The Daniel Research Team investigates phenomena at biological interfaces and chemically patterned surfaces that interact with soft matter – liquids; polymers; and biological materials, like cells, viruses, proteins, and lipids. Our team pioneered the use of “biomembrane chips” to conduct cell-free studies examining the interactions between biological “pathogenic” nanoparticles, including viruses, bacterial outer membrane vesicles, and oncogenic extracellular vesicles, with cell membrane surfaces. Our focus is to elucidate how these interactions lead to specific biological outcomes like infection, disease, biofilm development, antibiotic activity, and tumor and tissue growth. The Daniel group’s most recent work leverages biomembrane chips for synthetic cellular biomanufacturing in “organelles-on-a-chip” to produce therapeutic biomolecules. Recently we extended this platform to integrate bioelectronic devices that enable dual optical and electrical information readout of membrane disruption and ion channel function. Susan believes that access to education for all people is necessary to cultivate the creativity and excellence required to pursue this research and is committed to the promotion of inclusive and empowering environments in all aspects of education and STEM research.