathematical Modeling”, Smart Coating 2006 Symposium, 2006.

A. Al-Juhni, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Incorporation of Sodium Benzoate into Silicone Coatings: An Environmental Friendly Way to Resolve Biofouling Problems”, the Proceedings of the 28th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2005.

S.-H. Choi, B. Zhang Newby, “Adhesion Enhancement of Amino-functional Organosilane for Polystyrene Thin Films”, the Proceedings of the 28th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2005.

B.-m. Zhang Newby, C. Loskofsky, C. A. Barrios, “Under Water Adhesion Measurement with JKR Technique”, the Proceedings of the 28th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2005.

B.-m. Zhang Newby, C. A. Barrios, Q. W. Xu, T. J. Cutright, “Zosteric Acid: An Effective Antifoulant For Reducing Bacterial Attachment on Coatings”, Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society, 228:322-Poly, Part 2, Aug 22, 2004.

A. Al-Juhni, B.-m. Zhang Newby, “Techniques for Incorporating of Capsaicin into Silicone for Enhanced Antibacterial Performance”, the Proceedings of the 27th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2004.

C. A. Barrios, Q. W. Xu, T. J. Cutright, B.-m. Zhang Newby,, “Evaluation of Antifouling Properties of Zosteric Acid”, the Proceedings of the 27th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2004.

S.-H. Choi, B. Zhang Newby, “Rim Instabilities Depending on Substrate Surface Energy in Polystyrene Thin Film Dewetting”, the Proceedings of the 27th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2004.

K. R. Jaggari, B. Zhang Newby, “Immobilizing Capsaicin on Silicone To Access the Coatings Antifouling Performance”, the Proceedings of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2003.

S.-H. Choi, B. Zhang Newby, “An Alternative Method for Determining Surface Energy by Utilizing  Polymer Thin Film Dewetting”, the Proceedings of the 26th Annual  Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 2003.

K. R. Jaggari and B. Zhang Newby, “Preparation of Porous PDMS Membranes by Polymer Blend Phase Separation Mechanism”, Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society, 224:164-Poly, Part 2, Aug 18, 2002.

M. K. Chaudhury, B. Zhang Newby, “Adhesion, Friction and Fracture”, Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society, 216:284-Poly, Part 3, Aug 23, 1998.

B. Zhang Newby, M. K. Chaudhury, “Effect of Interfacial Friction on Adhesion”, the Proceedings of the 21st Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 1998.

B. Zhang Newby, M. K. Chaudhury, “Viscoelastic Adhesion Between a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive and Surfaces with Low Surface Free Energy”, the Proceedings of the 20th Annual “Anniversary” Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 1997.

M. K. Chaudhury, H. She, B. Zhang Newby, “Using Rolling Contact Mechanics to Study Adhesion Hysteresis at Polymer Oxide Interfaces”, the Proceedings of the 20th Annual “Anniversary” Meeting of the Adhesion Society, 1997.

H. R. Brown, M. K. Chaudhury, B. Zhang Newby, “Effects of Segment Mobility on Slip and Adhesion”, Polymer Preprints, 37(2), 1996.

M. K. Chaudhury, B. Zhang Newby, “A Direct Observation of Hydrodynamic Slip at an Adhesive-Substrate Interface”, Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering, 75, 1996.

Presentations:    

Polymer Engineering Departmental Seminar, The University of Akron, Akron, OH (Fall, 2006)

Fifth International Symposium on Silanes and Other Coupling Agents, Toronto, On (June,      2005) (invited speaker)

106th Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society, Los Angeles, CA (March, 2005)

228th Annual Meeting f the American Chemical Society, Philadelphia, PA (August, 2004)

105th Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society, Montreal, Canada (March, 2004)

27th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, Wilmington, NC (Feb., 2004)

26th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, Myrtle Beach, SC (Feb., 2003)

103th Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society, Indianapolis, IN (March, 2002)

Polymer Engineering Departmental Seminar, The University of Akron, Akron, OH (Fall, 2001)

102th Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society, Seattle, WC (March, 2001)

101th Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society, Minneapolis, MN (March, 2000)

100th Anniversary Meeting of the American Physical Society, Atlanta, GA (March, 1999)

21st Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, Savannah, GA (Feb., 1998)

20th Annual "Anniversary" Meeting of the Adhesion Society, Hilton Head Island, SC (Feb., 1997)

Chemical Engineering Departmental Seminar, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA (Spring, 1997)

Invited lecture, Rohm and Haas Company, Spring House, (Dec., 1996)

Annual AIChE Meeting, Chicago, IL (Nov. 1996)

Semi Annual Meeting of Polymer Interface Center, Bethlehem, PA (Nov., 1996, 97, May,1997, 98)

19th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, Myrtle Beach, SC (Feb., 1996)

Honors/awards:  

Ohio Sea Grant (projects: R/MB-3, R/MB-2)

Ohio Board of Regents (R5603, R5905)

National Science Foundation (CTS-0124769)

Faculty Research Grants (FRG 1533, FRG 1570, FRG 1610, FRG 1664)

Firestone Research Initiative Fellowship (Fall 2000)

Distinguished Student Paper Award (Sponsored by Loctite), 21st Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society, February, 1998.

Peebles Award for Graduate Student Research in Adhesion Science, Adhesion Society, February, 1998.

Hoechst Celanese Award Winner, Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Research, Hoechst Celanese Corporation, 1996.

First Place in Student Poster Paper Presentation (Materials Engineering and Science Session) at 1996 Annual AIChE Meeting, Chicago.

Polymer Interface Center Student Poster Award, Lehigh University, First Place, May 1998, First Place, May 1997, Second Place, November 1996.

American Institute of Chemists Award, Excellent in Academic Achievement, Drexel University, 1993.

The I. Ray Dunlap Scholarship, Recognition of High Academic Achievement and Worthiness, Drexel University, 1992.

Certificate Award for Outstanding Contributions to Drexel University, Drexel Center for Learning and Instruction, 1992.

Member of Various Honor Societies:  Phi Eta Sigma, Tau Beta Pi, and Phi Lambda Upsilon.

Activities:            

Section Chair (Polymer Thin Films) for the American Physical Society Meeting, Montreal,      Canada, March 2004

Section Chair (Surface Chemistry) for the Adhesion Society Meeting, Wilmington, NC,          February 2004

Program Chair for the Akron Polymer Lecture Group (APLG), 2003-2004

Executive committee member for the Akron Polymer Lecture Group (APLG), 2003-2005

Proposal Reviewer for NSF (CTS division, DMR division) and PRF

Panel reviewer for NSF-CTS and NSF-STC (SBIR/STTR)

Manuscript Reviewer for ASEE Prism, Advanced Functional Materials, Biomacromolecules, Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, Journal of Adhesion, Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, Journal of Chinese Institute of Chemical Engineers, Journal of Coating Technology (JCT), JCT Research, Langmuir, Measurement Science and Technology.

Active participant for Women in Engineering, The University of Akron 2001 – present

Organizer of the “Polymer Seminar Series”, Laboratory of Research on the Structure of Matter, University of Pennsylvania, Fall-98, Spring-99

Active Member of American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), American Chemical Society (ACS), and Adhesion Society (AS)

Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association Officer, Lehigh University, 1994-1995

Treasurer of Tau Beta Pi Zeta Chapter, Drexel University, 1992-1993.