Molecular biologist earns outstanding Air Force scientist award

  • Published
  • By Pete Meltzer, Jr.
  • AFRL Materials & Manufacturing Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Dr. Rajesh R. Naik of the Air Force Research Laboratory has received the Outstanding Air Force Scientist Award (Mid-Career Civilian Category) in recognition of his significant scientific achievements in the area of biologically-inspired and derived materials.

The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate scientist was recognized for important research contributions within the organization's Survivability and Sensor Materials Division (Hardened Materials Branch) as well as the Nonmetallic Materials Division's Nanostructured and Biological Materials Branch, where he currently works. He was cited for the discovery of novel biologically-derived metal nanoparticles that can be produced in a clean, cost-efficient way without harming the environment.

Dr. Naik was also recognized for performing the first-ever investigation aimed at developing a low-temperature, chemical conversion process. He won a patent for this work, paving the way for revolutionary, new methods for disruptive technologies of material synthesis and device fabrication for the Air Force.

Dr. Naik is an internationally-recognized expert in creating biomimetic approaches for material synthesis. His research interests also include biomineralization, protein self-assembly, nanostructured materials, and protein engineering. Biomimetics investigates how nature organizes materials or uses biological macromolecules to gain a particular function; for example, how biology senses electromagnetic radiation outside the visible region.

Materials science employs biotechnology to create unique polymeric materials and enable a better understanding of processes like biomineralization. Biologically-derived molecules, for example, serve as catalysts, motors, and binding agents. Dr. Naik and his associates have explored ways to apply these activities to traditional silicon-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, which open new opportunities for the Air Force. 

The biotechnology effort within AFRL began about 10 years ago. Initially focusing on snake-based infrared detection, the program expanded to encompass the broader potential biotechnology possesses when integrated with materials science. This growth has been incremental, beginning with an expansion into other biological models of infrared detection such as the beetle Melanophila acuminata and bacterial thermo-responsive proteins.

In 1999, researchers began working on polymeric micro-fabrication, so that proteins uncovered in the infrared portion of the program could be maintained and presented in vitro. In addition that year, a proposal was submitted to examine biological chromophores. The rationale for undertaking this research effort centered on synthetic chromophores used in Air Force applications, although almost no research had been directed at the thousands of chromophores that exist in nature. Finally, in 2000, work was initiated in biological inorganics and soon it became possible to examine the biocatalysis of inorganics in vitro.

Inorganics play a substantial role in Air Force systems due to their favorable electronic and thermal properties. The ability to control their formation represents a technology advancement that could revolutionize Air Force materials science.

Dr. Naik earned his Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from the University of Bombay, India (1990); Master of Science degree in molecular microbiology from Duquense University, Pittsburg, Pa. (1992); and Doctor of Philosophy in genetics/molecular biology from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg (1998). He was a Howard Hughes Research Fellow at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine, in Piscataway, N.J., from 1998-1999.

Dr. Naik has held key research positions at AFRL, been a guest lecturer, and has served as an adjunct faculty member at Wright State University, Ohio, and The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Dr. Naik has more than 80 published works. He has completed nearly 100 formal presentations at conferences and other technical gatherings and has earned several honors, including two Air Force Office of Scientific Research "Star Team" awards, a Civilian Achievement Award, and a special recognition award from BioOhio, a non-profit organization designed to build and accelerate bioscience industry, research, and education in Ohio.