Keith Neeves

2004 - 2005 CSIP Fellow

Research Interest:
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

My research focuses on developing implantable nano-devices, about the size of a human hair, that act as smart drug delivery systems in the brain. Diseases of the brain are some of the most debilitating known to man, and conventional drug therapies are often ineffective. I develop devices that measure the electrical and chemical signals in the brain and deliver drugs directly to afflicted tissues. The other part of my research involves using computer models to predict the fate and distribution of drugs once they are delivered to the brain. This project falls under an emerging field known as nanobiotechnology which seeks to understand and manipulate biological systems at the cellular and molecular level using nanotechnology.

My chemical engineering background is rich in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and most importantly, tying these disciplines together to solve problems. The pragmatic approach engineers use to tackle a problem lends itself well to learning new concepts. The application of the fundamental science through engineering can serve as a bridge between abstract theories and something you can see with your eyes or hold in your hand. I believe that a curriculum based on nanotechnology is a fascinating vehicle for the introduction of fundamental concepts. I have several ideas on how to bring nanotechnology into the classroom for both structured experiments and inquiry based activities.