The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research

Faculty Research Profile: School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences

William L. Lupton, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Department Chairman, is the Principal Investigator for the Network Resources and Training Sites (NRTS) project sponsored by NASA’s office of Minority University-Space Interdisciplinary Network (MU-SPIN). This network is led by seven HBCU’s and Hispanic serving institutions and Tribal colleges across the country. They in turn establish partnerships within their local school systems using NASA educational tools, products and opportunities that are designed to inspire and train the next generation of NASA’s minority scientists and engineers. Among its partner schools that include five universities and nine K-12 schools, the Morgan’s NRTS has equipped faculty, teachers, and students at these sites with notable educational training and learning opportunities (see http://grizzly.morgan.edu/~nrts2/) through the sponsorship of the NRTS project. The project’s goal is to empower the partner sites with self-sufficiency gained by successful competition and participation in educational announcements of opportunities that are designed to bring NASA’s mission to administrators, educators, and students of the mathematics, science and technology communities.
lupton@morgan.edubr
443-885-4503

Jan Smid, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, works on ontologies and theory of intelligent agents that are important for upcoming NASA missions. The sematicweb and XML are examples of the likely next move in the world of information. NASA/GSFC is specifically interested in the ontology negotiation and its application for a new set of nano-satellites. These concepts and capabilities, along with human-robot language interface are necessary for future autonomous spacecrafts.
jsmid@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-1395

Vojislav Stojkovic, Ph.D. Associate Professor, conducts research on Biologically Inspired Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Methods and Tools in Biology/Bioinformatics, Agents Theory, DNA-computation, Computer Security, Parallel-Computing/ Algorithms for Bioinformatics, modeling & simulation.
Stojkovi@morgan.edu
443-885-1054

Eric Sakk, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, is interested in bioinformatics, sequence analysis, regulatory and genetic origins of pathogenesis.
443-885-3963

Samir Tannouri, Ph.D. Associate Professor, specializes in computer graphics, visualization algorithms, and data structures.
Stannour@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-1055

Huwida Said, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, research interests include energy processing, computer security and assurances.
43-885-3963

Cecelia Wright Brown, Instructor/Assistant Professor, specializes at DHS Anti Terrorism, Information Assurance, Database Management

Sheila Wiggins, Lecturer Instructor: Programming Languages ethics.
swiggins@morgan.edu 
443-885-1056

Grace Steels, Lecturer, focuses on information assurance on databases/bioinformatics, sequence analysis, regulatory and genetic origins of pathogenesis.
gsteele@morgan.edu
443-885-1053

Gholam Khaksari, Instructor, primary research focus is on building platform, Voice over IT performance issues, Security issues, decision support systems.
443-885-1395

Gaston M. N’Guerekata, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chairman, has research interests in abstract differential equations, almost automorphic and almost periodic functions. Other areas of mathematics that interest him include semigroups of linear operators and abstract cauchy problems. Dr. N’Guerekata is the author of three mathematics texts on Pre-calculus, Introductory Algebra and Almost Automorphic and Almost Periodic Functions in Abstract Spaces.
gnguerek@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3965

Arthur Grainger, Ph.D., Associate Professor, uses non-standard analysis of superstructures to obtain new results about a given standard model. His current work involves ultrafilters on the collection of finite subsets of an infinite set.
agrainge@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-4649

Dr. Asamoah Nkwanta, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, investigates enumerative and algebraic combinatorics, and partially ordered sets. In particular, he is interested in relations among combinatorics, linear and abstract algebra, classical number theory molecular biology (i.e., RNA sequence counting), special functions algorithmic analysis, and theoretical computer science. His other interests include discrete computational geometry and biology, probability theory and fuzzy partially ordered sets.
nkwanta@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-4652

Bhamini M. P. Nayar, Ph.D., Associate Professor, is currently investigating spaces characterized by real valued functions on the spaces and generalizing such characteristics into similarly structured spaces. This technique aids the investigation of significant topological concepts in a unified manner.
bnayar@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3775

Xuming Xie, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, is interested in mathematical analysis and simulation of models for soft tissue such as tendons, skins and muscles; and models for hard tissue like bones. His research focuses on free boundary problems arising in fluid mechanics such as flows in Hele-Shaw cell. Free boundary problems also occur in a variety of physical contexts ranging from solidification to electrochemical deposition such as dendritic growth and Stefan problem. The tools that are used in this area involve integro-differential equations and complex variables. His research also focuses on homogenization of partial differential equations. Homogenization method is of considerable interest in material sciences, mechanical engineering and in many technological applications, especially those involving composite materials. When the inhomogeneities are on a scale that is much smaller than the linear dimension of the composite material, continuum models, in which rapid oscillation of the material properties is averaged, are sufficient to describe the behavior of the material.
xxie@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3890

Arthur Williams, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chairman, Biology, has research interests that focus on the regulation of gene expression in bacteria and fungi. In particular, his current research efforts involve the elucidation of regulatory mechanism(s) controlling the modulation of adenylate cyclase and cAMP levels in Escherichia coli K-12, characterization of anti-fungal substance(s) produced by strains of Bacillus sp, overproduction of lignocellulosic enzymes of coriolus versicolor by genetic engineering, and identification and analysis of gene expression patterns using Microarrays and DNA chips (nanotechnology). Dr. Williams is also working on the development of fluorescent diagnostic primers and probes utilizing Real-Time PCR techniques.
awillias@morgan.edu
443-885-3070

James M. Wachira, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Core Laboratory Director, overall aim of his research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying hypertension and the subsequent tissue damage. He and his research team are currently studying the role of melanocortin receptors in salt sensitive hypertension and in the modification of cardiovascular parameters by stress. Melanocortin receptor signal transduction pathways are also being characterized to better understand the basis for the cardiovascular effects of melanocortins. Emphasis is being placed on identifying proteins that are differentially expressed or phosphorylated during hypertension with a view of identifying cell signaling molecules and protein kinases that are pivotal to the etiology of hypertension.
jwachir@morgan.edu
443-885-3632

Frank Denaro, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biology, is involved in research concerning neuro-degeneration and regeneration using several animal models in an effort to develop strategies for promotion of neurohistogenesis. In particular, his interest is in viral infections of the brain that can cause dementia (e.g., HIV and CMV). Dr. Denaro is also investigating other central nervous system condition such as Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.
Denaro@umbi.umd.edu
443-885-5049
Dwayne Hill, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biology, primary research focus is on how neutrophils and macrophages,(of maternal or fetal origin), contribute to the initiation and/or progression of embryonic and fetal toxicities after exposure to selected environmental contaminants. His secondary research interest is focused on understanding the mechanisms propagating neutrophil-dependent hepatocellular pathologies (e.g., cholestasis), so that more effective prophylactic therapies can be developed.
dhill@morgan.edu
443-885-1865

Jonathan E. Wilson, Ph.D., directs the activities of Morgan’s Baltimore Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA), a NASA-supported pre-college educational program. SEMAA has an important complementary component, the Aeronautics Educational Laboratory (AEL). Dr. Wilson’s research interests are in marine biology and ocean science.
jwilson@grizzly.morgan.edu;
443-885-3304

Christine Hohmann, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biology, is involved in studies of brain development in mouse models to aid understanding of developmental disorders of the human brain. Her research particularly focuses on the role of afferent neuromodulator chemicals such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in shaping development and plasticity in the ontogeny of neocortex. Other areas of interest include the effects of perinatal environmental stress on cortical development and cognition.
chohmann@morgan.edu
443-885-4462

Cleo Hughes-Darden, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biology, is interested in three principal research thrusts: a) understanding the role that the components of the phosphoinositide signaling system play in the stress response and the effects on the cardiovascular system of the rat, b) determining the role of the POMC peptides on the expression of protein kinases (i,e,, PKC, MAP kinases and tyrosine kinases) and on phosphorylation of specific substrate proteins in animal models, and c) identifying the elements controlling the expression of genes encoding branch point enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the essential amino acids methionine and threonine in plants in order to understand the regulation and construction of these pathways at the DNA, mRNA, and protein levels.
chughes@moac.morgan.edu
443-885-3635

Casonya Johnson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, uses molecular and biochemical techniques to determine protein functions. Her research currently uses these techniques to understand the functions of Caenorhabditis elegans homologs of several human genes and to determine the molecular mechanisms by which the proteins carry out these functions. In particular, her research focus includes : a) determining the biological function of the gene known to cause primary open angle glaucoma in humans, b) characterizing the role of the Refsum disease gene in Caenorhabditis elegans development, and c) characterizing previously unidentified helix-loop-helix transcription factors that regulate neural and muscle development in Caenorhabditis elegans.
cjohnso9@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3394

Lisa Brown, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, is interested in the plasticity of gene expression in single adult skeletal muscle fibers. Currently, the primary aims of her research efforts are: 1) to determine the extent and time course changes in fiber type-specific gene expression that occur as a function of electrical stimulation of isolated muscle fibers maintained in vitro in long-term cell culture, 2) to determine the time course of changes in fiber type-specific gene expression as a function of various patterns of electrical stimulation, and 3) to correlate these changes in gene expression with changes in muscle fiber structure.
lbrown3@morgan.edu
443-885-3631

Chunlei Fan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, is interested in aquatic microbial ecology and biogeochemistry in marine and estuarine environments with the focus on nutrients, eutrophication and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB). Human impacts and eutrophication: monitoring the eutrophication process and HABs events on the watershed scale by using GIS/remote sensing.
cfan@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-4468

Gabrielle McLemore, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, directs her research efforts at determining the role of multiple neurochemical systems on cannabinoid (marijuana) antagonist-precipitated withdrawal behaviors in rats; alterations in the nicotinic cholinergic receptor system induced by developmental exposure to Pb2+ in weanling rats; and alterations in immune function induced by concomitant exposure to Pb2+ during parasitic infection.
mclemoreglynn@aol.com
443-885-3633

Michael Koban, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, uses sleep deprivation as a stressor in rats in his research. He combines stress with obesity to determine how and why changes occur in tissues and cells. The goal of his research efforts is to better understand the physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with the pathology of negative energy balance in stressed animals.
mkoban@moac.morgan.edu
443-885-4678

Saroj K. Pramanik, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biology, specializes in the areas of molecular biology and biotechnology. His research activities are:
Biomarker Development of Cancer Detection and Prevention
Translational Control of Gene Expression During Cell Differentiation
Bioremediation of Chlorinated Toxic Molecules (e.g., PCBs) Using Plant: Microbe Interactions.
spranani@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3079

LaVentrice Delaine Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biology, focuses her research in a number of areas including understanding the mechanism of action of thalidomide and other anti-TNF-alpha agents and their efficacy in the treatment of cancer; HIV and autoimmune disorders; comparison of the response to ddC and d4T exposure of T cells in wild-type and knock-out C57BL/G mice; and inhibition of programmed cell death or apoptosis in human T Leukemia cells by antiviral nucleosides. She collaborates with colleagues at several institutions including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health, and the National Center for Toxicological Research
lataylor@morgan.edu
443-885-1997

Kenneth P. Samuel, Ph.D., Biology, has research projects that involve the characterization of the HIV-1 and HIV–2 Nef proteins and the HIV-I Vpu protein. Some of the published results from his efforts (Hodge et al., 1998) represent the first in vitro demonstration of a direct physical interaction between the HIV–1 Nef protein and human c-Raf1 kinase. Besides biochemical and molecular approaches, Dr. Samuel also uses some of the newer proteomic and biotechnological tools in these studies. His long-term research objectives are: 1) to determine the molecular mechanism of the HIV-1 and HIV-2 Nef proteins in vivo; 2) to determine whether the highly conserved basic sequence motif within the CR1 region of the c-Raf1 kinase, which has previously been shown to be critical for binding and biological activity of the p21Ras oncoprotein, is also the binding site for the HIV-1 Nef protein in vivo; 3) to determine wheter Nef competes with p21Ras for binding c-Raf1 kinase in vitro and in vivo; and 4) to identify novel and effective therapeautic approaches to block the action of Nef in vivo.
ksamuel@moac.morgan.edu
443-885-4005

Jochen Mueller, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, is actively involved in research in three primary areas: i) bioremediation of chlorinated solvents: understanding physiology and genetics of anaerobic microbes that are involved in degradation of chlorinated ethenes; (ii) microbial transformation of organic contaminants of emerging concern: studying the fate of endocrine disruptive chemicals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment with special emphasis on the Chesapeake watershed, (iii) genomics of environmentally important microbes: bioinformatic analysis of the genome sequence of Beggiatoa alba B18LD, a sulfide-detoxifying microbe.
jmueller@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3164

Alvin Kennedy, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chairman, Chemistry, has a primary interest in the development of in-situ technique(s) to monitor the polymerization in polymer systems under microgravity conditions. He is currently using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) technique to investigate the role of sedimentation and convection (thermal and solutal) in polymerizations. The ultimate goal is the development of ultra low-loss polymeric substrates and matrices for photonic and superconducting devices. It is also anticipated that a simple in-situ technique for monitoring and controlling the fabrication of polymer composites may have applications in Human Exploration of Space for fabricating replacement polymer composite parts of the Space Station, and polymer composite-based radiation shields for human habitats.
akennedy@morgan.edu
443-885-3794

Holly Cymet, Ph.D., Assistant Professor , Chemistry, research interests include determining the structure-function relationship of a class of zinc-binding proteins and transcription factors found in the nervous systems of higher organisms. Understanding how they function to regulate gene transcription will provide valuable information for understanding the development and maintenance of the nervous system.
hcymet@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3115

Lawrence Seibles, Associate Professor, Chemistry, has very broad experiences and interests in areas that include applications of spectroscopic methods for ultra-trace detection and analysis of defects and impurities in materials. His current research interest involves the development of condensed phase cavity ring down spectroscopic methods for detection of species in solutions and solid phases. This method may also provide for detection of chemical and biological toxins in the atmosphere and the development of sensors and analytical probes for monitoring chemical and biological systems in unusual and extreme environments. The latter research focuses on the development of microsensor arrays and probes incorporating fiber optics and planar optical waveguide technology in combination with fluorescence, near and mid-infrared spectroscopy.
lseibles@morgan.edu
443-885-1669

Santosh Mandal, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chemistry, research efforts are interdisciplinary in nature and encompass the areas of chemistry, biology and material science. The focus of his research program is on the solid-state and conventional solution-phase synthesis of inorganic and organometallic complexes of d-transition metals, particularly those with metal sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen bonds. He focuses on the catalytic, luminescent, and biological properties of these complexes. Specifically, he is interested in: (1) designing and synthesizing metallochemotherapeutic drugs, (2) designing and synthesizing molecular sensors, (3) designing and synthesizing precursors for the disposal of radioactive materials, (4) green chemistry, particularly mechanochemistry using ball milling, (5) designing and synthesizing catalysts for the removal of sulfur from coals, and designing and synthesizing homogeneous catalysts for hydrogenation and hydroformylations of olefins.
smandal@morgan.edu
443-885-1665

Maurice O. Iwunze, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chemistry, focuses his research efforts on the development of optical solid-state and chemical sensors. He has optimized a durable optical sol-gel glass that encapsulates the pH-sensitive dye, diamine cooper sulfate (Cudap). Cudap is a very good qualitative and quantitative chemical sensor because the extent of color fading observed is a function of the exposure amount of carbon dioxide. He is continuing work on this project to develop a monolith of a flat large surface area prepared by spin coating technology that will allow simulation for a larger area of carbon dioxide absorption and the subsequent optimization of this technology. Dr. Iwunze’s other areas of interest include physical-chemical characterization and application of micelles and microemulsion as media for chemical reaction, and electrochemistry and electro catalysis of chemicals and biochemicals at solid electrodes in micellar and microemulsion systems; and spectroscopic detection and characterization of relevant photo-sensitizers for use in photodynamics in micellar and liposomal media.
miunze@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3634

Richard J. Williams, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, focuses on the development of luminescent chemical sensors and probes that can improve and enhance current environmental and biomedical analytical techniques. He has synthesized luminescent ligands, py-dye 1 and py-dye 2, made by coupling red region fluorescent dyes, Rhodamine 800 and Methy1-DOTC!, respectively , to py-CHO. Coupling of these ligands to Re (CO)5 C! and 5,6-dimethy1-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-dmphen) to produce transition metal luminophores and their subsequent analysis should provide preliminary data for the development of near-infrared lifetime probes. Selected probes will be placed in polymer monolayers to study the limitations of various imaging techniques, placed in specialized polymers to study the effects of microgravity and used to monitor cellular ion activity and detect trace levels of analytes. Also of interest is the use of the developed sensors in applications such as protein labeling (immunoassay and tissue characterization); cell staining (cell sorting and counting, cell toxicity monitoring, and flow cytometry, and environmental monitoring.
rwillia6@morgan.edu
443-885-3674

Yousef M. Hijji, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, focuses his research on synthesis of high temperature metallourethane polymers that have possible applications for NASA. Of particular interest are metallourethane polymers of Cr, Mo, Ni, and Pt. Dr. Hiji and his students are working to optimize two synthesis approaches: 1) reactions of corresponding di- and multi-valent metal alkoxides with alkyl or aryl diisocyanates such as 1,6-diisocyanato hexane and 2,4-diisocyanato toluene, and 2) reactions of alkoxides with monoisocynates such as isocyanato hexane and toluene. Structure determinations on the resulting synthetic crystals will be done by x-ray techniques. To date, urethane polymers of manganese, nickel and platinum have been successfully synthesized and are undergoing structural analysis while attempts to synthesize Cr and Mo polyurethane complexes are continuing.
yhijji@morgan.edu
443-885-1611

Frederick Oliver, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chair, Physics, uses Mossbauer spectroscopy (Nuclear Gamma Resonance Spectroscopy) to investigate various research problems. Currently, he is 1) investigating colossal magneto-resistive materials (bulk and thin films), 2) performing surface studies on iron containing alloys and on ion-implanted materials, 3) conducting Mossbauer studies on Ferro-electric bulk and thin films and on mechanical alloyed materials, and 4) magnetic studies on nuclear irradiated materials. Dr. Oliver has pursued these varied research interests in collaboration with scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.; Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL; Bell Laboratories, Murry Hill N.J.; Lawrence Livermore Laboratories, Livermore, California, Harry Diamond Laboratories, Washington, D.C. and at NASA Greenbelt, MD.
fwoliver@morgan.edu
443-885-3751

Dereje Seifu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Physics, is building a mechanical alloying laboratory for processing novel materials. His future research will involve preparation of several novel mechanically alloyed materials at the new Materials Processing Laboratory, and the use of Mössbauer spectroscopy to investigate the magnetic and structural properties of these materials in the search for an alternate strong permanent magnet to reposition heavy payloads in space.
dseifu@morgan.edu
443-885-4560

Conrad M. Williams, Ph.D., Professor, Physics, is a leading expert in thin film and multilayer magnetic materials. His collaborative research with Dr. John Chittwood at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center focuses on the magnetic and structural properties of non-equilibrium magnetic oxide thin film and multilayer structures synthesized by pulsed laser and ion beam-assisted pulsed laser deposition. The characteristics of these films and structures are particularly useful for high frequency microwave devices such as isolators, circulators and phase shifters.
williams@anvil.nrl.navy.mil
443- 885-3149

Abdellah Lisfi, Ph.D. Associate Professor, focuses his efforts on studies of magnetic thin films and nanotechnology. His research is currently supported by NASA and DoD.
alisfi@jewel, morgan.edu
443-885-3316

Eugene J. Hoffman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Physics, studies synthetic mineral dusts prepared at the Astrochemistry Branch, Goddard Space Flight Center under conditions that mimic those in circumstellar clouds. The Goddard group has further used the dusts as catalysts in reactions that yield hydrocarbons and water, possible building blocks for all living things. Dr. Hoffman’s laboratory specializes in the use of Mössbauer spectroscopy, to reveal the oxidation state of iron atoms in crystals, and extraterrestrial materials.
ehoffman@morgan.edu
443-885-3417

Antony M. Kinyua, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty, Physics, is interested in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research, use of nuclear and related techniques in material analysis, botanicals and cancer, trace elements for quality assurance of CAM products.
antonykinya@yahoo.com
443-885-1557

Ernest Hammond Jr., MS., Assistant Professor, Physics, works on organic dye lasers, absorption spectroscopy of EU 2 o3, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photographic film studies in space, and lunar sample analysis using SEM & TEM from Apollo 11.
ehammond@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3405

Roman M. Serbyn, Ph.D., Physics, has research interests that focus on bioacoustics, musical acoustics, industrial noise, feedback control and applied mathematics.
rserbyn@grizzly.morgan.edu
443-885-3316