Alexander Star

Alexander Star is a prominent researcher and professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Here are some key details about his background and work:

Academic Positions

Alexander Star currently holds the position of Professor of Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Pittsburgh.13 His career progression at the university includes:

• Assistant Professor from 2005 to 2011
• Associate Professor from 2011 to 2015
• Full Professor from 2015 to present

Research Focus

Professor Star's research primarily focuses on:

• Carbon nanotubes
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical sensors
• Biosensors
• Diagnostics

He is particularly known for his work on carbon nanotube-based chemical sensors and drug delivery systems.1

Notable Achievements

• Awarded a NSF CAREER Award in 2010 for a project on graphitic nanocapsules1
• Named Section Editor-in-Chief for "Biosensors" in the journal Sensors in 20101
• Received the University of Pittsburgh's Innovator Award in 20141
• Developed a rapid COVID-19 antigen test in 2021, which gained media attention2
• Won the $100,000 grand prize from the Pitt Innovation Challenge in 2019 for developing a one-minute HIV test1

Recent Work

In recent years, Professor Star has been involved in developing innovative diagnostic tools, including:

• A marijuana breathalyzer (2019)
• A rapid COVID-19 antigen test (2021)
• A one-minute HIV test (2019)

These projects demonstrate his commitment to applying nanotechnology and chemical sensing to practical medical diagnostics.

Alexander Star's work continues to push the boundaries of nanotechnology and its applications in chemistry, bioengineering, and medical diagnostics at the University of Pittsburgh.