Michael Zachariah

Michael Zachariah, professor of mechanical engineering and chemistry, pioneered the development of new characterization tools for studying nanoparticles and use of these tools to further our understanding of the properties of nanoparticles in these fields. A significant contribution of Zachariah’s was the development of a one-of-a-kind mass spectrometer to study ultra-fast condensed state reactions. His research group has been working on the development of ion-mobility methods for characterization of nanoparticles, with applications for nanomedicine, global climate changes and new materials for energy. He has also pursued making new nanoparticle-based materials for drug delivery and energetic materials applications. Finally, Zachariah is also noted for having a tremendous impact on his doctoral and post-doctoral students as their mentor. Zachariah received his B.S. in biochemistry, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, from the University of California, Los Angeles.