Dennis' research efforts in the nano/bio realm range from stem cell-matrix interactions and high-accuracy proteomics to polymer-based nano-delivery of drugs. His lab pioneered studies of stem cell differentiation due to matrix elasticity and Mass Spectrometry approaches to folding at the proteomic scale. His lab has also developed novel degradable cylinders known as filomicelles as well as degradable polymersomes that shrink tumors and treat genetic diseases.