The central theme of our research group’s work is innovations and testing of new processes and devices for applications in biotechnology, photonics, and nano-electronics. We take a broad view of research and engage with collaborators all over the world. To make functional devices for healthcare, for example, we are making embedded quantum dot structures by sol-gel processing, and femtosecond-laser induced nanocrystal nucleation. Similarly we are developing respiratory therapeutic platforms based on studies of aerosol-nanoparticle inhalation and exploring effects of additives on bone growth and robustness. Our group collaborates with scientists at many universities, including the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Livermore, SLAC, and Stanford University.