Christopher Collier

Instrumentation

Microfluidic equipment.

Capabilities

The Collier Research Group uses laser and microfluidic equipment. The laser equipment provides ultrashort (sub picosecond) pulses which can be used for generating terahertz waves, which can pass through materials that are opaque to light and provide sensitive spectroscopy. The microfluidic equipment can fabricate lab-on-a-chip systems with micron-scale features.

Education and Employment Background

Dr. Christopher Collier received his B.A.Sc and PhD in electrical engineering from the University of British Columbia in 2011 and 2016, respectively. He is currently an Adjunct Professor with the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph.

Research Themes

Collier’s research focuses on applied optics and microsystems devices. These devices have several important applications in biological and biomedical engineering, which inform Collier’s research themes:

1. Spectral imaging. Terahertz wavelengths (wavelengths over 0.1-10 THz frequencies) have contributed strongly to spectroscopy and imaging in Biomedical and Biological Engineering. Collier's research has produced novel photoconductive terahertz technologies that integrate with microfluidic systems. This spectral imaging work is also being performed on technologies operating with visible light, through snapshot hyperspectral imaging. Collier's research group has developed novel hyperspectral imaging techniques for snapshot operation through Fourier analyses. Relevant journal articles published by the Collier Research Group can be found in IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement and Photonics.
2. Lab-on-a-chip microfluidic systems. These microsystems allow high throughput analyses of fluid samples for diagnostics and scientific pursuits. Traditionally, such systems are continuous-flow-based and make use of micropumps, microvalves, and other components. Collier has collaborated with industry to develop an electrophoresis-based device that uses continuous-flow microfluidics for detection of antibiotics in milk. Furthermore, a reconfigurable form of microfluidics has emerged whereby microdroplets are actuated on a two-dimensional planar structure using electric fields.Collier investigates these Digital Microfluidic systems and produced multiplexed systems scalable microdroplet actuation and sensing. Collier is applying his Digital Microfluidic devices for advancements in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. Relevant journal articles published by the Collier Research Group can be found in Scientific Reports (within the Nature Research publishing group), Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, and Applied Optics.
3. Optofluidic elements. Collier's research develops optofluidic elements that can be used to form adaptive lens arrays, whereby enhanced optical properties can be achieved in terms of aberration minimization and adaptive focusing. The technologies are developed as subunit optofluidic lenses (showing favourable properties when compared with their superunit counterparts) and in-plane cylindrical lenses (for future lab-on-a-chip integration). Relevant journal articles published by the Collier Research Group can be found in Applied Optics and OSA Continuum.

Highlights 

• NSERC Discovery Grant, 2017
• NSERC Engage Grants, 2017, 2018
• OCE Voucher for Innovation and Productivity, 2018
• John R. Evans Leaders Fund, Canada Foundation for Innovation, 2018
• Sustainable Food Engineering Grant, Barrett Family Foundation, 2019
• COVID-19 Research Development and Catalyst Fund, 2020
• Organizing committee member for 2018 CSBE/SCGAB Technical Conference

Media Coverage

CEPS News: Testing and Treating COVID-19
U of G Research Projects: Get $2.5 Million From Province
Guelph Mercury: U of Guelph researchers getting $335,000 in federal funding
CEPS Research Highlights: Chip Away Costs