Welcome to the Shah Research Group

Dr. Shah’s research group uses nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to develop simple, non-destructive, rapid sensors for food safety, catalysis, art conservation, and pharmaceutical applications. Our research focuses on understanding the interaction of molecules with nanoparticle surfaces to develop ultra-sensitive, reproducible, reliable sensors. We use SERS to identify functional groups, determine the limit of detection, and develop methods to detect molecules in complex environments. We are an undergraduate research lab that develops scientist’s by exposing students to a variety of research laboratory skills including nanoparticle fabrication, spectroscopy, optics, analytical chemistry, and method development techniques.