Chad A. Mirkin

Scientist working in nanocscale materials science, whose DNA-directed assembly of nanocrystals initiated worldwide effort to explore potential of combining artificial inorganic nanoparticles with biological macromolecules. Identified new properties of nanocomposite materials, which led to detection schemes for DNA, RNA, proteins, and bio-barcode assay. Inventor of Dip-Pen Nanolithography, which aligns two-dimensional molecule-based structures with sub-50 nanometer spatial resolution. Developed Weak-Link Approach to supramolecular coordination. One of the most cited chemists in the world over past decade (Thomson-Reuters). Received Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology (2002) and the MIT Lemelson Prize (2009). Member, President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).