Probing Tissues and Molecules
Advances in BioAFM techniques and technologies enable the investigation of mechanics, structures, and dynamic processes
A workshop co-hosted by Northwestern University and Bruker
September 22-23, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Discover the Latest Advances in BioAFM Technology
Bruker is pleased to co-host a BioAFM Workshop in collaboration with Northwestern University on September 22-23, 2026. During this free two-day event, presentations from distinguished research groups as well as applications expert, Dr. Ming Ye (Bruker) will be provided, showcasing the unique and powerful capabilities of the technique.
We will also provide hands-on demonstrations with Bruker’s NanoWizard V BioAFM. If interested in providing samples or in presenting on your nanomechanical research, please register online and email Rick Kitadai at hikari.kitadai@bruker.com.
Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot. We hope to see you there!
Agenda — Tuesday, September 22
| Time | Session | Speaker |
| 10:00AM | Registration, Coffee | |
| 10:20AM | Opening Remarks | |
| 10:30AM | Accelerating Scientific Breakthroughs with NUANCE: Infrastructure, Expertise, and Impact | Dr. Gajendra S. Shekhawat, Northwestern University |
| 11:00AM | From Molecules to Cells: Exploring the Latest Advances in Mechanobiology with BioAFM | Dr. Ming Ye, Bruker |
| 12:00AM | Lunch (provided) | |
| 1:00PM | Bruker’s NanoWizard V BioAFM Demonstration | |
| 5:00PM | End of Day 1 |
Agenda — Wednesday, September 23
| Time | Session | |
| 9:00AM | Sample Measurement + Q&A Session | |
| 12:00PM | Lunch (provided) | |
| 1:30PM | Sample Measurement + Q&A Session | |
| 5:00PM | End of Event |
Meet our Experts
Ming Ye, Ph.D., Applications Scientist, Bruker
Dr. Ming brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the field of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and microanalysis, currently serving as an Application Scientist within the Bruker North America team. After earning a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2010, Dr. Ming conducted advanced postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute. The journey into the commercial AFM sector began in 2013 in Berlin, where Dr. Ming joined JPK Instruments AG—the predecessor to Bruker BioAFM. Prior to the current role at Bruker NA, Dr. Ming served as the Principal Scientist for Microanalysis at BASF Asia Pacific, bridging the gap between fundamental research and large-scale industrial solutions.
Workshop Organizers
Dr. Gajendra S. Shekhawat
SPID Manager / Research Professor
NUANCE Center, Northwestern University
g-shekhawat@northwestern.edu
Dr. Rick Kitadai
US Midwest Regional Sales Manager
Bruker Nano, Inc.
hikari.kitadai@bruker.com
Workshop Location
Lectures:
Ford Engineering Design Center
Ford Hive Annex - Room 2.340
2133 Sheridan Rd
Evanston IL 60201
Demonstrations:
NUANCE Center
Technological Institute, AB Wing, Room AG71
2145 Sheridan Road A173
Evanston, IL 60208
