Professor Nicholas Kotov is a distinguished scholar and pioneering figure in the field of nanomaterials science, currently serving as Irving Langmuir Distinguished University Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering at the University of Michigan. His academic appointments span Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Macromolecular Science and Engineering, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. Born in Moscow in 1965, he earned his MS and PhD degrees in chemistry from Moscow State University before completing postdoctoral research at Syracuse University under Professor Janos Fendler. His career progression from assistant professor at Oklahoma State University to his current eminent position at Michigan demonstrates a trajectory of exceptional scholarly achievement and leadership in materials science.
Kotov's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of nanoscale self-assembly, demonstrating that the ability to self-organize into complex structures represents the unifying property of all inorganic nanostructures. His laboratory has developed biomimetic nanostructures that replicate natural hierarchical organization, leading to practical applications including ultrastrong nanocomposites for advanced armor, thinner lithium-ion batteries, safer paints, improved deep brain implants, and accurate cancer diagnostic tools. With over 91,000 citations of his work, his contributions to elucidating the mechanisms of nanoparticle interactions with light and discovering self-assembly pathways that mimic biomolecules have established foundational principles for the field. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementations, creating materials that solve critical challenges in sustainability, healthcare, and energy.
As a recognized leader in his field, Professor Kotov has received numerous prestigious honors including election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022 and the National Academy of Inventors in 2020. His current research focuses on developing nanoscale materials such as carbon nanotubes that can interface with neurons responsible for vision, potentially correcting sight problems through advanced biocompatible interfaces. Beyond his research, he serves as a vital mentor to early-career scientists and actively fosters international collaborations, as evidenced by his Global Chair Professor appointment at the University of Bath and the Memorandum of Understanding between Michigan and Bath to enhance research partnerships. His ongoing commitment to creating complex self-assembled materials for sustainability through biomimetic nanocomposites and chiral nanostructures continues to position him at the forefront of materials innovation worldwide.
