Dr. Chad Mirkin

Professor

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Biography

Chad Mirkin is the George B. Rathmann Professor at Northwestern Engineering and Director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology. His research focuses on fundamental and applied nanoscience, nanomaterials, nanobiotechnology, and nanomedicine. He specializes in developing methods to control the architecture of molecules and materials on a scale of 1-100 nm, utilizing structures and analytical tools for chemical and biological sensing, lithography, catalysis, and optics. Mirkin has pioneered the use of biomolecules as synthons in materials science, specifically in colloidal crystal engineering involving DNA, and has contributed to the development of nanoparticle-based biodiagnostics and therapeutics. His work has laid the foundation for commercial applications in detection, lithography, and materials discovery. He has received significant awards, including the 2024 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience and the 2023 King Faisal Prize.

Research Interests

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.