Kristen L Steffens (Fed)

My current research focuses on the characterization of surfaces using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Most recently, I have been involved in two projects involving the biofunctionalization of various surfaces for selective protein binding. In addition, I have looked at adhesion behavior of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody to various bio-relevant surfaces. I have also been a part of many other projects, performing XPS to characterize a variety of samples, including Si and C nanowires, isotopically-enriched Si, and atomic layer deposited H₃N₄ and TiN films. Prior to my surface study work, I used planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) and optical emission techniques to investigate the gas-phase chemistry behavior in fluorocarbon plasmas used in semiconductor oxide etching. I also serve as the caretaker of the multi-user XPS instrument and am the laser safety representative for my division. 

Selected Publications:

• Vaish, A; Silin, V; Walker, ML; Steffens, KL; Krueger, S; Yeliseev, AA; Gawrisch, K; Vanderah, DJ, "A generalized strategy for immobilizing uniformly oriented membrane proteins at solid interfaces," Chemical Communications 49 (26), 2013 pp.2685-2687.
• Williams, EH; Schreifels, JA; Rao, MV; Davydov, AV; Oleshko, VP; Lin, NJ; Steffens, KL; Krylyuk, S; Bertness, KA; Manocchi, AK; Koshka, Y, "Selective streptavidin bioconjugation on silicon and silicon carbide nanowires for biosensor applications," J. Materials Research 28 (1) 2013 pp. 68-77.
• Williams, EH; Davydov, AV; Motayed, A; Sundaresan, SG; Bocchini, P; Richter, LJ; Stan, G; Steffens, K; Zangmeister, R; Schreifels, JA; Rao, MV, "Immobilization of streptavidin on 4H-SiC for biosensor development," Applied Surface Science 258 (16) 2012 pp. 6056-6063.