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RESEARCH OVERVIEW
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
Our research focuses on diffusion, transport, and dynamics in soft‑matter and polymer systems, studied at the single‑particle and single‑molecule level. Using fluorescence microscopy and quantitative data analysis, we directly observe how nanoscale heterogeneity controls mobility, confinement, and reaction dynamics.
Our research focuses on diffusion, transport, and dynamics in soft‑matter and polymer systems, studied at the single‑particle and single‑molecule level. Using fluorescence microscopy and quantitative data analysis, we directly observe how nanoscale heterogeneity controls mobility, confinement, and reaction dynamics.
Our Research Areas
Our Research Areas
Single‑particle tracking in polymer solutions and hydrogels
Nanoscale transport in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) systems
Surfactant and nanoparticle dynamics at oil–water–solid interfaces
UV‑induced polymerization and evolving microstructure
Structure–dynamics relationships in complex liquids and soft materials
Our Research Methods
Our Research Methods
Single‑particle & single‑molecule fluorescence microscopy
Confocal microscopy and image correlation techniques
Quantitative transport analysis and statistical modeling
CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS:
1) Molecular Dynamics at the Oil-Water-Solid Interfaces:
As the dynamics of molecules and particles at the oil-water-solid interfaces are known to define the outcome of various processes in enhanced oil recovery and drug delivery, our lab employs single-molecule techniques to better understand how such dynamics are directly governed by a number of relevant parameters (e.g. oil viscosity, surface tension, and so on). This research direction is financially supported by the American Chemical Society (PRF 65305-UNI5).
2) Molecular Dynamics in Polymer Thin Films, Polymer Solutions and Microporous Hydrogels:
Our lab also employs single-molecule fluorescence techniques to better understand the effect of various stimuli (e.g. relative humidity, temperature, etc) on the properties of polymer structures (e.g., thin films, polymer solutions, and hydrogels). This is very essential for their use in future technologies including lithium-ion batteries or drug delivery devices. This research direction is financially supported by the lab's newest NSF grant (LEAPS-MPS 2418942).
Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Undergraduate research is the cornerstone of the Tran‑Ba Lab. Since 2018, I have mentored nearly 40 undergraduate and master’s students, many from first‑generation and underrepresented backgrounds.
Students in the lab:
Design and execute independent experiments
Analyze statistically rich microscopy data
Present at regional and national conferences
Co‑author peer‑reviewed publications
Lab alumni have progressed to PhD programs, NIH postbaccalaureate training, professional schools, and science careers.
Research Support
Research Support
Our work is supported by external and internal funding sources, including:
NSF LEAPS‑MPS Award (DMR, Polymers)
Single‑Particle Tracking Studies of the Nanoscale Properties of PEGDA Solutions and Hydrogels
Role: Principal Investigator | $250,000ACS Petroleum Research Fund – Undergraduate New Investigator Award
Role: Principal Investigator | $55,000Endowed Fisher Chair, Fisher College of Science & Mathematics
Role: Principal Investigator | $66,000
Additional support from Towson University research and development programs.
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