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The BioElectrics and ElectroPhysics (BEEP) Lab explores the interaction of intense electromagnetic radiation (electric pulses, plasmas, and lasers) with materials, particularly biological cells and tissues.  Current research topics of interest include:

1. Modeling and experimental studies of pulsed RF and low-intensity AC fields on biological function.

2. Theoretical modeling of crossed-field device physics. 

3. Mathematical modeling of discharge formation for microscale and smaller gaps at atmospheric pressure to predict breakdown for novel applications in MEMS, combustion, field emission, and electromagnetic shielding.

4. Theoretical studies of electron emission under different mechanisms and for non 1-D planar geometries. 

5. Experimental assessment of electron emission and gas breakdown at microscale and gas breakdown.

6. Modeling and experimental development of novel composites for developing nonlinear transmission lines for high power microwave devices and demonstration of pulsed RF from these systems.

7. Application of pulsed electric fields to induce differentiation and proliferation of stem cells, inactivate microorganisms, and activate platelets.

PI:  Allen L. Garner, PhD, PE

 I am a Professor in the School of Nuclear Engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.  I received my BS in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois (1996), MSE in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan (1997), MS in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University (2003), and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan (2006).  I am a licensed Professional Engineer (Electrical Engineering) in Michigan.

From 1997 to 2003, I was an active duty submarine officer who served as Reactor Controls Assistant, Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant, and Communicator on board the USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and as an instructor of Operational Water Chemistry, Radiological Controls, and the Prospective Nuclear Engineering Officer course at Submarine Training Facility, Norfolk, VA.  From 2006 to 2012, I was an Electromagnetic Physicist at GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna, NY.  I joined the School of Nuclear Engineering at Purdue University in August 2012.  I am also currently a Captain in the United States Navy (Reserves) and serve as the Commanding Officer for the Headquarters unit that oversees 400 enlisted technicians who support Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, including locations at Bremeterton, WA, Bangor, WA, Kitsap, WA, San Diego, CA, and Japan.  

I am interested in projects that involve close collaboration between theory and experiment with an emphasis on multidisciplinary projects that involve the interaction of nonionizing and ionizing radiation with materials, particularly biological cells and tissues.  My current research interests include

• Biomedical applications of pulsed power and plasmas

• Plasma Physics

• Pulsed Power

• High Power Microwaves

• Theoretical biophysics