Dr. Rickard’s research interests are in the use of nanowire arrays for thermal management and the development of chemical and biological sensors. Nanowire arrays are composed of vertically aligned wires much like the bristles in a hair brush. The individual nanowires are approximately 1/1000 the thickness of a human hair. Matter at these dimensions have exceptional electronic and optical properties that enable the development of devices with new and unique characteristics. In addition, Dr. Rickard is involved in the development of innovative curriculum material for introductory college chemistry.