Andres Barrio-Zhang’s research focuses on nanoparticles, tiny particles of matter that are 1–100 nanometers in diameter. (For context, human hair is approximately 80,000–100,000 nanometers wide.) Nanotechnology uses these nanoparticles with major applications in medicine and biology, including the development of mRNA vaccines.

During his PhD, Barrio-Zhang designed and developed a new microscope which allows researchers to more thoroughly differentiate and identify specific nanoparticles, giving better information about the materials being analyzed. By enhancing standard microscopy techniques, researchers will gain greater understanding of these vital components and accelerate research critical to innovation.