Kathy (Seul) Ku

Materials Science and Engineering
Northwestern University
Room 1141, Cook Hall
2220 Campus Drive
Evanston IL, 60208-3108

Phone:	(847) 491-7798 (L)
Facsimile:	(847) 467-6573

Educational Background

Hi, my name is Kathy Ku and I am currently a senior at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Research Objectives and Approaches

By using different synthesis methods, nanoparticles can acquire different shapes along with various magnetic properties. Utilizing the idea that the magnetic properties can be altered without changing the chemical makeup of the nanoparticles, my research is aimed at evaluating the shape and size dependant magnetic characteristics of nanoparticles and their effects on cancerous cells. HeLa cells will be used to determine the toxicity of the nanoparticles and using the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles, they can be imaged via confocal microscopy to determine the optimum concentrations for passive cellular uptake. These optimum conditions will be determined so that the electromagnetic properties of the nanoparticles can be used to induce hyperthermia in cancerous cells via radio frequency (RF) heating by maximizing the magnetic relaxivity of the particles.

References, Publications, and Future directions

I hope to use the knowledge and skills acquired during my stay at the lab to further explore the boundaries of nanotechnology when I attend college.