Bryce Kramer | Electron Transport and Conductivity in DNA

As technology pushes computer processors to become smaller and denser, processor chip manufacturers are trying to find ways to make transistors smaller and smaller. However, current transistor designs are becoming increasingly difficult to squeeze into smaller and smaller areas without compromising the integrity of the transistors. As a result, a new candidate has gained attention for its potential uses in many areas, especially nanotechnology: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

DNA has many properties that make it a potential candidate for nanotechnology including its ability to self-assemble, which can allow easier fabrication on the nano-scale. However, studies have also shown DNA to have insulating, conducting, semi-conducting, and superconducting properties given different conditions. 

These findings, as well as other known factors about DNA, are leading researchers to study DNA's potential in different aspects of nanotechnology, such as potentially being a semiconductor within a nanoscale, self-assembling transistor. This project will investigate electron transport and conductivity in DNA molecules. 

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Yong Joe

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Undergraduate