Principal Investigator
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
Patricia White
phw7t@virginia.edu
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Christopher Birch
cb2xj@virginia.edu
​https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-birch-0800679
Degrees
MCHEM in chemistry with forensic science, University of Hull
PhD in microfluidics and molecular diagnostics, Hull York medical school and the Department of Biology
Research interests
My research is focused on the development of microfluidic technologies for use in nucleic amplification methodologies in both a forensic and clinical setting. During my PhD, I was involved in developing porous monolithic materials for incorporation into these systems to act as a sample interface between the real world and the microfluidic domain. In addition, these materials were designed for isolating the DNA of both humans and infectious organisms. I am currently working with centrifugal microfluidics, contributing towards a fully-integrated human DNA profiler. The entails the development of individual assays, such as DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction and separation, and their subsequent integration on an individual microfluidic device.
Teaching areas
Analytical chemistry, molecular biology and forensic science.
other activities
 I am a keen musician and enjoy playing various open mic nights with my guitar. I find it an amazing way to relax at the end of the night and having an audience respond positively to your own music is an unbelievable feeling. I enjoy watching sports, particularly boxing, soccer and football, and often travel to sports events with friends. ​
selected publications
  • Integrated DNA extraction and amplification using electrokinetic pumping in a microfluidic device.  J. Parton, C. Birch, C. Kemp, S. J. Haswell, N. Pamme, K. J. Shaw, Anal. Methods, 2012, 4, 96-100; DOI:   10.1039/C1AY05552F
  • Direct processing of clinically relevant large volume samples for the detection of sexually transmitted infectious agents from urine on microfluidic device.  C. Kemp, C. Birch, K. J. Shaw, G. J. Nixon, P. T. Docker, J. Greenman, J. F. Huggett, S. J. Haswell, C. A. Foy, C. E. Dyer, Anal. Methods, 2012, 4, 2141-4;  DOI:  10.1039/C2AY25075F
  • Microsystems for personalised bimolecular diagnostics.  K. J. Shaw, C. Birch, E. Hughes, A. Jakes, S. J. Haswell, Engineering in Life Sciences, 2011, 2, 121-32;  DOI:  10.1002/elsc.201000175
PhD Candidates
Charlie Clark
cpc4wg@virginia.edu
degrees
PhD, Chemistry, University of Virginia, 2019 (anticipated)
B.S. Chemistry, The College of William and Mary, 2014
research interests
Forensic microfluidics, acoustophoretic separations, colorimetric assays, microfluidic mixing, microfluidic valving, clinical microfluidics.
other activities
  • Recipient of the Eric Buel Memorial Award, Gordon Research Conference, 2018
  • Awarded 1st place for the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition at UVA, 2018
  • Dissertation Year Fellow for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, 2018
  • Recipient of Frank Finger fellowship for teaching, 2015-16
  • Awarded Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, chemistry department 2015-16
  • PhD Candidate - With Distinction
  • Head TA for general chemistry labs at UVA
  • Representative for SAGE (Student Advocates for Graduate Education)
  • Invited speaker, UVA Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) annual workshop, 2015 &2016
  • Invited speaker, 2016 Innovation in Pedagogy Summit
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
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
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
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
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
Graduate Students
Jamila Marshall
​jsm2dg@virginia.edu
Degrees
MSc Chemistry, Clark Atlanta University, 2015 
​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 
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.
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
Undergraduate Students
Sabrina Kim
Isabella Mighell
Rachel Moffet
Major: Biology,
​Global Security & Justice
​Mentor: Shane Woolf
Major: Biochemistry
​Mentor: Charlie Clark
Major: Biology
​Mentor: Shane Woolf
Annie Piland
Alvand Moini
Christopher Tomley
 Major: Biology
​Mentor: Tiffany Layne
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Killian O'Connell
Major: Biochemistry
Mentor: Leah Dignan
Haley Blair
Major: Chemistry
​Mentor: Tiffany Layne
Natalie Collins
Major: Biochemistry
​Mentor: Shane Woolf
Paolo Maltez
Major: Electrical Engineering
Mentor: Anchi Tsuei
George Fairman
Major: Chemistry
Mentor: Killian O'Connell
Hannah Lewis
Major: Chemistry
Mentor: Shane Woolf
Antea Cooper
Major: Biochemistry
​& Molecular Genetics
Mentor: Anchi Tsuei
Nicola Lawless
Kevyn Hadley
Sardi Johnson
Major: Biology
​Mentor: Anchi Tsuei
Major: Chemistry
​Mentor: Shane Woolf
Major: Chemistry & Spanish
​Mentor: Killian O'Connell
Alumni
Jingyi Li, PhD, Research Scientist
​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
Alexandra Markmann, 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