Faculty Directory

Kofinas, Peter

Kofinas, Peter

ChBE Professor and Chair
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Fischell Department of Bioengineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
2113D Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Building

Academic Appointments at the University of Maryland

  • Professor Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 7/2017 – present
  • Affiliate Appointments: Bioengineering, Materials Science and Engineering
  • Professor Fischell Department of Bioengineering 7/2006 – 6/2017
  • Associate Professor Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 7/2002 - 6/2006
  • Associate Professor Materials Science and Engineering 7/2001 - 6/2002
  • Assistant Professor Materials Science and Engineering 8/1996 - 6/2001
Administrative Appointments at the University of Maryland
  • Chair Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 7/2017 - present
  • Associate Dean A James Clark School of Engineering 9/2012 – 9/2017
  • Associate Chair Fischell Department of Bioengineering 7/2006 - 8/2012
  • Director of Graduate Studies Fischell Department of Bioengineering 7/2006 - 8/2012
Other Employment
  • M.I.T., Cambridge, MA Post-Doc. Chemical Engineering 7/94 - 6/1996
Educational Background

Massachusetts Institute of Technology  (M.I.T.)     Cambridge, MA 

  • Ph.D.  Materials Science & Engineering  (Program in Polymer Science & Technology) 1994
  • M.S.  Chemical Engineering Practice 1989 
  • B.S.  Chemical Engineering 1989

Research Fellowships, Prizes and Awards

  • Senior Outstanding Research Award 2012, A. James Clark School of Engineering, U. of Maryland
  • Outstanding Invention of 2007, Office of Technology Commercialization, U. of Maryland
  • Outstanding Invention of 2001, Office of Technology Commercialization, U. of Maryland
  • CAREER Award, National Science Foundation, 1999
Teaching Awards
  • Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program Mentor 2014-2015, Office of Undergraduate Studies, U. of Maryland
  • Engaged Faculty Award 2011, A. James Clark School of Engineering, U. of Maryland
  • University of Maryland “Keystone Professor”: The Clark School Academy of Distinguished Professors, 2005 –2012
  • A. James Clark School of Engineering, U. of Maryland, Junior Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award, 1999
Service Awards and Honors
  • Faculty Outstanding Service Award 2013, A. James Clark School of Engineering, U. of Maryland
Recent Synergistic Activities
  • Have mentored over 80 undergraduates in research
  • Have graduated 21 PhD students, 3 of my students have faculty positions
  • Symposium Organizer: E-MRS, Strasbourg France (5/2017), “Design and hierarchical assemblies of nanomaterials”
  • GEM Fellowship Representative U. of Maryland – STEM recruiting of Underrepresented Minority Students 2013-2017

 

Solution blow spun functional polymer fibera as surgical sealants; solid, non-flammable, solid polymer electrolytes for lithium ion batteries; functional magnetodielectric polymer nanocomposites for flexible antennas; photonics crystal biosensors for detection of pathogens, and point-of-care diagnostics.


  • Safe high performance solid polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries
  • Additively manufactured Low loss polymer nanoparticle composites for radio frequency devices
  • Synthetic functional polymer hydrogel for hemorrhage control
  • Point of care diagnostics for hyperammonemia and aminoacidopathies
  • Reagentless thin film nanostructured biosensor for pathogen detection
  • Photonic crystal biosensors

For more information, please visit fml.umd.edu

 

 

CHBE457 Design and Processing of Polymers for Biomedical Devices

“Hybrid 3D Printing of Synthetic and Cell-Laden Bioinks for Shape Retaining Soft Tissue Grafts”, S. Van Belleghem, L. Torres Jr, M. Santoro, B. Mahadik, A. Wolfand, P. Kofinas, and John P. Fisher, Advanced Functional Materials,1907145, 2019.    DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201907145
 
“Structurally colored protease responsive nanoparticle hydrogels with degradation-directed assembly”, L. Torres Jr,  J.L. Daristotle, O.B. Ayyub, B.M. Bellato Meinhardt, H. Garimella, A. Margaronis, S. Seifert, N.M. Bedford,T.J. Woehl, and P. Kofinas, Nanoscale, 11, 17904-17912, 2019.    DOI:10.1039/C9NR04624K
 
“Improving the Adhesion, Flexibility, and Hemostatic Efficacy of a Polymer Blend Surgical Sealant by Incorporating Silica Particles”
J. L. Daristotle, S. T. Zaki, L. W. Lau, L. Torres Jr, A. Zografos, P. Srinivasan, O. B. Ayyub, A. D. Sandler, and P. Kofinas  Acta Biomaterialia,  90, 205-216, 2019.
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.04.015
 
“Multistage Chemical Heating for Instrument-Free Biosensing” J.P. Goertz, K. M. Colvin,A.B. Lippe, J.L. Daristotle, P. Kofinas, I.M. White
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 10(39), 33043–33048, 2018  DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b11611
 
“Spray Processed Composites with High Conductivity and Elasticity”
M. Vural, A.M. Behrens, W. Hwang, J.J. Ayoub, D. Chasser, A.W. Cresce, R.M. Briber, and P. Kofinas ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 10, 13953-13962, 2018.
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b00068
 
“Zeolite-loaded alginate-chitosan hydrogel beads as a topical hemostat” P. Fathi, M.J. Sikorski, K. Christodoulides, K.R. Langan, Y. S. Choi, J.M. Titcomb, A.S. Ghodasara, O.A. Wonodi, H. Thaker, M. Vural, A.M. Behrens, and P. Kofinas. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B - Applied Biomaterials, 106(5), 1662-1671, 2018. 
DOI:10.1002/jbm.b.33969 PMID: 28842967
 
 “A magnetically recoverable photocatalyst prepared by supporting TiO2 nanoparticles on a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocluster core@fibrous silica shell nanocomposite”
Bokyung Seo, Chaedong Lee, Donggeon Yoo, Peter Kofinas, Yuanzhe Piao.
Royal Society of Chemistry Advances 7, 9587, 2017.   DOI: 10.1039/c6ra27907d
 
“Solution Blow Spun Polymer: A Novel Pre-Clinical Surgical Sealant for Bowel Anastomoses” N.G. Kern, A.M. Behrens, P. Srinivasan, C.T. Rossi, J.L. Daristotle, P. Kofinas, A.D. Sandler. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 52, 1308-1312, 2017.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.11.044 PMCID: PMC5459684
 
“A review of the fundamental principles and applications of solution blow spinning”
J.L. Daristotle, A.M. Behrens, A.D. Sandler, and P. Kofinas.   ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8 (51), 34951–34963, 2016.
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b12994  PubMed PMID: 27966857
 
“Protein Adsorption on Chemically Modified Block Copolymer Nanodomains: Influence of Charge and Flow” J.S. Silverstein, B.J. Casey, P. Kofinas, B.J. Dair.  Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 16(2), 1460-1470, 2016.  DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2016.10895
 
“Stretchable Magneto-dielectric Composites Based on Raspberry-Shaped Iron Oxide Nanostructures” M. Vural, O. Gerber, B.P. Pichon, S. Lemonier, E. Barraud, L.C. Kempel, S. Begin-Colin, and P. Kofinas, Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 4, 2345, 2016.  DOI: 10.1039/c6tc00419a
 
“Rapid Fabrication of Poly(DL-lactide) Nanofiber Scaffolds with Tunable Degradation for Tissue Engineering Applications by Air-brushing” A.M. Behrens, J. Kim, N. Hotaling, J. Seppala, P. Kofinas, W. Tutak. Biomedical Materials, 11, 035001, 2016.  DOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/11/3/035001 PMCID: PMC4963247
 
“Core/Shell Iron/Oxide Nanoparticles for Improving the Magneto-Dielectric Properties of Polymer Composites” T-I Yang, C-Y Chuang, S-C Yang, L.C. Kempel, and P. Kofinas.
Advanced Engineering Materials, 18(1), 2016.  DOI: 10.1002/adem.201500234
 
“Biodegradable Polymer Blend Based Surgical Sealant with Body Temperature Mediated Adhesion” A.M. Behrens, N.G. Lee, B.J. Casey, P. Srinivasan, M.J. Sikorski, J.L. Daristotle, A. D. Sandler, and P. Kofinas.  Advanced Materials, 27, 8056–8061, 2015.  DOI: 10.1002/adma.201503691 PMCID: PMC4961426
 
“Enzyme Induced Degradation Stiffening in Hydrogels with Structural Color” 
O.B. Ayyub, and P Kofinas.  ACS Nano, 9 (8), 8004–8011, 2015.   DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b01514 PMID: 26196060
 
“Simple and Inexpensive Quantification of Ammonia in Whole Blood”
O.B. Ayyub, A.M. Behrens, B.T. Heligman, M.E. Natoli, J.J. Ayoub, G. Cunningham, M. Summar, and P. Kofinas. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, 115, 95–100, 2015.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2015.04.004 PMID: 25936660 PMCID: PMC4462127
 
“Sprayable Elastic Conductors Based on Block Copolymer Silver Nanoparticle Composites” M. Vural, A. M. Behrens, O. B. Ayyub, J. J. Ayoub, and P. Kofinas.
ACS Nano, 9(1), 336-344, 2015. DOI: 10.1021/nn505306h PMCID: PMC4310637
 
“Synthesis and Characterization of Microphase Separated Primary Amine Functionalized Polystyrene-b-Poly(2-vinylpyridine) Polymer” O.B. Ayyub, M.B. Ibrahim, and P. Kofinas. Polymer, 55, 6227-6231, 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2014.10.005
 
“Hemostatic Strategies for Traumatic and Surgical Bleeding” A.M. Behrens, M.J. Sikorski, and P. Kofinas. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 102(11), 4182-4194, 2014.
DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35052 PMID: 24307256.
 
“In situ Deposition of PLGA Nanofibers via Solution Blow Spinning” A.M. Behrens, B.J. Casey, M.J. Sikorski, K. Wu, W. Tutak, A, Sandler, and P. Kofinas. 
ACS Macro Letters, 3(3), 249-254, 2014. DOI: 10.1021/mz500049x
 
“Nanostructured Flexible Magneto-dielectrics for Radio Frequency Applications” M.Vural, B. Crowgey, L. Kempel, and P. Kofinas. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2, 756-763, 2014.
DOI:10.1039/C3TC32113D
 
“Blood Aggregating Hydrogel Microparticles for Use as a Hemostatic Agent” A.M. Behrens, M.J. Sikorski, T. Li, Z. J. Wu, B.P. Griffith, and P. Kofinas. 
Acta Biomaterialia, 10(2) 701–708, 2014.  DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.10.029 PMID: 24185001
 
“The cell release kinetics and the swelling behavior of physically crosslinked xanthanchitosan hydrogels in simulated gastrointestinal conditions” S. Argin, P. Kofinas, Y. Martin Lo. Food Hydrocolloids, 40, 138-144, 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2014.02.018
 
“Enzymatic Activity Preservation and Protection through Entrapment within Degradable Hydrogels” A. Mariani, M. Natoli, and P. Kofinas. 
Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 10(11), 2994-3002, 2013. DOI:10.1002/bit.24971 PMID: 23744741
 
“In vivo and In Vivo Evaluation of Polymer Hydrogels for Hemorrhage Control”
B.J. Casey, A.M. Behrens, Z.I. Tsinas, J.R. Hess, Z.J. Wu, B.P. Griffith, and P. Kofinas.
Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 24(15), 1781-1793, 2013. DOI:10.1080/09205063.2013.801707 PMID: 21058718
 
“Self-Assembled Block Copolymer Photonic Crystal for Selective Fructose Detection” O.B. Ayyub, M.B. Ibrahim, R.M. Briber, and P. Kofinas.
Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 46, 124-129, 2013.
DOI:10.1016/j.bios.2013.02.025 PMID: 23531858
 
“Investigating  polymer thiolation in gene delivery” 
I. Bacalocostantis, V. Mane, M. Kang M., A. Goodley, S. Muro, W.E. Bentley, and P. Kofinas, 
Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 24(8), 912-926, 2013. DOI:10.1080/09205063.2012.727266 PMID: 23647248
 

Bill Weigand, Former ChBE Faculty Member, Dies at 84

Bill Weigand, who had served as a professor at the University of Maryland, where he retired, has passed away.

Giving Students "Space" for Galactic Discovery, and a Launch into Research

Among the precious cargo launching to the ISS aboard SpaceX CRS-26 is an experiment designed by UMD students.

New Research Could Improve Post-Operative Patient Outcomes

$1.6M NIH grant supports research to investigate sprayable polymer blends for preventing site-specific surgical adhesions.

Dongxia Liu Promoted to Professor with Tenure

Liu's promotion will go into effect in August.

Taylor Woehl Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure

Promotion will go into effect later this summer.

Ganesh Sriram Wins 2022 Poole & Kent Teaching Award for Senior Faculty

Sriram will be honored at the spring commencement ceremony.

Jesse Matthews is 2021 Undergraduate Researcher of the Year and NSF GRFP Recipient

Matthews, advised by Peter Kofinas, will start his Ph.D. program at Stanford in the fall.

Chemical Engineering at Maryland On the Rise

2022 USNWR Graduate Rankings put ChemE at Maryland at #19.

UMD and FDA Researchers Collaborate to Bolster Battery Safety for Medical Devices

Team will advance regulatory science research and understanding of polymeric battery chemistry.

Holding ESTEEM in High Regard

Peter Kofinas and Jesse Matthews team up to mentor high school students in a program hosted by the UMD Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering.  

2020 Undergraduate Honors and Awards

Sixty-eight undergraduate students from the A. James Clark School of Engineering were recognized with 2020 Annual Engineering Honors and Awards.

Four Terps Named 2020 Goldwater Scholars

Jesse Matthews, a chemical engineering major, is a recipient.

Clark School Engineers Create Solutions for a Crisis

Engineering labs pivot to produce and distribute hand sanitizer and surgical masks.

Kathy Gardinier Recognized for 30 Years of Service

Gardinier honored the 2019 Clark School of Engineering Staff Service Awards.

UMD Faculty Awarded ED Grant to Increase Doctoral Degrees in Areas of National Need

The nine-year award is part of ED's Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program, also known as GAANN.

ChBE Faculty Member Promoted to Associate Professor

Dongxia Liu has recently been promoted to Associate Professor, with tenure.

Olivia Noble Recognized by the Clark School of Engineering

Noble received an award at a ceremony April 26 for her 20 years of service to UMD.

UMD Students Receive 2018 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Fellows, advised by Marina Leite and Peter Kofinas, will receive $34k each over a 3-year period.

UMD Students Encourage Fellow Academics to Get Moving

Joey Hurm and Tanner Pfendner organize calisthenics club to promote fitness, decrease stress. 

Peter Kofinas Will Serve as Next Chair of ChBE

Effective July 1, Sheryl Ehrman will depart for San Jose State University.

Clark School Alum Named to Forbes "30 Under 30: Healthcare" List

Adam Behrens (BIOE, Ph.D. '15; ChBE, B.S. '10) recognized for work in vaccine and diagnostic testing development.

Kofinas Awarded Patent for Flexible Batteries

Polymer solid electrolyte could make batteries safer, smaller, and less expensive

Sloan Foundation Funds Program of Exemplary Mentoring

Program will improve recruitment, retention of talented minority Ph.D. students.

Alumnus Promotes Do-It-Yourself Solutions for Labs in Developing Nations

Tekla Labs provides free guides for making equipment from locally available materials.

Dominion Resources Supports Lab Upgrade

$30K gift supports purchase of new heat exchanger station for chemical engineering unit ops facility.

Fisher Wins Electrochemical Society Travel Award

Grad student to present battery research in Hawaii in October.

Clark School Wins Major Research Instrumentation Awards

NSF funding for research to improve spray technology, creation of x-ray center for nano research.

SafeLiCell Takes 2nd in $100K ACC Clean Energy Challenge

Clark School-based company receives $15,000 to improve safety of lithium batteries.

ChBE Graduate Research Awards Announced

Winners will represent department in college-level competition.

Battery Team Heading for $100K ACC Clean Energy Challenge Finals

Watch SafeLiCell pitch new venture based on safe, solid-state polymer electrolyte-based batteries.

Fisher Paper Among Top 25 "Hottest Articles"

Publication ranks as one of Journal of Power Sources' most downloaded.

Clark School ENGAGED Faculty Announced

The first class of Clark School ENGAGED Faculty are announced.

Alumna Wins NSF-CAREER Award

Pinar Akcora will develop synthesis, processing methods for versatile nanocomposites.

Fisher Attends Ionic Liquids Conference

Travel supported by Hendricks Research Fellowship.

Behrens Part of Winning Business Plan Competition Team

Undergraduate developing new blood-clotting, rug-delivering material.

Behrens Wins Outstanding ASPIRE Student Research Award

Junior recognized for work in blood-coagulating hydrogels.

Fisher Named John and Maureen Hendricks Energy Research Fellow

Fellowship benefits Great Expectations campaign.

Akcora Joins Missouri Faculty

Alumna now an assistant professor of chemical engineering.

Renewal of Funding for Ghosh, Battery Research

Grad student wins second Wells Fellowship.

Ghosh Wins Wells Fellowship

Endowment supports energy research, Great Expectations campaign.

"Virus Sponge" Could Improve Flu Treatments

New discovery can filter a patient's blood in a process similar to dialysis.

Polymer Symposium Showcases Student Research

Event promotes interaction between research groups.

No More Broken Antennas

Clark School engineers create flexible antenna material.

Professor Kofinas Awarded Grant from the Air Force

Professor Peter Kofinas was recently awarded a single investigator grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

$50K Business Plan Competition Semifinalists Announced

The 16 semifinalist teams include university faculty, students, and young alumni.

Kofinas selected as Keystone Professor

Professor Peter Kofinas has been selected as one of six founding Clark School of Engineering Keystone Professors