UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
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  • Previous Research
    • Centrifugal Microdevices >
      • PET Chips
    • Clinical Diagnostics and Forensic Analysis >
      • Cell Sorting and Solid Phase Extraction >
        • Acoustic Differential Extraction
        • Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells
        • Enhanced Sperm Cell Recovery
        • Monolith Stationary Phase for Microfluidic DNA Purification
        • Nucleic Acid Purification in a Two-Stage, Dual-Phase Microchip
        • Large Volume Reduction Solid Phase Extraction
        • Plastic SPE Microdevices
      • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) >
        • Infrared PCR
        • Microwave PCR
      • Label-Free Optical Methods for DNA and Cell Quantification
      • DNA Extraction and PCR Amplification
    • Fluidic Control >
      • Passive Valving
    • Genetic Analysis >
      • A Fully Integrated Microfluidic Genetic Analysis Device for the Detection of Blood Cancers
      • Electric Field-Flow Fractionation for DNA Concentration
      • Acousto-Optic Tunable Fiber
    • Narcotics and Explosives Colorimetric Detection
  • People
  • Publications
  • Collaborators
  • Contact
  • Conferences

Principal Investigator
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James P. Landers, PhD, FRSC
jpl5e@virginia.edu

Professor of Chemistry
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor of Pathology
Director, Center for Nano-Biosystems Integration
Member, UVA Cancer Center
Jefferson Scholar Faculty Fellow
Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry

1991: Canadian Medical Research Fellow, Mayo Clinic
1988: Ph.D. Biochemistry, University of Guelph, Canada  
1983: B.S. Biochemistry, University of Guelph, Canada
Learn more
       Dr. James Landers is currently Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia, as well as Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Virginia Health System. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Biomedicine and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Guelph in Ontario (Canada) in 1984 and 1988, respectively. After a year as a post-doctoral fellow at the Banting Institute at the University of Toronto School of Medicine, as a Canadian Medical Research Council (MRC) Fellow at the Mayo Clinic-Rochester, he studied cancer biology and diagnostics under Thomas Spelsberg, a renowned breast cancer biochemist. He launched and directed Mayo Clinic’s Clinical Capillary Electrophoresis Facility in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, developing clinical assays based on capillary electrophoretic technology. 
        Dr. Landers joined the Chemistry Department at the University of Pittsburgh in 1997, where he forayed into analytical microfluidic systems with the goal of developing the next generation molecular diagnostics platform. This research was bolstered by the move in 1999 to the University of Virginia where access to a dedicated class-100 cleanroom for microchip fabrication allowed for rapid prototyping of microdevices for separations, DNA purification, and DNA amplification. His group was among the first to generate a fully integrated lab-on-a-chip (PNAS 103:19272, 2006), successfully applied to detecting infectious agents in biofluids and cancer diagnostics, and more recently defined new approaches to fluidic control on microchips (NATURE Physics 5:231, 2009). He has authored more than 180 papers and 25 book chapters on topics as diverse as receptor biochemistry, capillary electrophoretic method development, microchip fabrication, forensic DNA analysis and integrated microfluidic systems for application to both the clinical and forensic arenas. In addition, he has recently completed the third in the succession of editions of CRC Press Handbook of Capillary Electrophoresis, with this one extrapolated to microchip electrophoresis and associated microtechniques.


    Administrative Assistant
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Patricia White
phw7t@virginia.edu


PhD Candidates
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Anchi Tsuei
​at3ae@virginia.edu
degrees
MSc, University of Waikato (NZ)
BSc(Tech), University of Waikato
research interests
Rapid DNA extraction techniques. Forensic DNA analysis, including rapid DNA technologies, differential extraction, touch DNA, direct PCR. Microchip fabrication, fluidics and applications. ​
other activities
Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy 2016 participant
International Symposium on Human Identification 2015 poster presentation
Conference on National Defense and Intelligence 2015 participant
Research Scientist, University of Virginia, 2015.
Scientist, Microlab Diagnostics, 2012-2014.
Scientist, ZyGEM Corp, 2010-2012.
selected publications
  • Le Roux et al. (2014). An integrated sample-in- answer-out microfluidic chip for rapid human identification by STR analysis. Lab on a Chip. 14(22):4415-25.
  • Thompson et al. (2016). Microfluidic enzymatic DNA extraction on a hybrid polyester-toner-PMMA device. Analyst. (Under review).
  • DuVall et al. (2015). Polyethylene terephthalate microdevice with integrated reagent mixing and amplification for genetic analysis. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. (Under review)
patents
Microfluidic Cartridge. Europe 13709628.5. Issued February 22, 2013
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Shane Woolf
​msw2s@virginia.edu
degrees
M.S. Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016
B.S. Biology and minor in pre-professional Secondary Education, James Madison University, 2007
A.A.S. Physical Therapy, Tidewater Community College, 1996
research interests
Forensic science and biometrics, human identification, microfluidic separations, microchip and microdevice fabrication, analytical and biological chemistry,  and the detection of bioweapons, pathogens, and explosives
other activities
  • Gordon Research Conference, Forensic Analysis of Human DNA, 2016 participant​
  • PhD Candidate - With Distinction
  • Awarded Outstanding Graduate Student in Forensic Science 2016, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Awarded the Forensic Science Academic Achievement Award 2016, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • American Academy of Forensic Science Annual Meeting 2016, poster presentations (x2)
  • Awarded Student Travel Grant, Forensic Sciences Foundation 2015
  • Awarded Emily R. Murphy Graduate Scholarship in Forensic Science 2014, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Rotary Group Study Exchange (GSE) Alumnus 2011
  • U.S. Army Commendation Medal 1998
  • U.S. Army Commendation Medal 1996
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Tiffany Layne
​trl3ts@virginia.edu
degrees
M.S. Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016
B.S. Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014
B.S. Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014
research interests
​Forensic DNA analysis, body fluid identification, microfluidics and fabrication, rapid DNA technologies.
other activities
  • Gordon Research Conference on Forensic Analysis of Human DNA, poster and presentation, 2018
  • Forensic Technology Center for Excellence Webinar on mixtures, Microhaps, and Modeling, Oh My! Cutting-Edge Research in Forensic DNA Analysis from Early-Career Scientists, 2018
  • Pittcon Conference & Expo, 2017
  • Gordon Research Conference on Forensic Analysis of Human DNA 2016, poster presentation
  • Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists 2016
  • American Academy of Forensic Science 2016, oral presentation
  • International Symposium on Human Identification 2015, poster presentation
  • Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists 2015
  • American Academy of Forensic Science 2015, oral presentation
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Killian O'Connell
kco4yh@virginia.edu
degrees
B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, 2015
research interests
Point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases, personalized medicine, bioanalytical chemistry.
other activities
  • Learning through Experiments and Demonstrations Program, President, University of Virginia, 2018-2019
  • Research Associate, Analytical Chemistry Colorado State University
  • Honors Undergraduate Research Scholar (HURS), Colorado State University
  • UW Purple and Gold Scholars Award, University of Washington
  • Debate Champion, Northwest parliamentary Tournament
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Leah Dignan
lmd4bt@virginia.edu
Degrees
 B.S. Chemistry (ACS Certified), Mathematics Minor, St. Mary's College of Maryland, 2016
Research interests
Forensic chemistry, microfluidic analysis and device fabrication, and the detection of illicit drugs,explosives, and chemical warfare agents. 
Other activities
  • PhD Candidate - With Distinction
  • Learning through Experiments and Demonstrations Program, University of Virginia
  • ACS Student Award in Chemistry for St. Mary's College of Maryland, 2017
  • 252nd ACS National Meeting, poster presentation, 2016
  • Undergraduate Research Fellow, St. Mary's College of Maryland, 2016
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Jamila Marshall Roberts
​jsm2dg@virginia.edu
Degrees
MSc Chemistry, Clark Atlanta University, 2015 
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BSc Chemistry (Hons.), Biology minor, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, 2010
Research Interests
Forensic science, microdevice fabrication, microfluidic separations, bioanalytical chemistry, and the detection of opiates, accelerants and biomarkers.
Other Activities
  • Laboratory Technician, Coppin State University, 2016
  • TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials 2015, oral presentation
  • Research assistant in the Department of Chemistry and the High Performance Polymers and Composites Center, Clark Atlanta University, 2014 - 2015
  • Quality Assurance Technician, Barbados Dairy Industries Ltd, 2011 - 2013
  • University of the West Indies Campus Research Day 2010, poster presentation 
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Sadie Kiendzior
smk8ud@virginia.edu
Degrees
B.S. Biology, University of Saint Joseph, 2018
Research Interests
Forensic analysis of nucleic acids, detection of microbial pathogens for forensic analysis, development and genetics.
Other Activities
  • ​First place for oral presentation at the Beta Beta Beta regional conference, 2018
  • Sr. Mary Consuela Mulcahy Founders’ Award in Biology, 2018
  • American Chemical Society award in Physical Chemistry, 2017
  • American Chemical Society award in Organic Chemistry, 2016
  • CRC Press First Year Achievement award in General Chemistry, 2015
Selected publications
Lambert, K. M., Z. D. Stempel, S. M. Kiendzior, A. L. Bartelson and W. F. Bailey (2017). "Enhancement of the Oxidizing Power of an Oxoammonium Salt by Electronic Modification of a Distal Group." The Journal of Organic Chemistry 82(21): 11440-11446.
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Renna Nouwairi
rln3bm@virginia.edu
Degrees
B.S. Chemistry (ACS Certified), Mathematics Minor, James Madison University, 2017
Research Interests
Forensic DNA analysis, bioanalytical chemistry, detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents, microfluidics and device fabrication.
Other Activities
  • Undergraduate Research Award, James Madison University, 2016
  • Service Award, James Madison University, 2016


Graduate Students
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Rachelle Turiello
rat3a@virginia.edu
Degrees
B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies: Bio-Cultural Hominid Anthropology, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
M.S. Forensic Science, Towson University
 
Research Interests
Forensic DNA phenotyping, centrifugal microfluidics, rapid SNP detection, epigenetic methods for human identification, microchip fabrications for human identification
Other Activities
  • Forensic Chemist, Prince George's County Police Department, 2018-2019
  • Qualified as an expert witness in Crime Scene Processing and Evidence Collection, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 2018
  • Graduate Adjunct Instructor, Forensic Science, Towson University, 2017-2019
  • Crime Laboratory Technician, Baltimore Police Department 2016-2018
  • Graduate Research Assistant, Towson University 2015-2016
  • American Academy of Forensic Science 68th-71st Annual Scientific Meetings, 2016-2019
  • Bode Cellmark Forensics 4th Mid-Atlantic DNA & Investigators Conference, 2015
  • Forensic Anthropology Intern, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, 2012
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Scott Karas
sk3ff@virginia.edu

Degrees
B.S. Biochemistry, Ohio University
M.S. Chemistry, University of Rhode Island

Research Interests
Bioanalytical Chemistry, Microfluidic Device Fabrication and Development, Chem/Bio Weapon Detection, Illicit Drug Detection
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Zachary Baker
zb3vj@virginia.edu

Degrees
B.S. Medicinal Biochemistry, Ethics Minor, Arizona State University, 2019
Research Interests
Microfluidics, Environmental Forensics, Separations, Ceramics
Other Activities
Heavy metal, the beach, anything with cheese in it.
Selected Publications
Evidente, V.; Baker, Z.; Evidente, M; Garrett, R.; Lambert, M.; Ponce, F. Orthostatic Tremor is Responsive to Bilateral Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation: Report of Two Cases Performed Asleep. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). (2018). 8: 566.
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Larissa Cunha
llc9t@virginia.edu

Degrees
B.S. Chemistry, University of South Carolina, 2019
B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 2013

Research interests
Drug Detection, Microchip Fabrication for Forensic Applications, Microfluidic
Separations, Forensic Chemistry, Detection of Chemical/Biological Weapons.

Other activities
  • Pharmacist in the Walmart Brazil Drugstore Division, 2013-2014.
  • Intern at Criminalistics Institute of Pernambuco (BR), working with detection of illicit drugs and body fluids, 2012.


Undergraduate Students
Isabella Mighell
Antea Cooper
Alvand Moini
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Major: Biochemistry
​Mentor: Leah Dignan
Major: Biochemistry
Mentor: Tiffany Layne
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Killian O'Connell
Madelyn Sita
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Major: Environmental Chemistry
​Mentor: Jamila Marshall Roberts
Laura Gustad
Hannah Lewis
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Major: Electrical Engineering
Mentor: Tiffany Layne
Major: Chemistry
Mentor: Shane Woolf
Nicola Lawless
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Kevyn Hadley
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Major: Biology
​Mentor: Killian O'Connell
Major: Chemistry
​Mentor: Shane Woolf


Alumni

Christopher Birch, PhD, Post-doctoral Fellow
Jingyi Li, PhD, Research Scientist
Charlie Clark, PhD​
​Shannon Krauss, PhD
Jacquelyn DuVall, PhD
Kimberly Jackson, PhD
​Hillary Sloan, PhD

​Kerui Xu, PhD
​Qian Liu, PhD
​Yiwen Ouyang, PhD
​Ling Huang, PhD
​Jian Wen, PhD
​Joan Bienvenue, PhD
​Lindsay Bazydlo, PhD
​Jessica Norris, PhD
​Daniel Marchiarullo, PhD
​Brian Poe, PhD
​Kyudam Oh, Ph.D
Briony C. Strachan, Ph.D
Jenny A. Lounsbury, Ph.D
Jingyi Li, Ph.D
Carmen R. Reedy, Ph.D
Kristin A. Hagan, Ph.D
James M. Karlinsey, Ph.D
Christopher J. Easley, Ph.D
Daniel C. Leslie, Ph.D

Brandon Thompson, PhD,  Post-doctoral Fellow
​Daniel Nelson, PhD, Post-doctoral Fellow
Francisco Lara, Ph.D, Post-doctoral Fellow
Murali Ghatkesar, Ph.D, Post-doctoral Fellow
​Mariana Almeida, Visiting Graduate Student
Juliane Cristina Borba, Visiting Graduate Student
Gabriela Duarte, Ph.D, Visiting Graduate Student
Annie Piland, Undergraduate
​Alexandra Markmann, Undergraduate
Sabrina Kim, Undergraduate
George Fairman, Undergraduate
Christopher Tomley, Undergraduate
​Liam Spears, Undergraduate
Kendall Jenkins, Undergraduate
​Victoria Holt, Undergraduate
Josh Shield, Undergraduate
​Sarah Wychoff, Undergraduate
Jacob Hughes, Undergraduate
Megan Taleg, Undergraduate
Casey Engel, Undergraduate
David Dent, Undergraduate
Morgan Carter, Undergraduate
Michael Do, Undergraduate
Brett A. Melnikoff, Undergraduate
Ibrahim Tora, Undergraduate
Mackenzie Long, Undergraduate
Michelle Sjostrom, Undergraduate
Anne Karlsson, Visiting Undergraduate
Alexis Chernish, Undergraduate


Contact Landers Research Group
jpl5e@virginia.edu
(434) 243-8658
375, 379, 395 Chemistry Building
McCormick Road
​Charlottesville, Va 22904
UVA Chemistry Department
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  • Home
  • Previous Research
    • Centrifugal Microdevices >
      • PET Chips
    • Clinical Diagnostics and Forensic Analysis >
      • Cell Sorting and Solid Phase Extraction >
        • Acoustic Differential Extraction
        • Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells
        • Enhanced Sperm Cell Recovery
        • Monolith Stationary Phase for Microfluidic DNA Purification
        • Nucleic Acid Purification in a Two-Stage, Dual-Phase Microchip
        • Large Volume Reduction Solid Phase Extraction
        • Plastic SPE Microdevices
      • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) >
        • Infrared PCR
        • Microwave PCR
      • Label-Free Optical Methods for DNA and Cell Quantification
      • DNA Extraction and PCR Amplification
    • Fluidic Control >
      • Passive Valving
    • Genetic Analysis >
      • A Fully Integrated Microfluidic Genetic Analysis Device for the Detection of Blood Cancers
      • Electric Field-Flow Fractionation for DNA Concentration
      • Acousto-Optic Tunable Fiber
    • Narcotics and Explosives Colorimetric Detection
  • People
  • Publications
  • Collaborators
  • Contact
  • Conferences