Michele Ostraat

Dr. Ostraat manages 25 staff members who conduct a wide range of research on aerosol technology and nanotechnology platforms. She is working to commercialize technologies developed by the research team, such as a novel small-scale personal aerosol monitor and several applications of polymeric nanofibers. Additionally, her role is to continue to develop capabilities in aerosol science and nanotechnology within RTI, two areas that are vital to the continued growth of the Center.

Dr. Ostraat has more than 10 years of extensive aerosol and nanoparticle synthesis experience with the creation, management, and leadership of innovative programs designed to establish new products and markets. Her expertise includes aerosol technology, nanoparticle applications, submicron particle processing with focus areas in electronics, micro- and nanofiber filtration, portable nanoparticle detection, occupational safety and health of nanoparticles, and inhalation toxicology. She has training and experience in integrating emerging market needs with technology capability to define vision and strategies of organizations, prioritizing programs for market development and commercialization. Dr. Ostraat served as the Technical Lead/Project Manager of a multiphase program for the Nanoparticle Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Consortium consisting of more than 16 industrial nanoparticle companies and government agencies, including DuPont, General Electric (GE), Dow, Proctor and Gamble (P&G), Intel, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, and the Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom (UK).