LEADING RESEARCHER IN PLASMA MEDICINE JOINS ODU'S REIDY CENTER

One of the world's leading researchers in the biomedical applications of cold atmospheric plasmas has joined Old Dominion's Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics.

Michael Kong started at ODU back in October, after relocating from Loughborough University in England. He brings with him 10 years of research into the emerging field of plasma medicine, in which near room temperature plasmas are used to decontaminate surgical instruments, disinfect skin and living tissues, stimulate healing of chronic wounds and suppress tumor growth.

"I was impressed with his thought processes and the way he attacks problems," said Reidy Center director Richard Heller, who hosted Kong at a symposium in Norfolk this past summer. "I think he will be an excellent addition for working and collaborating with people already here, and also outside of the center and ODU."

Kong's research addresses medical issues using ultrashort pulsed electric fields in conjunction with cold atmospheric plasmas. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal papers and since 2000 has given more than 40 plenary/invited talks at major international conferences. He has been appointed as a Batten Endowed Chair in Bioelectric Engineering in the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology, and will do both teaching and research at the university.

Kong is the first of a handful of specialists in their field who have pledged to relocate to ODU in the next 12 months.

To continue reading, click here.