GRSP GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARS PROGRAM
December 2013 Volume 6 Alabama EPSCoR alabama’s Graduate Research Scholars Program - GRSP -
Is unique Among National EPSCoR Programs. Few states have committed major resources toward the sponsorship and development of its next generation of researchers, scientists, and innovators.
The GRSP is a state investment in Alabama’s universities that will expand research output, attract quality graduate students and make our universities more competitive for quality faculty hires. The program will provide a highly trained workforce to fuel the growth of high technology companies in Alabama. A significant goal of the GRSP is to encourage interdisciplinary training and research, to train professionals for careers in the scrutinized fields, and to encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to consider careers in these fields. Table of Contents
Message from the ALEPSCoR Steering Committee Chair...... 4
Message from the ALEPSCoR Executive Director...... 5
Overview...... 6 Tables and Statistics...... 7
GRSP Presentation to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education...... 8
Featured Research Scholars...... 9-32 ... Scholars Listing, Round 8...... 10
GRSP and Beyond ...... 33-70
Campus Coordinators...... 71-74
Appendices...... 75-84 Index of Scholars...... 76 Alumni Roster/Expected Graduation Dates...... 77
Quick Reference Guide...... 78-83 AL EPSCoR Steering Committee...... 84 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Message from Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee Chair
November 2013
Dear Colleagues,
Since 2006, the State of Alabama has invested over $ 7 million in support of the Graduate Research Scholars Program (GRSP), a program that has offered research opportunities to over 187 graduate students with $25,000/year multi- year awards under the guidance of some of Alabama’s finest research scientists. During the spring of 2013, forty-three students were selected for support during GRSP Round 8 to conduct EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) research in Alabama starting that fall through research grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Of the forty-three students selected, twenty-one students are new awardees; twenty-two are repeat awardees. The GRSP has assisted in the achievement of thirty-three (33) Master’s degrees and ninety-four (94) Ph.D. degrees as of December 2013. Projections for 2014 include nine (9) more M.S. and nineteen (19) Ph.D. degrees. This is indeed an investment in Alabama’s future, research capacity, and economy.
I invite you to glance through the following pages to discover some of the exciting research being done by these students, they include research in areas such as: composite materials, cancer therapies, energy harvesting, organ transplants, CO2 capture, catfish genetics and genomics, imaging of the outer retina, animal stress, reptile and amphibian diversity, fuel cells, ionic liquids, sensors for environmental pollutants, resins for dental applications, and nanophotonics. In addition, we have included updates from students previously featured in our annual GRSP publication; some are continuing their education and research, some have graduated and are busy with jobs, post-doctoral positions, or starting companies.
Thank you for your interest in the Alabama EPSCoR Program and especially the Graduate Research Scholars Program.
Sincerely,
Shaik Jeelani Chair, Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs Tuskegee University
4 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Message from Alabama EPSCoR Executive Director
November 2013
The Graduate Research Scholars Program (GRSP) continues to be a great opportunity for outstanding students and mentoring faculty members of Alabama. As Alabama EPSCoR Executive Director, and a current and past GRSP Faculty Advisor, I have witnessed the numerous benefits of the GRSP not only to the students, but to their faculty advisors. The goal of the GRSP is to attract high quality graduate students to Alabama’s research universities increasing the pool of highly trained graduates who will become our State’s industrial and academic leaders of the future.
Dr. Joel Andrews will be the GRSP featured presenter at the Annual Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) Meeting in December 2013. Joel, a native of Mobile, Alabama earned his undergraduate degree in Biology and German from Earlham College. After receiving a Fulbright Full Study Grant to study and teach in Vienna, Austria, he used the lessons learned from this experience to teach in Mobile, Alabama. His love of teaching encouraged him to pursue a Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences with an emphasis in Molecular Biology at the University of South Alabama (USA). Joel was awarded GRSP support from 2008-2010, and performed EPSCoR related research at USA with his GRSP Ph.D. advisor Dr. Sailen Barik. Joel earned his Ph.D. in May 2010 and became a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Rajeev Samant’s laboratory at the Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) in Mobile, Alabama. He now serves as the Manager of the Biomolecular and Cellular Imaging Facility at the MCI and is striving to make Alabama’s MCI more accessible to the state-wide research community. Joel is a true GRSP success story, because of his State GRSP support he has achieved a Ph.D. and followed that with a rewarding career at the Mitchell Cancer Institute that is saving Alabama lives, as well as, serving as an example for up and coming Alabama students.
I know you join me in wishing Joel, as well as all the students supported through the GRSP, much success in whatever path their studies lead. Please take a few minutes to review the wonderful array of research being supported by the GRSP. Alabama’s GRSP program is an investment in Alabama’s future. In this document, we hope to show you just how exciting Alabama’s high tech job future is due to the GRSP program.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Lawson, Ph.D. Executive Director, Alabama EPSCoR Vice-Chair, Coalition of EPSCoR States Professor, Department of Physics University of Alabama at Birmingham
5 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR P Overview
The Alabama Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (ALEPSCoR) Graduate Research Scholars Program (GRSP) was established in 2006 by the Alabama State Legislature through a $1 million increase in a line item appropriation to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, fiscal agent for funds to the ALEPSCoR Program. The intent of the legislative funding is three-fold: 1) to strengthen and enhance the research capacity of ALEPSCoR institutions1 by positioning them to be more competitive in attracting eminent senior faculty, 2) to retain for Alabama the brightest and best of our graduate students for careers in disciplines related to science and engineering, and 3) to address the economic need for highly trained professionals to ensure the growth of emerging technology companies in this state.
Initially GRSP funding was targeted to support graduate students associated with the four (4) Centers of Excellence funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR Infrastructure Improvement Award (RII-2). In FY 2007-08, the program was expanded to include qualified students at all ALEPSCoR universities whose proposed research or field of study and career interests are congruent with the funded science and technology EPSCoR programs of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The success of Alabama’s long term commitment to promoting the education and careers of its most talented graduate students cannot be overstated. Since 2006, the Legislature has appropriated nearly $7 million in support of the GRSP. As of October 2013 an estimated 187 students have been recipients of 336 awards, with a number of students benefitting from multi-year full and partial awards. This support has led to the achievement of 94 Ph.D. and 33 Master’s degrees. Dr. Elizabeth Lipke’s Research Group in Chemical Engineering, Auburn University. (NSF RII Grant and NSF CBET awards)(from left to right): Back The highly competitive process includes the row: Benjamin Spearman, Jacob Clary, Dr. David Dunn, Alexander Hodge circulation of a Request for Proposal, rigorous (GRSP), Aaron Seeto, John Porter; Front row: Wesley Grove, Blakely Bussie, internal institutional review and ranking of Shasta Rizzi, Chloe Chaudhury, Shantanu Pradhan (GRSP), Dr. Elizabeth applications, and selection by members of a Lipke, and Petra Kerscher peer review team which makes recommendations for final awards. The eighth round of competition was conducted April-May 2013. Of the 93 applications, 43 awards were granted which included 21 new GRSP recipients.
1Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, Tuskegee University, The University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama in Huntsville, and University of South Alabama.
6 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Tables and Statistics
MS Degree Areas 2007-2013 Ph.D. Research Areas 2007-2013 1 Aerospace Engineering 1 Agriculture and Environmental Sciences 1 Animal Science 1 Air Quality and Land Use Change 2 Basic Medical Sciences 1 Anthropology 3 Biochemistry 1 Basic Medical Sciences 1 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 1 Bioengineering, Computer Science 1 Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry 1 Biological Science 1 Bioengineering, Chemistry, Life Sciences 1 Cellular and Molecular Biology 6 Biological Science 1 Electrical and Computer Engineering 1 Biomedical/ Biotechnology 1 Bio-Nanocomposite Materials 1 Electrical Engineering 1 Bio-Nanotechnology, Materials Science 1 Environmental and Civil Engineering 1 Biotechnology 2 Environmental Engineering 1 Biotechnology Science and Engineering 1 Environmental Science 1 Catfish Genomics 1 Ion Beam, Nanolithography, Physics 1 Cellular and Molecular Biology 6 Material Science and Engineering 1 Chemical and Biological Engineering 2 Chemical Engineering 6 Mechanical Engineering 1 Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering 1 Natural Resources, Environmental Studies 3 Chemistry 1 Optics and Lasers 1 Civil and Environmental Engineering 2 Structural Biology 2 Civil Engineering 2 Surfance Enhanced Raman Scattering 2 Computer Science 1 UV Nanolithography 1 Drug Delivery 1 Educational Research 33 2 Electrical and Computer Engineering 3 Electrical Engineering 1 Electrochemical Engineering 2 Energy, Fuel Cells MS/PhD Degrees Achieved/Expected 1 Engineering Science and Mechanics Year MS PhD 1 Environmental and Civil Engineering 2007 1 1 1 Food Science 2008 6 9 1 Inorganic Chemistry 2009 8 10 1 Laser Physics 14 Material Science and Engineering 2010 5 24 2 Materials Science, Physics 2011 5 26 1 Mathematics 2012 3 10 4 Mechanical Engineering 2013 5 14 1 Metallurgical and Materials Engineering 33 94 2 Microbiology 1 Molecular Biology 2014 9 19 2 Optical Science and Engineering 2015 0 20 12 Physics 2016 0 5 2 Structural Biology 2017 0 1 2 Veterinary Biological Sciences Veterinary Medicine 9 45 1 94
7 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP Presentation to the ACHE Commission
Joel Andrews, Ph.D. is a native of Mobile, AL and graduated from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and German from Earlham College in Richmond, IN. Following his undergraduate studies, he was awarded a Fulbright Full Study Grant to study and teach in Vienna, Austria. This experience introduced him to the joys of teaching high school, and upon his return to the United States Dr. Andrews took a position teaching Biology at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, AL. Dr. Andrews then went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, where he obtained his Ph.D. His research focused on using cutting-edge imaging to study the interaction between the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and the host cells that it infects. For the last two years of his graduate studies, Dr. Andrews was supported with an Alabama EPSCOR GRSP grant. During this time, Dr. Andrews continued to find opportunities to teach, ranging from working with undergraduate research programs at the College of Medicine to teaching hand drumming for the Boys and Girls’ Club of South Alabama’s Teen Supreme program. After graduating with his doctorate, Dr. Andrews was offered a post-doctoral research fellowship at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. He is now the Manager of the Biomolecular and Cellular Imaging Facility at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, where he runs a microscopy core facility featuring the latest microscope technology. In particular, this facility is the only one in the state of Alabama to feature Super-Resolution Microscopy, an emerging technology that allows imaging below the traditional diffraction barrier of light. Dr. Andrews is currently working to make this technology at the MCI more available to the broader research communities of Alabama.
For more information, contact: Joel F. Andrews, PhD Manager, Cellular and Biomolecular Imaging Facility Mitchell Cancer Institute University of South Alabama 1660 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL 36604 251-533-2489 [email protected]
8 Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Featured Scholars GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Round Eight Awardees
Round Eight Awardees are comprised of new and renewing students. Information on new students follows while updates on previously funded students can be found in the GRSP and Beyond Section starting on page 33.
GRSP Round 8 Awardees Last Name First Name inst degree EPSCoR grant Research Field Farley III Carlton W. AAMU PhD NSF RII 1158862 Physics Stringer Brandie K. AAMU MS NSF 1036600 Plant and Soil Science Ojha Santosh K. AAMU PhD NSF CREST 1036600 Forestry Conner Padriac T. AAMU MS NSF CREST 1036600 Plant and Soil Science Surabhi Raja AAMU PhD NSF EPS‐1158862 Materials Science Messenger Kevin R. AAMU PhD NSF Co‐Fund 1063101 Biology and Environmental Science Chilvery Ashwith AAMU PhD NSF 1158862 Electronics/Communications Eng Babaei Hasan AU PhD DOE DE‐SC0002470 Mechanical Engineering USDA 2010‐65205‐20356; 2012‐ Liu Shikai AU PhD Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology 67015‐19410 NSF EPS 1158862 and NSF CBET Pradhan Shantanu AU PhD Chemical Engineering 1150854 Rogers Hunter AU MS NSF EPS 1158862 Chemical Engineering Poyraz Selcuk AU PhD NSF 1000491 Polymer and Fiber Engineering Sadhwani Narendra AU PhD NSF IGERT Chemical Engineering Prayakarao Kaushal TU PhD NSF EPS 158862 Material Science and Engineering Tiimob Boniface TU MS/PhD NSF EPS 158862 Material Science and Engineering Render Diane TU PhD NSF EPS 158862 Material Science and Engineering NSF EPS 158862; NASA Davis Morgan TU PhD Material Science and Engineering NNX10AN26A Ahsan Md. Ariful TU MS NSF EPS 158862 Chemistry Peoples Delicia TU PhD NSF EPS 158862 Material Science and Engineering Horne William UA PhD NSF CBET 1159397 Chemical and Biological Engineering Gong Xibing UA PhD NASA NNX11AM11A Mechanical Engineering Marson Kristine UA PhD NSF IOS‐1051682 Integrative Animal Behavior Hill Caleb UA PhD DOE‐ DE‐SC0005392 Chemistry Coppa Anne UA PhD NSF EPS 0814103 Metallurgical Engineering Dawahre Nabil UA PhD NSF 0907558 Material Science Butler Todd UA PhD NASA NNX09AAO61A Metallurgical Engineering Sharooz Amidi UA PhD NSF‐CMMI 1000580 Civil Engineering Lu Rongwen UAB PhD NSF 1055889 Biomedical Engineering Peppers Jeremy UAB PhD NSF 1158862 Physics Barfkecht Peter UAB PhD NSF 1158862 Materials Science and Engineering Martin Justin UAB PhD NSF 0903787 Inorganic Chemistry Hwang Patrick UAB PhD NSF CBET 0952974 Biomedical Engineering Dizbay‐Onay Melike UAB PhD NSF 1158862 Interdisciplinary Engineering/Materials Willouhby William UAB PhD NSF DMR‐1006163 Physics Kim Tae K. UAH PhD NASA NNX09AP74A Physics Ke Dan UAH PhD NSF EPS 1158862 Electrical Engineering Yang Lin UAH PhD NASA NNX13AB09A Optical Science and Engineering Gaillard William UAH PhD NSF EPS 1158862 Electrical Engineering Hong Guo UAH PhD NSF 1158862, NASA NNX12AI09A Electrical Engineering Kim Wonkyu UAH PhD NSF 1158862, NASA NNX12AI09A Electrical Engineering McDonald Erin E. USA MS NASA‐ NNX10AN26A Mechanical Engineering Misbahuddin Syed USA MS NSF 1042054 Chemical Engineering Ruckart Kenneth N. USA MS NASA Seed Grant Chemical Engineering
10 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Synthesis, Characterization and application of Bimetallic CuNi Nanoparticles encapsulated within hydroxyl terminated PAMAM dendrimerss
Md. Ariful Ahsan Tuskegee University Round 8 Recipient NSF EPSCoR RII Expected Graduation in 2014, M.S., Chemistry [email protected]
Objective To synthesize CuNi bimetallic nanoparticles by using the PAMAM dendrimer method and incorporate them into solar cells to make them more efficient for light harvesting.
Research Abstract • One promising method for the preparation of monodispersed bimetallic NPs is the use of Poly(amido) amine “PAMAM” dendrimers as the host templates, which can overcome limitations (metal segregation, sintering and surface enrichment of the inactive metal) associated with traditional synthesis methods. • Due to localized surface Plasmon resonance and scattering effects of metallic NPs, they can be used in organic solar cells to make it more efficient by increasing the light harvesting as well as exciton generation rate into the active layer. • We will put the NPs into the active layer of an organic solar cell and examine the power efficiency of the solar cell.
Future Plans Obtain a Ph.D. degree from a renowned university in the field of nanotechnology.
Faculty Advisor Michael L. Curry, Ph.D. Chemistry and Materials Science Tuskegee University Armstrong Hall Tuskegee, AL 36088 Phone: 334-724-4489 [email protected]
11 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Energy Harvesting Technologies
Ashwith Kumar Chilvery Alabama A&M University Round 8 Recipient NSF EPSCoR RII Expected Graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineeing [email protected]
Objective To create a pathway for energy harvesting technologies to flourish in medical technologies.
Research Abstract • Fabricate and characterize various polymer composites for energy harvesting applications. • Design and fabricate polymer based high-dielectric constant capacitor. • Design a methodology to integrate both energy harvesting technology and high-k capacitor syste.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Batra, A., Bhattacharjee, S., Chilvery, A.K., & Stephens, J. (2012). Energy Harvesting Using via Pyroelectric Trans- ducer. Sensors and Transducers Journal, 138(3), 1–4. • Chilvery, A. K., Batra, A. K., Guggilla, P., Lal, R. B., & Surabhi, R. (2012). A Versatile Technique for the Fabrication of PEDOT : PSS Films for Organic Solar Cells. Energy, Science and Technology, 4(2), 6–11. • Tan, A., Chilvery, A. K., Dokhanian, M. (2012). Dynamical variables in brachistochrone problem. Latin American Journal of Physics Education, 6(2), 196-200. • Edwards, Matthew E, Batra, A. K., Chilvery, A. K., Guggilla, P., Curley, M., & Aggarwal, M. D.(2012). Pyroelectric Properties of PVDF : MWCNT Nanocomposite Film for Uncooled Infrared Detectors. Materials Sciences and Applications, 851–855. • Curley, M., Chilvery, A.K., Khuktareva, T., Sharma, A., Corda, A., Farley, C. (2012). Development of nano- structured biocompatible materials for chemical and biological sensors. SPIE Conference proceedings Nanoscience+ Engineering, (Vol. 8465) Nanostructured Thin Films V. • Batra, A K, Bandyopadhyay, A., Chilvery, A. K., & Thomas, M. (2013). Modeling and Simulation for PVDF-based Pyroelectric Energy Harvester. Energy Science and Technology, 5(2), 1–7.
Book Chapters Tan, A., Chilvery, A.K., Dokhanian, M., Crutcher, S. (2012). Tsunami propagation models based on first principles in Tsunami-Analysis of a Hazard. Intech publications (Edited by Gloria Lopez), 107-140.
Future Plans To pursue a challenging career which will fulfill my goals.
Faculty Advisor Ashok K Batra, Ph.D. Department of Physics Alabama A&M University P.O. Box 1268 Normal, AL 35762 256-372-5305; 256-372-8109 [email protected]
12 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Atom Probe Tomography of Semiconductor Materials and Heterostructures
Nabil Dawahre University of Alabama Round 8 Recipient NSF Co-funding, Investigation of the Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy of AlInN Semiconductors Expected Graduation 2015, Ph.D., Materials Science [email protected]
Objective The objective of my proposed doctoral research is to develop the atom probe tomography of AlInGaN semiconductor materials and correlate the findings with other complementary characterization techniques in order to improve current and enable novel electronic and photonic devices.
Research Abstract • AlInGaN semiconductors are the next generation materials for high power, high speed electronics. • Atom probe tomography is a still an un-established technique that can yield unique information on the physical properties of these materials relevant for understanding device operation.
Recent Presentations and Publications • Student Best Poster Award, Microscopy & Microanalysis Meeting (2013). • N. Dawahre, G. Shen, S.M. Kim, and P. Kung, “Voltage and laser-assisted mode atom probe tomography of gallium nitride,” Microscopy and Microanalysis 19 (Suppl 2) (2013): 990-991. • N. Dawahre, G. Shen, S. Renfrow, S.M. Kim, and P. Kung, “Atom probe tomography of AlInN/GaN HEMT structures,” Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B 31, no. 4 (2013): 041802.
Future Plans My future work plans are to pursue a career in the area of semiconductor materials and devices in a government laboratory or a local device-oriented small business R&D firms.
Faculty Advisor Patrick Kung, Ph.D. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Alabama 101 Houser Hall Box 870286 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0286 (205) 348-1764 [email protected]
13 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Microstructural Characterizations and Modeling of Ti-6Al-4V Parts Made by Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing
Xibing Gong The University of Alabama Round 8 Recipient NASA NNX11AM11A/Precision Manufacturing Research Facility Expected Graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
Objective Develop relationships between process parameters and part properties in additive manufacturing of Ti alloy
Research Abstract • Additive manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V alloy components: process simulations and experiments • Microstructural characterization and modeling of Ti components made by additive manufacturing
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors: • Gong X., Cheng B., Price S., and Chou K., “Powder-Bed Electron-Beam-Melting Additive Manufacturing: Powder Characterization, Process Simulation and Metrology,” ASME ECTC 2013, Birmingham, AL, November 2-3, 2013. • Gong X. and Chou K., “Characterizations of Sintered Ti-6Al-4V Powders in Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing,” MSEC 2013, Madison, WI, June 10-14, 2013, MSEC2013-1131. • Gong X., Anderson T., and Chou K., “Review on Powder-based Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing Technology,” ISFA 2012, St. Louis, MO, June 18-20, 2012, ISFA2012-7256.
Future Plans: To obtain a Ph.D. degree and pursue career in advanced manufacturing engineering.
Faculty Advisor Y. Kevin Chou, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering Department NERC 1008 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205)348-0044 [email protected]
14 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Understanding interfacial charge transfer events using high resolution spectroelectrochemistry microscope
Caleb Hill The University of Alabama Round 8 Recipient, DOE EPSCoR State Lab Partnership Grant Expected Graduation, 2014, Ph.D. Chemistry [email protected]
Objective Small noble metal (gold/silver) particles, with a diameter on the order of 1-100 nanometers, interact strongly with visible light. Due to this property, they can be exploited to create or improve practical devices such as optical sensors or solar cells. The goal of this project is to establish optical microscopy as a means to study the electrochemical synthesis of these nanostructures at the single particle level. Research Abstract • A special electrochemical cell was designed and mounted onto a standard optical microscope, which allowed for the observation of light scattering at an electrode surface where a reaction is taking place. • A strong light scattering signal was observed as the electrochemical deposition of individual silver nanostructures onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was carried out. • The observed light scattering intensities were referenced against high resolution electron microscopy to “calibrate” the optical measurements. • After calibration, the scattering signals were used to calculate electrical currents at the single nanoparticle level, establishing a novel detection scheme for single particle electrochemistry experiments. List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • “Efficient Analysis of Single Molecule Spectroscopic Data via MATLAB.” Hill, C. M.; Pan, S. MRS Proc. 2013, 1493. • “Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence and Interfacial Charge Transfer Dynamics of Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)-TiO2 Nanoparticle Thin Film.” Geng, H.†; Hill, C. M.†; Pan, S.; Huang, L. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2013, 15, 3504. • “Photoelectrochemical Properties and Interfacial Charge Transfer Kinetics of BODIPY-sensitized TiO2 Electrodes.” Geng, H.†; Hill, C. M. †; Zhu, S.; Liu, H.; Huang, L.; Pan, S. RSC Advances 2013, 3, 2306. • “Spectroelectrochemical Studies of Single Ag Nanostructures via Fluorescence and Dark Field Scattering.” Hill, C. M.; Pan, S. ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 2013. • “Interfacial Charge Transfer Dynamics of Conjugated Polymer-TiO2 Systems: Thin Film and Single Molecule Studies.” Hill, C. M.; Geng, H.; Huang, L.; Pan, S. MRS Fall Meeting, Boston, MA, November 2012. • “Single Molecule/Particle Spectroelectrochemical Studies of Donor-Acceptor Systems for Organic Photovoltaics and Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering.” Hill, C. M.; Pan, S. ACS National Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 2012.
Future Plans I plan to obtain a post-doctoral research position for 1-3 years, then find a permanent research position in an academic or national lab setting.
Faculty Advisor Shanlin Pan, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry The University of Alabama Box 870336; Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 (205) 348-6381 [email protected]
15 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Analysis and Observation of Polymer Properties in Functionalized Poly Ionic Liquids
William Horne The University of Alabama Round 8 Recipient, NSF CBET – Experimental & Computational Design of High-
Performance Polymer Membranes for CO2 Capture Expected Graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Chemical and Biological Engineering [email protected]
Objective To develop novel, reactive polymer membranes to aid in the purification of natural gas as well as the separation of carbon dioxide from the exhaust of power plants. Additionally, these materials can be used for selective metal absorption from water, potentially providing advanced water treatment mechanisms.
Research Abstract • Using imidazole-based compounds, novel polymers can be developed to have very specific chemical properties
• One use that we are studying separates CO2 from natural gas using thin-film membranes
• Membranes can also be used to separate CO2 from the exhaust gas of power generation facilities • Many of these new compounds also have unique physical properties, such as shape memory and the ability to absorb large quantities of various chemicals and metals
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors University of Alabama, Research Fellowship and W. Edward Lear Endowed Graduate Fellowship, 2010
Future Plans Publication of the data which has been collected in peer-reviewed journals, as well as continuation of the research started here with the membranes and the bulk polymers in an academic or other public research facility.
Faculty Advisor Jason E. Bara, Ph.D. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering The University of Alabama Box 870203 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0203 205.348.6836 [email protected]
16 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Innovative strategy to enhance the efficacy of pancreatic islet transplantation using a hybrid nanosack
Patrick Hwang University of Alabama at Birmingham Round 8 Recipient NSF Co-funding, CAREER: The Bioactive Hybrid Nanomatrix for Intervertebral Disk Regeneration Expected Graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering [email protected]
Objective The main objective of my research is to develop innovative strategies to increase the efficacy of pancreatic islet transplantation for diabetes treatment by creating a hybrid nanosack.
Research Abstract • To enhance the efficacy of pancreatic islet transplantation for diabetes treatment, we developed thehybrid nanosack which consisted of an islet encapsulating peptide amphiphile (PA) nanomatrix gel and placed it within a bio-degradable nanofibrous polymer sheet with porous structures. • The PA gel provides a nurturing environment to islets which can enhance islet survival and function. • The polymer sheet provides the mechanical stability of PA gel, and porous structures allow blood vessel infiltration through the sheet to provide oxygen and nutrients to the implanted islets. • Therefore, the hybrid nanosack will increase the efficacy of islet transplantation for diabetes treatment by enhancing islet engraftment and function.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Patrick Hwang et al. Hyperglycemia decreases the expression of ATP Synthase β Subunit and enolase 2 in glomerular epithelial cells. Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. (2013, in press) • 1st Place, UAB graduate student research days, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2013)
Future Plans My future plan is to become a principle investigator and conduct innovative studies in interdisciplinary fields at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Faculty Advisor Ho-Wook Jun, Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering University of Alabama at Birmingham 806 Shelby Building 1825 University Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35294 205-996-6938 [email protected]
17 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Towards genomic selection in catfish: develop the catfish 250K SNP array for genome-wide association studies
Shikai Liu Auburn University Round 8 Recipient USDA/NRICGP 2009-35205-05101 and 2012-67015-19410 Expected Graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Fish Genomics [email protected]
Objective The objective of my research is to improve the catfish utilizing genetics and genomics approach. To achieve this goal, we are mapping the catfish DNA to identify, and probably even engineer, a “super” catfish: faster-growing, bigger, and healthier.
Research Abstract • Decoding the catfish genome is important to Alabama’s economy: catfish accounts for 68% of U.S. fish-farming. In Alabama, the catfish industry generates $100 million a year to farmers and $125 million to processors. • The SNPs, “landmarks” to map catfish DNA, are identified using new sequencing technology. • The catfish DNA will be decoded and mapped based on “landmarks” with high density SNP array.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Liu et al., Physiological Genomics, 2013, 45 (12), 462-476. • Liu et al., PLoS ONE, 2013, 8(5): e63895. • 2013 International Plant and Animal Genome conference travel award.
Future Plans I plan to pursue a career in genomic research in Alabama after graduation, beginning with a goal of further training in bioinformatics and statistical genomics at University of Alabama-Birmingham or HudsonAlpha, both of which have premier programs.
Faculty Advisor Zhanjiang (John) Liu, Ph.D. The Fish Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Lab School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences Auburn University Auburn, AL 36849 USA 334-844-9193 / 334-844-8727 [email protected]
18 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Structural and functional imaging of the outer retina
Rongwen Lu University of Alabama at Birmingham Round 8 Recipient NSF 1055889, CAREER: Simultaneous imaging of photoreceptor and post-photoreceptor responses in the retina Expected Graduation 2015, Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering [email protected]
Objective The objective is to investigate origins of the hyper-reflective ‘inner/outer segment’ (‘IS/OS’) optical coherence tomography (OCT) band at the outer retina, to allow accurate interpretation of clinical outcomes.
Research Abstract • Understanding origins of OCT bands is critical for interpreting the clinical outcome of retinal OCT imaging. It is suggested that the presumed ‘IS/OS’ band actually originates from IS. • Multiple strategies including comparison between histological and OCT images, functional OCT imaging and polarization OCT imaging will be conducted to identify origins of the ‘IS/OS’ band.
Recent Presentations • R. W. Lu, B. Q. Wang, Q. X. Zhang and X. C. Yao, Biomed Optics Exp 4, 1673-1682 (2013) • R. W. Lu, C. A. Curcio, Y. Zhang, Q. X. Zhang, S. J. Pittler, D. Deretic and X. C. Yao, J Biomed Optics 17, 060504 (2012) • R. W. Lu, Y. C. Li, T. Ye, C. Strang, K. Keyser, C. A. Curcio, and X. C. Yao, Biomed Optics Exp 2, 1494-1503 (2011) • R. W. Lu, Q. X. Zhang, and X. C. Yao, Optics Lett 36, 1866-1868 (2011).
Future Plans My career goal is to become a professor in the field of tissue imaging.
Faculty Advisor Xincheng Yao, Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering University of Alabama at Birmingham 390B Volker Hall 1670 University Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35294 205-996-7459 [email protected]
19 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
The effects of early life stress on adult behavioral phenotype, stress response and fitness
Kristy Marson The University of Alabama Round 8 Recipient NSF IOS- Collaborative Research: RUI: Carotenoid trade-offs in a species with colorful females: environmental influences and fitness consequences Expected Graduation 2017, Ph.D., Intergrative Animal Behavior, Biological Sciences [email protected]
Objective I aim to determine whether the timing of stressors experienced during early development shapes adult stress responses. Additionally, we aim to determine how the success of any given phenotype – in terms of its reproductive output and survival – is related to environment experienced in adulthood.
Research Abstract • Stressors are experienced throughout life but those experienced during early critical periods of development may play a larger role in shaping future responses. • The stress response releases cortisol that cues the individual to divert energy from growth and reproduction to survival.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors
Future Plans I enjoy the challenge of engaging minds, regardless of age or initial interest in the topic. I hope to use innovation and creativity to stimulate/peak interest in the biological sciences, targeting individuals who haven’t realized how fun it is to think through the science behind, within, and around all of life.
Faculty Advisor Ryan L. Earley, Ph.D. Department of Biological Sciences The University of Alabama Box 870344 211-213 Biology Building Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 205-348-1827 [email protected]
20 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Evaluation of Novel Transition Metal Complexes as Sensors for Environmental Pollutants and Hydroformylation Catalysts
Justin R. Martin University of Alabama at Birmingham Round 8 Recipient Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies, NSF Grant Number 0903787 Expected Graduation 2015, Ph.D., Inorganic Chemistry [email protected]
Objective The development of novel metallathiacrown ether complexes as sensors for environmental pollutants, and an evaluation of their potential to act as catalysts in environmentally-friendly hydroformylation processes.
Research Abstract • Due in large part to their non-biodegradability, heavy metals are considered one of the most hazardous classes of pollutants and have caused extensive water endangerment that poses serious health risks to both human and wildlife. • We have developed a series of novel transition metal complexes capable of efficiently binding environmentally toxic heavy metals including mercury, molybdenum, platinum and palladium. • The complexes have also demonstrated effectiveness in catalytic processes that will help to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses from fossil fuel consumption.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • J. R. Martin, S. D. Hastings, J. L. Freeman and G. M. Gray, “Synthesis, Characterization and the Thermal Isomerization Mechanism of a Series of trans-Tetracarbonyl-bis(phosphinite)molybdenum(0) Complexes and an Evaluation of Their Potential to Form Heterobimetallic Compounds,” Journal of Organometallic Chemistry. (Submitted) • J. R. Martin and G. M. Gray, Poster Presentation, Alabama EPSCoR Science and Technology Open House, Montgomery, AL, April 2013, 3rd Place – Ph.D. division. • J. R. Martin, S. D. Hastings, J. L. Freeman and G. M. Gray, Oral Presentation, UAB Graduate Student Research Days, Birmingham, AL, February 2013, 2nd Place – Physical Science division.
Future Plans I plan to pursue a career in Alabama at a managerial and/or research and development position in either an industrial or governmental setting.
Faculty Advisor Gary M. Gray, Ph.D. Department of Chemistry University of Alabama at Birmingham 901 14th Street South Birmingham, AL 35294 205.934.8094 [email protected]
21 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Investigation of compaction and permeability during the out-of-autoclave & vacuum-bag-only (OOA-VBO) manufacturing of a laminate composite with aligned carbon nanofibers
Erin E. McDonald University of South Alabama NASA EPSCoR Round 8 Recipient Expected Graduation in 2014, M.S., Mechanical Engineering, MSME [email protected]
Objective This study involves the process modeling of fiber reinforced laminate composites with aligned nanofillers.
Research Abstract The aerospace industry is using more lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites for primary structures. Nanofillers, such as carbon nanofibers (CNFs) or carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in CFRPs have been proven to enhance the properties of the CFRPs and are still being studied to optimize property benefits. A new 3-D multiscale composite consisting of a CFRP stitched with through-thickness aligned CNFs was recently experimentally realized by Hsiao and Hickman at the University of South Alabama under a NASA-EPSCoR project (grant number: NNX10AN26A). This study will further develop a processing model for a CFRP laminate composite modified with aligned CNFs during the OOA-VBO cure process.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • EE McDonald, LF Wallace, GJS Hickman, KT Hsiao. “Manufacturing and characterization of carbon nanofiber modified CYCOM 5320 T40/800 CFRP with out-of-autoclave-vacuum-bag-only (OOA-VBO) process.” Proceedings of SAMPE 2013 conference, Long Beach, California, May 6-9, 2013. • GD Jefferson, ML Hempowitcz, EE McDonald, LF Wallace, BI Farah, KT Hsiao. “Hygrothermal aging characterization of CNF modified glass fiber/polyester composite manufacturing with VARTM.” Proceedings of SAMPE 2012 conference, Baltimore, Maryland, May 21-24, 2012. • EE McDonald, GD Jefferson, AJ Whelton, T Nguyen. “Development of novel polyethylene nanocomposites for water and energy pipe networks: thermal and mechanical properties.” Proceedings of 2011 ASME Early Career Technical Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, November 4-5, 2011.
Future Plans Future plans involve pursuing further studies in the materials engineering field through Ph.D. work.
Faculty Advisor Kuang-Ting Hsiao, Ph.D. Department of Mechanical Engineering University of South Alabama 150 Jaguar Drive, Shelby Hall, Room 3130 Mobile, Alabama 36688 251-460-7889 [email protected]
22 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Determining biological hotspots and habitats of concern for the herpetofauna of China, comparing large-scale and small-scale species modeling
Kevin Messenger Alabama A&M University Round 8 Recipient NSF Co-funded REU Site in China: Ecological and Environmental Research in Urbanized Landscape Expected Graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences [email protected]
Objective The main objective is to examine the relationship between herpetological diversity with regard to land use and envi- ronmental features of southeastern China.
Research Abstract • Examine reptile and amphibian species and diversity distributions in China • Identify regions of the country with high diversity or endangered species • Identify forests and regions of high conservation value (quality habitat that overlaps with diversity) • Examine small-scale (local) effect of species distributions within study areas
Recent Publications/Presentations/Honors • Messenger, K.R., and Y. Wang. 2013. Effect of moon phase on nocturnal snake activity and implications for -mak ing ecological surveys more efficient. 5th Snake Ecology Group conference. Okinawa, Japan. June 21-23, 2013. • Messenger, K.R. and Y. Wang. 2012. Herpetological research: 30-year review of herpetological studies in Chi- na and identifying herpetologically diverse and significant regions of China. Asian Herpetological Conference, Chengdu, China. June 1-4, 2012.
Future Plans Upon finishing my degree and post doctoral position, my passion is to land a job at a university, focusing on both research and teaching.
Faculty Advisor Yong Wang, Ph.D. Environmental and Natural Resources Alabama A&M University 4900 Meridian St. North Normal, AL 35801 256-372-4229 [email protected]
23 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) as controllers for fuel cells
Syed Misbahuddin University of South Alabama Round 8 Recipient NSF Co-funded NUE: Interdisciplinary Modular Approach To Nanodevices and Nanotechnology Objectives Through Engineering via Cyberlearning Expected Graduation in 2014, M.S., Chemical Engineering [email protected]
Objective To develop a neural network-based controller for the novel water-cooled fuel cell stack and test the efficacy of the controller in maintaining the desired stack temperature profile in the face of changing power demand.
Research Abstract This research focuses on the control of stack temperature dynamics of a water-cooled fuel cell stack using an artificial neural network (ANN) based controller. ANNs are computational modeling tools that work similar to the neural structure of the human brain and are trained to learn from the experience. A dynamic model of a water-cooled fuel cell stack that provides up to 5 kW of power is utilized to train an ANN to compute the necessary water flow rate to keep the stack temperature at the desired trajectory despite fluctuating power demand. This novel algorithm is being tested in a realistic power profile obtained from experimental data from a 3-bderoom house.
Recent Publications • Misbahuddin, S., El-Sharkh, Y.M., Palanki, S., Neural Network Based Controller for Regulation of a Water-Cooled Fuel Cell Stack,” (manuscript in preparation for submission to the Journal of Power Sources)
Future Plans Upon completion of my M.S., my goal is to obtain a position in the chemical process engineering field.
Faculty Advisor Srinivas Palanki, Ph.D. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of South Alabama Shelby Hall 4134 150 Jaguar Drive Mobile, AL 36688-0002 251-460-6160 [email protected]
24 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Synthesis of bio-based calcium aluminate for mechanical and thermal improvements in endodontic applications
Delicia Peoples Tuskegee University Round 8 Recipient NSF Track I Research Infrastructure Improvement Grant (RII) Expected Graduation in May 2015, Ph.D., Material Science and Engineering [email protected]
Objective To synthesize bio-based calcium aluminate nanoparticles from wasted eggs shells and incorporate them into a dental resin to enhance their mechanical and thermal properties for dental applications.
Research Abstract • Bio-based calcium aluminate is extensively used for a variety of applications and can be considered to be biocompatible. • Calcium aluminate nanoparticles are incorporated into a dental resin to enhance its mechanical and thermal properties.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • D. E. Peoples, V.K. Rangari, S. Jeelani. Synthesis of a bio-based calcium aluminate for dental applications. Poster pre- sented at Science and Technology Conference, Awarded 3rd place in the natural science Master’s division Montgom- ery Al, April 5-6, 2013. • D. E. Peoples, V.K. Rangari, S. Jeelani. Synthesis of a bio-based calcium aluminate to enhance mechanical and thermal properties for dental applications. Poster Presentation, CREST External Advisory Board Meeting, Kellogg Conference Center, Tuskegee Al, April 30, 2013.
Future Plans Obtain a teaching position within the field of engineering and assist with the development of minds.
Faculty Advisor Vijaya Rangari, Ph.D. Material Science and Engineering Tuskegee University 101 Chappie James Tuskegee, AL 36088 (334) 724-4875 [email protected]
25 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Multi-component/functional Composites with Nanostructured Conducting Polymers
Selcuk Poyraz Auburn University Round 8 Recipient, NSF Co-funded Collaborative Research: Geopolymeric Nanocomposite, A Next Generation Material For Infrastructure Sustainability Expected Graduation in 2014 Ph.D., Polymer and Fiber Engineering [email protected]
Objective To obtain a Ph.D. degree in Polymer and Fiber Engineering followed by post-doctoral research to establish a substantial background for my future career.
Research Abstract • Developing greener, more effective and affordable synthesis methods for advanced research activities, • Synthesis, characterization and applications of conducting polymers in different morphologies, • Green approaches to the nanostructured conducting polymer, conducting polymer/metal composites for fuel-cell, catalysis and energy storage applications, • Recycling, reclamation and reuse of scrap materials by using simple and effective methods, • Synthesis of conducting polymer/metal particle nanocomposite networks with sensory and antibacterial properties
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Liu, Z., Poyraz, S., Liu, Y., Zhang, X. Nanoscale, 2012, 4, 106-109 • Liu, Y., Liu, Z., Lu, N., Preiss, E., Poyraz, S., Kim, M. J., Zhang, X. Chem. Commun., 2012, 48, 2621-2623 • Liu, Y., Lu, N., Poyraz, S., Wang, X., Yu, Y., Scott, J., Smith, J., Kim, M. J., Zhang, X. Nanoscale, 2013, 5, 3872-3879 • Poyraz, S., Liu, Z., Liu, Y., Zhang, X. Current Organic Chemistry, 2013, 17, 000-000 • Liu, Z., Zhang, L., Poyraz, S., Zhang, X. Current Organic Chemistry, 2013, 17, 000-000 • Poyraz, S., Cerkez, I., Liu, Y., Liu, Z., Zhang, X. One-step synthesis and antibacterial properties of polyaniline nanofibers with silver nanoparticles. 245th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, April 7 - 11, 2013 (oral). • Poyraz, S., Liu, Y., Liu, Z., Zhang, X. One-step synthesis and characterization of fibrous poly(o-toluidine)/metal par- ticle nanocomposites as non-enzymatic glucose sensors. 245th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, April 7 - 11, 2013 (oral). • Poyraz, S., Liu, Z., Liu, Y., Zhang, X. Carbon nanotube growth on tires…Really? Graduate Symposium at Research Week, Auburn University, Alabama, United States, April 1 - 5, 2013 (Outstand- ing poster presentation 3rd place award)
Future Plans Dedicate myself to fabricating and designing nanostructures in Nano photonics, and work in a related area after graduation.
Faculty Advisor Xinyu Zhang, Ph.D. Polymer and Fiber Engineering Department Auburn University 115 Textile Building; Auburn, AL 36849 334-844-5439 • [email protected]
26 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Investigation of the Tumor Angiogenic Process Through a Novel Three-dimensional Tissue-engineered Tumor Model
Shantanu Pradhan Auburn University Round 8 Recipient NSF Center for Environmental and Cellular Signal Transduction Expected Graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Chemical Engineering [email protected]
Objective The objective of my research is to develop a three-dimensional tissue-engineered model of the human breast cancer by the culture of cancer cells within a biomimetic hydrogel matrix. This platform will subsequently be used to study cellular signaling processes in the angiogenic process and provide knowledge about new targeting sites for breast cancer.
Research Abstract • Tissue-engineered tumor models facilitate cancer studies on a lab-bench scale setup. • My research involves culturing of cancer cells in a 3D system to simulate human body cancers. • The above platform would help in understanding the cellular mechanisms involved in the cancer related angiogenic process. • Drug-screening on the above system will be used for identifying new and more effective drugs.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • S Pradhan, JC Clary, EA Lipke. A Three-dimensional Tissue-engineered In Vitro Model of Breast Cancer for Drug-testing Applications, Tuskegee University Annual Science and Technology Open House (Alabama EPSCoR), Montgomery, AL, April 2013. -Awarded first place
Future Plans After obtaining my PhD from Auburn University, I would like to pursue an academic career. In the long term, I would like to continue research in the field of cancer tissue engineering.
Faculty Advisor Dr. Elizabeth A Lipke Chemical Engineering Auburn University 212 Ross Hall, Auburn University Auburn, Alabama, 36849 334-844-2003 [email protected]
27 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Development and Evaluation of Nanostructured Poly(vinyl alcohol) Anion Exchange Membrane for Efficient Fuel Cell Applications
Kaushal Rao Prayakarao Tuskegee University Round 8 Recipient NSF EPSCoR Track I Research Infrastructure Improvment Grant Expected Graduation, May 2016, Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]
Objective The main objective of this research is to develop, synthesize and evaluate nanostructured poly (vinyl alcohol) anion exchange membranes that can be used efficiently in fuel cell applications.
Research Abstract • A poly(vinyl alcohol) based anion exchange membrane modified with nanoparticles will be synthesized to attain higher ionic conductivity • Processing conditions that include casting, spin coating and electrospinning will be studied and optimized • Ambient temperature curing versus controlled oven curing will be investigated • The effect of crosslinking using glutaraldehyde in the ion conductivity and mechanical properties will also be studied • Silica nanoparticles content, acid amounts, alkali doping concentration are the primary variables to be exposed to optimize the conductivity • Random and/or continuous fibers will be used as reinforcements to enhance the mechanical properties of the membrane • The thermal, mechanical and chemical properties of the membrane will be evaluated and a membrane electrode assembly will be fabricated followed by the performance analysis in a fuel cell.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Aglan, H., Ahmed, S., Prayakarao, K., Allie, A., Fateh, M., Effect of Preheating Temperature on The Mechanical And Fracture Properties of Welded Pearlitic Rail Steels, Engineering, September 2013. • Okafor, I., O’Malley R.J., Prayakarao, K., Aglan, H., Microstructure and Fracture Behavior of Zinc Galavanizing of Low and Medium Carbon Structural Steel, Engineering, Vol 8 (5), August 2013. • K.Prayakarao, A. Allie and H. Aglan, Microstructural Evaluation of Welded Pearlitic Rail Steel Repairs, M&M conference, Indianapolis, August 2013. • K. R. Prayakarao, H.A. Aglan., Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Impact Behavior of Armor Plate Steels, 40th Annual Sigma Xi/ 14th Annual HBCU-UP Research Symposium, Tuskegee, AL, March 2013. (2nd place)
Future Plans To characterize these developed membranes with critical service related parameters such as conductivity, thermal analyses and mechanical testing, correlate the processing conditions with the service parametes.
Faculty Advisor Heshmat Aglan, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Tuskegee University 218 Luther Foster Hall • Tuskegee, AL 36088 334-727-8857 • [email protected]
28 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Magnetic Nanoparticles as Multimodal Contrast Agents for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Hunter Rogers Auburn University Round 8 Recipient NSF Track I Research Infrastructure Improvement Grant (RII) Expected Graduation, 2014, M.S., Chemical Engineering [email protected]
Objective The objective of this project is to develop superparamagnetic nanoparticles for use as multimodal (MRI/PET) contrast imaging agents that would provide quantitative information on the biological activities occurring within tumor lesions.
Research Abstract • Prostate cancer affects 1 out of every 6 men over the course of their lifetime • Currently there is no method to distinguish the aggressive/non-aggressive forms of prostate cancer • Using combined imaging techniques (MRI/PET) with targeted nanoparticle imaging agents would provide information about tumors in their “native” environment thus enabling the design of more effective therapies and a means of quickly and non-invasively monitoring the effectiveness of a treatment
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Multimodal Contrast Agents for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer (Poster); Alabama EPSCoR Science and Technology Open House; Montgomery, AL; 2013.
Future Plans After completing the Master’s program at Auburn University I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering while conducting research in the area of fertility preservation for adolescent cancer patients.
Faculty Advisor Allan E. David, Ph.D. Chemical Engineering Auburn University 212 Ross Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 (334) 328-2165 (334) 844-8119 [email protected]
29 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Confinement of Ionic Liquids into Ordered Mesoporous Silica Adsorbents
K. Neil Ruckart University of South Alabama Round 8 Recipient NASA, “Development of Prepreg and Out-of-Autoclave Process for Z-Aligned Carbon Nanofiber Toughened Lightweight Composites” Expected Graduation in 2014, M.S., Chemical Engineering [email protected]
Objective The goal of this project is to utilize mesoporous adsorbent materials, MCM-41 and SBA-15, as solid supports for functionalized ionic liquids.
Research Abstract • Using a variety of cation-anion pairs, ionic liquids can be tailored for a specific gas absorbate suchas carbon dioxide with high absorption capacities. However, efficiency must be increased to make large scale applications economically viable • With incredibly small pore diameters (2-10 nanometers) and high internal surface areas per weight (500- 1000 m2/gram), ordered mesoporous silica provides an excellent support to increase ionic liquid sorption capacity • Understanding diffusion limitations as well as the ability to control percent loading are critical to understanding the ionic liquid and mesoporous material interactions. A variety of pure and mixed solvent interactions is currently being studied
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors A publication on the current research is in preparation with a tentative submission to Langmuir.
Future Plans After completing my Master’s degree, I plan to pursue a career in an industrial setting in the Gulf Coast area. I would also like to continue my education by pursuing a Doctor of Science in Chemical Systems Engineering at the University of South Alabama.
Faculty Advisor T. Grant Glover, Ph.D. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of South Alabama Shelby Hall 4106 150 Jaguar Dr. Mobile, AL 36688-0002 (251) 460-6160 [email protected]
30 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Nanophotonics
Narendra Sunil Sadhwani Auburn University Round 8 Recipient NSF Co-funded-IGERT on Integrated Biorefining for Sustainable Production of Fuels and Chemicals Expected Graduation in 2016, Ph.D., Chemical Engineering [email protected]
Objective The overall aim of the research is to be able to use carbon dioxide for the production of fuels, chemicals and power through the process of gasification.
Research Abstract
• Biomass gasification produces syngas (mainly CO, H2 and CH4) which can be used for chemical and power production. Steam, oxygen and air have been widely used as oxidizing agents in gasification • Carbon dioxide is used as the oxidizing medium, which has environmental and commercial benefits • The chemistry of the process and the influence of alkali and alkaline earth metals present in biomass on the process will be studied • A model to predict the composition of the resulting syngas will be developed
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors
• N. Sadhwani, Z. Liu, M.R. Eden, S. Adhikari. (2013): “Simulation, Analysis and Assessment of CO2 Enhanced Biomass Gasification”, Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 32, pp. 421-426.
• N. Sadhwani, Z. Liu, M.R. Eden, S. Adhikari. (2013): “Simulation, Analysis and Assessment of CO2 Enhanced Biomass Gasification”, ESCAPE-23, Lappeenranta, Finland. • N. Sadhwani, M.R. Eden, S. Adhikari (2012): “Effect of Temperature and Oxidizing Medium on Syngas Composition in Southern Pine Gasification”, AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburg, PA.
Future Plans Include more factors in the model and widening the temperature and pressure range of experiments.
Faculty Advisor Mario R. Eden, Ph.D. Department Chair and McMillan Professor Department of Chemical Engineering Auburn University Auburn, AL 36849-5127 334-844-2064 [email protected]
31 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Jerdon’s Pit-viper is the subject of Kevin Messenger’s (pg. 23) research in the mountains of central China
Nabil Dawahre (pg. 13) researches semiconductor materials used in devices such as transistors. Shown here is a wafer in front of a Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy system commonly used to grow semiconductor materials on such wafers.
Left: Kristy Marson (pg. 20) studies Rivulus - a fish with an extraordinary mating system that can help to resolve genetic and environmental effects on behavior and physiology.
GRSP Campus Coordinator met in May 2013 to select the recipients of GRSP Round 8 Funding. From left to right: Dr. Mahesh Hosur (TU), Dr. Tommy Coleman (AAMU), then UAH Campus Coordinator Dr. Rhonda Gaede, Dr. Chris Lawson (UAB), Dr. John Wiest (UA), and Dr. Frank Bartol (AU). For more information about the GRSP Campus Coordinators see pages 71-73.
32 Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program GRSP and Beyond A follow-up on previously featured scholars and alumni GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Chethan Acharya The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 3 Ph.D., 2008, Chemical and Biological Engineering
I am now working as a Research Engineer at Southern Company in Birmingham, Alabama.
Farhana Afroz The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 6 M.S., 2011; Expected Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, 2013 [email protected]
I am thankful to the EPSCoR GRSP program for giving me the opportunity to work as a graduate research assistant at the Water Tunnel Laboratory of UA while I was master’s student. It provided me the motivation for continuing my graduate research to the doctoral level. Currently I am a Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics Department.
The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a fast swimmer and has incredible turning agility. Shark skin is covered with flexible scales and bristling of these scales may result in a unique Boundary Layer Control (BLC) method to reduce drag. My research is about the experimental analysis of exploring the separation control mechanisms of Mako shark skin. This research might help to find ways to reduce drag in aircraft, submarines and increase fuel efficiency. While I was funded by GRSP fellowship, I participated in several conference presentations and publications. I am expecting to graduate by December, 2013. After graduation I would like to build my career in academia as a researcher.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • F. Afroz, A. Lang, P. Motta, M. Habegger, An Experimental Study of Flow Separation Control by Shortfin Mako Shark Skin, Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Volume 58, 2013. • A. Lang, E. Jones, F. Afroz, Controlling turbulent boundary layer separation using biologically inspired 2D transverse grooves, Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Volume 58, 2013.
34 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Allie Aldington Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 4, 5, and 6 Ph.D., 2011, Material Science and Engineering [email protected]
I am working as a Laboratory Supervisor at Nucor Steel Memphis. At Nucor Memphis we produce round bars and round corner squares which have a wide usage serving the agricultural, automotive, energy, railroad and several other market segments. In the Lab we perform multiple tests on the steel products produced at our facility. Some of the tests include; tensile, charpy, hardenability, hardness, micro-cleanliness, grain size etc. Every test that is performed is based on an ASTM or our customer’s specification. I am responsible for ensuring that all tests are being performed safely, to the designated specification, and to ensure the integrity of all test results.
Sharooz Amidi The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected Graduation 2016, Ph.D., Civil Engineering [email protected]
In our first-year (08/15/12 – 03/14/2013) while working on the development of new green binder inspired by ancient Chinese concrete and biomineralization under the support of the Round 7 of GRSP, we reached following achievements: Task 1: mix design: our testing program shows that the strength of the new binder increases with the ratio of lime to clay ratio, but decreases with water to cementious ratio.
Task 2: source material, we found that fly ash can be used to replace calcined clay. Mg(OH)2 can be used to replace lime. However, a better way to activate the reaction is needed. Task 3: It is started already. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD was used successfully to examine the minerals in the binders at different ages. Task 4: Major breakthrough was made on carbonation acceleration. We successfully invented a new technology, internal carbonation, which uses a green chemical, dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as an internal carbonation source for lime. DMC can be hydrolyzed in the basic environment of the new binder due to the existence of lime to produce carbonate, which then combines with calcium ions in the binder to produce calcium carbonate. In this way, the slow carbonate processing of the lime through the diffusion of CO2 from air into the binder is eliminated. Our testing results show that by using internal carbonation technique, we can make the traditional lime-based binder harden as fast as, if not faster than the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) based modern binder.
Publications: • Amidi, S., Qian, X., and Wang, J. 2013: “Pozzolan-Carbonate Binder, Modernization of Ancient Concrete Technique for Infrastructure Sustainability”, Science and Technology Open House, Montgomery, AL Oct. 2010: “Evaluation of stiffness and strength degradations coefficient (C2) of Seismic Rehabilitation Code for concrete frames with shear walls”, Journal of Civil and Surveying Engineering of Tehran University.
35 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Vitus Atango Apalangya Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 6, 6 Supplement, and 7 Expected graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Material Science and Engineering [email protected]
The use of composite electrospun fiber scaffolds as substrates to regenerate disease tissues is gaining attention. The challenge is to design and engineer scaffolds that will structurally and functionally resemble the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the native tissues. Our goal is to fabricate chicken eggshell and sea shell based hydroxyapatite and their polymeric electrospun composite fibers and study their bone regenerating ability.
Publications • Fabrication of poly(methyl methacryalate)/Eggshell Hydroxyapatite composite fibers for bone scaffold applications 2013 Emerging Researchers National (ERN) conference in STEM • Hydroxyapatite composite nanofibers for tissue engineering. 13th Annual Biomedical Symposium Tuskegee University, September, 2012 • Hydroxyapatite infuses polymer electrospun nanofibers as scaffold for bone cells. Material Research Society Conference, November 2012, Boston, MA
David Baah Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 4, 5 and 6 Ph.D., Matericals Science and Engineering, May 2013 [email protected]
I am currently a Research Associate in the Division of International Education, Research, and Development at Tuskegee University. My research interest is in the areas of Microfluidics applications for nanomaterials processing. Additionally, I am also working on the synthesis, and characterization of carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous nano-materials for energy and environmental applications.
Recent Publications • Baah D. Donnell T., Tigner J, Floyd-Smith T. Stop Flow Lithography Synthesis of Non-spherical Metal Oxide Particles. Accepted for publication in Particulogy Journal • Baah, D.; Tigner, J.; Bean, K.; Walker, N.; Britton, B.; Floyd-Smith, T. Microfluidic Synthesis and Post Processing of Non-Spherical Polymeric Microparticles, Microfluid Nanofluid 2012, 12, 657-662. • Baah, D.; Tigner, J.; Britton, B.; Floyd-Smith, T. Microfluidics for Controlled Production of Thin Films and Particles. Paper No. MNHMT2012-75108 Doi:10.1115/MNHMT2012-75108, 645-649.
36 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Hasan Babaei Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 6, 7 and 8 Expected graduation 2014, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
I have been using atomistic-level simulations to investigate the mechanisms of thermal transport within nanostructure-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) containing paraffin and dispersed nano-size particles. The results show that utilizing high aspect-ratio carbon-based nano-fillers such as carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene can enhance the thermal transport within the PCM mainly due to promoting aligning of paraffin’s molecules in the direction parallel to the CNT axis and graphene surface, respectively.
Recent Publications and Presentations: • H. Babaei, P. Keblinski, and J. M. Khodadadi, Improvement in thermal conductivity of paraffin by adding high aspect- ratio carbon-based nano-fillers, Physics Letters A, 377, 1358–1361 (2013). • H. Babaei, P. Keblinski, and J. M. Khodadadi, A Proof for Insignificant Effect of Brownian Motion-Induced Micro- Convection on Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids by Utilizing Molecular Dynamics Simulations, J. Appl. Phys, 113, 084302 (2013). • J. M. Khodadadi, Liwu Fan and Hasan Babaei, Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Nanostructure-Based Colloidal Suspensions Utilized as Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage: A Review, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 24, 418 (2013). • H. Babaei, P. Keblinski, and J. M. Khodadadi, Thermal conductivity enhancement of paraffin by increasing the alignment of molecules through adding CNT/Graphene, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 58, 209 (2013). • H. Babaei, P. Keblinski, and J. M. Khodadadi, Molecular dynamics study of the interfacial thermal conductance at the graphene/paraffin interface in solid and liquid phases, presented at ASME HT2013.
Peter Barfknecht University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected Graduation 2014, Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]
During Round 7 support, foundations for admittance to candidacy were completed. Two supporting conference papers were submitted to the ICCM-19 and SAMPE Wichita 2013. An industrial partnership has enabled the creation of a large-scale processing apparatus with the view of commercialization. The initial findings coupled with the expanded processing capabilities were more than adequate support for the dissertation proposal defense and subsequent admission to candidacy. The proposal included a total of 4 journal papers to be submitted to various technical journals. Two on processing and mechanical characterization will be sent to the Journal of Thermoplastic Composites. A second on functionalization and characterization of graphite nanoplatelets will be submitted to Carbon. The fourth paper topic is process modeling of the novel techniques being developed with the help of the functionalized nanoplatelets. This paper is also slated to be submitted to the Journal of Thermoplastic Composites. List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Barfknecht, P., Pillay, S. B. & Vaidya, U. K., “Effect of nanographite on thermal properties of liquidmolded polyamide-6 laminates”. 19th International Conference on Composite Materials, Montréal, Canada, 2013. • P. Barfknecht, S. B. Pillay, and U. K. Vaidya, “Multiscale anionic polyamide-6 composites with selective incorporation of nanoparticles”. SAMPE Tech 2013, Wichita, KS, 2013. • UAB Materials Science & Engineering “Outstanding Graduate Student Engineer of the Year 2013”.
37 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Celina Bochis The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 2 Ph.D., 2010, Civil Engineering [email protected]
I am an Engineer Designer working for ESP Associates, PA in Fort Mill, South Carolina in the field of water resources engineering and GIS. Specific technical skills include hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stormwater management/BMPs, stormwater system design, drainage inventory and mapping, watershed assessments, no-rise impact reviews, and GIS inventory. At ESP Associates, I am responsible for the development of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis supporting FEMA Flood Insurance Studies and Physical Map Revision. The hydrology and hydraulics are being performed using LiDAR data, USGS regression equations, HEC-HMS hydrologic modeling, PeakFQ Gage analysis, HEC-RAS hydraulic modeling, and numerous ArcMap applications such as ArcHydro, GeoHMS, GeoRAS and other custom GIS applications and tools.
Nathan Brock University of South Alabama Recipient, Round 7 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, 2013 [email protected]
I have continued thermal conductivity testing of inorganic phase change salts.As the research currently stands there are promising results in improving the thermal conductivity of Zinc Chloride (ZnCl2) using High Heat Treated Carbon Nano Fibers (HHTCNF). In addition to thermal conductivity testing, charge and discharge testing are currently being performed to further verify the results of the thermal conductivity testing. As the testing is in it’s early stages, results cannot be disclosed with full confidence. Future plans for testing include, continuing and improving the testing performed with the parallel plate device, and perform differential scanning calorimetry testing.
38 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Todd Butler The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation Summer 2015, Ph.D., Metallurgical and Materials Engineering [email protected]
My research examining the structure-property relationships of Ti-Ni-Au shape memory alloys has flourished this past year. In route to my Ph.D., which is expected August 2015, I obtained a Master’s of Science in Metallurgical Engineering (August 2013). The GRSP fellowship has allowed me to deeply exploit my research topic and have written three manuscripts that are all near scholarly journal submission. I was also able to present my work at the annual GRSP ALEPSCoR conference in Montgomery, Alabama.
I’m currently still a graduate student, since I plan to fulfill a Ph.D. degree in my discipline. Future plans include submitting an abstract to the 2014 International Conference on Shape Memory and Superelastic Technologies (SMST) in Pacific Grove, California. I will also transition into my Ph.D. work, which will not only give me a greater depth of understanding in my field, but also more prominent and profitable research experience.
Selected Presenations/Poster Presentations • T.M. Butler, M.A. Alkhalifa, C. Hornbuckle, R.D. Noebe, G.S. Bigelow, G.B. Thompson, M.L. Weaver, “Aging and characterization of Ti49Ni26Au25,” Poster presented at The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) 141st Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Orlando, FL, March 2012. • T.M. Butler, J.P. Alfano, B.C. Hornbuckle, R.D. Noebe, G.S. Bigelow, G.B. Thompson, M.L. Weaver, “APT Analysis of Age-Induced Precipitation in Ti49Ni26Au25 Shape Memory Alloy,” Poster presented at 53rd International Field Emission Symposium (IFES), Tuscaloosa, AL, May 2012. • T.M. Butler, R.D. Noebe, G.S. Bigelow, G.B. Thompson, M.L. Weaver, “Structure and Properties of an Aged Ti-Ni- Au Shape Memory Alloy,” Poster presented at Alabama EPSCoR Annual Meeting, Montgomery, AL, March 2013.
Andrew Cantrell Alabama A&M University Recipient, Round 6 M.S., 2011, Plant and Soil Science [email protected]
After my graduation I was employed at Alabama A&M University as a Program Assistant. My main duties are to conduct herpetofaunal and avifaunal research within William B. Bankhead National Forest. I also assist in the planning, coordinating, supervising, and assisting in various other wildlife related research projects throughout North Alabama.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Cantrell, A.W., Y. Wang, C.J. Schweitzer, C.H. Greenberg. 2013. Short term response of herpetofauana to oak regeneration treatments on the mid-Cumberland Plateau of southern Tennessee. Journal of Forest Ecology and Management 295: 239-247.
39 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Caitlin Cassidy Deskins University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 4 and 5 Ph.D., Biotechnology, 2013 [email protected]
I recently graduated with my Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. My dissertation research focused on finding antioxidants in three plant species of Lonchocarpus. Several compounds were isolated that were new to the species. Compounds were only moderately antioxidant, but further studies have found at least one to be cytotoxic.
After finishing my degree, I started as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Quincy University, Quincy, Illinois. I am currently teaching Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, College of Science, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2013. • Lonchocarpus Polyphenolics and their Biological Activities. Cassidy, C.E.; Setzer, W.N. The Natural Products Journal, 2011, 1, 75-104. • Phytochemical Investigation of Lonchocarpus Bark Extracts from Monteverde, Costa Rica. Deskins, C.E.; Vogler, B.; Haber, W.A.; Setzer, W.N. Natural Product Communications, publication pending.
Talitha Caudle University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 3 and 4 Ph.D., Biotechnology Science and Engineering, 2013 [email protected]
Since receiving my fellowship through the Graduate Research Scholars Program, I have obtained my Ph.D. in Biotechnology Science and Engineering at UAHuntsville. My dissertation topic was on the genetic aspects of plant tissues exposed to secretory proteins from the plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Using next generation sequencing, defense and developmental pathways were explored.
Recent Publications • Caudle, T. (2013). Comprehensive investigation of the transcription profiles of Solanum lycopersicum treated with two cerato-platanins from Botrytis cinerea. Dissertation, Biotechnology Science and Engineering, University of Alabama-Huntsville. • Caudle, T, Boyd, L, & Ng, J, Transcriptome analyses of BcSnod-treated Solanum lycopersicum. In preparation. • Caudle, T, Ng, J, & Boyd, L. In vitro expression and purification of two cerato-platanins from Botrytis cinerea. In preparation. • Wilson, R.C., Caudle, T.H., Wolfsberger, J., Twigg, P.D. NMR solution structure of optineurin zinc-finger domain. Structure submitted, Paper in Preparation. See: http://restraintsgrid.bmrb.wisc.edu/data_library/summary/ index.php?bmrbId=18195
40 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Yanli (Joyce) Chen Auburn University Recipient, Round 3 Ph.D., 2012, Chemical Engineering
With GRSP support, I finished my Master’s thesis on biofuel production from CO-fermentation of glucose and xylose. I have two journal publications on this topic. After finishing my M.S., I continued my Ph.D. study in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University. My Ph.D. research project studied dual functional filter design for improved indoor air conditioning. I graduated from Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University as a Phi Kappa Phi Member for being in the top 5% of graduate students in August 2012. Currently, I am working in the semiconductor area, medical device design, and manufacture area as a technology engineer.
Recent Publication/Presentations/ Honors: • Sothen, R., Chen, Y., Zhao, P. and Tatarchuk, B.J. 2013. Experimental Study of Filter Clogging with Polydisperse Particles, Filtration, 13(1), 53-57 • Chen, Y. 2012. Biomass to fuels: Thermo-chemical or bio-chemical conversion? Fermentation Technology,1(2):1000e104 • Zhao, P., Chen, Y., Cheng, P. and Tatarchuk, B.J., Design and Optimization of Sea Salt Particles Filter for Naval Fuel Cell Using Microfibrous Materials (MFM), 2012 AIChE Annual Meeting, Oct 28-Nov 2, Pittsburgh, PA
Daniel Clayton The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 7 Expected Graduation 2014, Ph.D., Chemistry [email protected]
My research has continued to focus on monitoring the charge transfer processes occurring
in TiO2. Production of a substrate made of micron sized single crystal anatase TiO2 has been realized along with some basic doping procedures. The TiO2 was characterized using XPS, XRD, SEM, TEM and optical microscopy. Silver was grown directly on the crystals by exposing the crystals to either UV or visible light while stirring in a silver precursor solution. The silver growth allows tracking of the charge transfer process on the TiO2 surface. The initial findings indicate that silver growth and thus the charge transfer process occurs primarily at color centers on the
TiO2 surface. Further work has been performed looking at the effects of a linker molecule being placed between the TiO2 and silver, and how charge transfer may occur across the linker. List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Mole, F.; Wang, J.; Clayton, D.A.; Xu, C.; Pan, S. Langmuir 2012, 28, 10610-10619 • Clayton, D.A.; Pan, S. Book of Abstracts, 244th ACS National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, August 19-23, 2012; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012; ENFL-656 • Xu, C.; Geng, H.; Bennett, R.; Clayton, D.A.; Pan, S. J. Phys. Chem. C 2013, 117, 1849-1856 • Clayton, D.A.; McPherson, T.E.; Pan, S.; Chen, M.; Dixon, D.A.; Hu, D. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2013, 15, 850-859 • Clayton, D.; Pan, S. Book of Abstracts, 245th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 7-11, 2013; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2013; COLL-247
41 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Padriac Conner Alabama A&M University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in May 2014, M.S., Plant and Soil Science [email protected]
I am completing my final season of data collection as well as class requirements this semester. Data entry is ongoing and data analysis will be started at the completion of the field season. List of recent Publications /Presentations • Conner, P., Y. Wang, C.J. Schweitzer. Influences of Shelterwood Prescriptions to Above-ground Carbon Storage and Herpetofaunal and Small Mammal Communities. Proceedings of the 17th Annual Biennial Southern Silviculture Conference. March 2013. In Press • Conner, P.T. Y. Wang, and C. J. Schweitzer. 2013. Influences of Shelterwood Prescriptions to Above-Ground Carbon Storage and Herpetofaunal and Small Mammal Communities. 17th Annual Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference, Shreveport, LA. March 5-7, 2013 • Conner, P.T., Y. Wang. 2013. Influences of Shelterwood Prescriptions to Above-Ground Carbon Storage and Herpetofaunal and Small Mammal Communities. Tuskegee University Science and Technology Open House, Montgomery, AL. April 5-7, 2013 • Conner, P.T. and Y. Wang. 2013. Influences of Shelterwood Prescriptions to Above-Ground Carbon Storage and Herpetofaunal and Small Mammal Communities. 2013 Alabama A&M University Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Day. Huntsville, AL. April 12, 2013. • Vogler, B.; Haber, W.A.; Setzer, W.N. Natural Product Communications, publication pending. Ninfa Constante University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Round 7 Expected Graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Materials Engineering [email protected]
The proposed tasks related to collection, cleaning and understanding of algae fiber were completed. Fisheries lakes at Auburn University were identified as the source for green algae Lyngbya for this study. Characterization techniques required for a new fiber were identified. Parameters for processing algae bio-based composites plates were established. Preliminary mechanical testing and degradation studies validate the use of algae as a reinforcement of polymeric materials. The extracted fiber is being characterized according to the ASTM standards C1557 and D276 for single fibers to use in composites materials. Wet-layup technique was explored as a new processing technique for algae-PP biocomposites. Hand-sheet of algae fiber was obtained and additional hand-sheets of algae and polymeric fiber will be explored. Degradation studies and the kinetic behavior of algae-PP composites were initially explored through differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The aim is to model the kinetic of degradation for algae-biocomposites. Algae fiber extraction, wet-layup technique and kinetics of degradation are the specific topics identified. These three topics of the research will be included in the Ph.D. proposal expected for this fall semester. The findings will be compiled into three research journal papers. List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Poster presentation at Science and Technology Open House 2013, Montgomery, April, 2013, hosted by Tuskegee University. Placed 2nd in the Ph.D. Graduate division. • Travel scholarship to participate in the workshop “Polymer and Composite Materials for Renewable Resources and Biorefinery: from Chemistry to Applications” hold by NSF- Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute (PASI), Costa Rica, August 4 -18, 2013.
42 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Anne Coppa The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation May 2014, Ph.D., Metallurgical Engineering [email protected]
The research I have been conducting on the optimization of the P-phase in Ni-Ti-Pd alloys has been progressing at an exciting pace. Structural and compositional information defining the phases present in a series of Ti11(Ni,Pd)13 alloys has been determined. I have begun new work, optimizing the microstructure of a P-phase precipitating Ni-Ti-Pd alloy for use in high temperature shape memory applications. Collaborations with NASA will continue, as they aid in the load-bias testing of their recently formulated alloys. I plan to complete my Ph.D. spring semester 2014. I have submitted an abstract to the 2014 International Conference on Shape Memory and Superelastic Technologies (SMST) in Pacific Grove, California, and plan to give an oral presentation of my work on Ni-Ti-Pd SMA. After completion of my Ph.D., I plan to find a job where I can continue to improve my research skills, before eventually finding my place in academia. Presentations • A.C. Coppa, B. Wang, B.C. Hornbuckle, R.D. Noebe, M.L. Weaver, and G.B. Thompson, “Influence of Hf on Precipitation in Ni-Ti-Pd-Hf Shape Memory Alloys,” Poster presentation at Alabama EPSCoR Annual Meeting, Montgomery, AL, March 2013. • A.C. Coppa, X.X. Yu, B.C. Hornbuckle, R.D. Noebe, G.B. Thompson, M.L. Weaver, “Compositional Stability of the P-Phase in Ti11(Ni,Pd)13 Alloys,” Oral presentation at The International Conference on Shape Memory and Superelastic Technologies (SMST), Pacific Grove, CA, May 2014 (Awaiting Acceptance)
Morgan Davis Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected Graduation 2014, M.S., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]
Carbon nanoparticle incorporated carbon/epoxy laminates have gained tremendous interest in the past decade. This is because of the nanoparticles’ superior mechanical, electrical, thermal, and morphological properties when compared to other materials. Even with the improved properties the incorporated nanoparticles create, the laminates fail to completely meet the expectations of researchers. The dissatisfaction of researchers stem from the major issues of poor dispersion of the carbon nanoparticles and the poor interfacial bonding within the laminates. The goal of this research is to develop fiber reinforced laminates by dispersing carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in high temperature EPON 862 epoxy and utilize these composites in aerospace applications. This is addressed by dispersing the CNFs, 0.5 wt. % and 1.0 wt. %, in the epoxy using a combination of sonication and calendaring techniques. Carbon/epoxy composites were fabricated using hand layup and compression mold process at a cure cycle of 121oC for 4 hrs. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed at a rate of 5oC/min from room temperature to 220o C to analyze viscoelastic properties. Results show a linear increase in glass transition temperature but in contrast, a decrease in storage modulus as CNF content increased. This aspect was found to be attributed to the poor bonding between the CNFs and epoxy.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • M. P. Davis Jr., M. V. Hosur, S. Jeelani, “Studies on nanofiber fused carbon/epoxy composites”, Winter Conference of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) Conference held on January 26, 2013, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA • M. P. Davis Jr., M. V. Hosur, S. Jeelani, “Dispersion studies on carbon/epoxy-cnf composites”, Ph.D. Seminar held on August 12-14, 2013, Destin, FL, USA
43 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Melike Dizbay-Onat University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected Graduation in 2015, Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Engineering/Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]
This study focuses on reduction of carbon footprint and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene for industrial emissions. Methods are investigated to prepare activated carbon composites from natural fibers and eggshell waste. The research proposes to develop and explore unique ‘green’ composite materials derived from natural fibers and bio-derived egg shells to adsorb industrial emissions and personal protection – such as masks and clothing. This work is an interdisciplinary effort between the departments of material science and engineering and public/environmental health. List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Melike Dizbay-Onat, Uday Vaidya, Claudiu Lungu, “ High Porosity Activated Carbon Derived From Natural Fibers for Respiratory Filter Application”, Poster Presentation, International Porous Powder Materials (PPM’13), Cesme, Izmir- Turkey, September 2013 • Melike Dizbay-Onat, Uday Vaidya, Evan Floyd, Claudiu Lungu, “Comparison Of Flax, Hemp and Sisal Fiber Derived Activated Carbon for Respiratory Filter Application”,Poster Presentation, ACC’13, Birmingham, AL, June 2013 • Melike Dizbay-Onat, Uday Vaidya, Evan Floyd, Claudiu Lungu, “Preparation Of High Microporosity Natural Fiber Derived Activated Carbon for Respiratory Application”, Poster Presentation, The Science and Technology Open House, Montgomery, AL, April 2013. • Melike Dizbay-Onat, Uday Vaidya, Evan Floyd, Claudiu Lungu, “Preparation and Characterization of Sisal Derived Activated Carbon for Respiratory Protection Applications”, Poster Presentation, AIHce 2013, Montreal, Canada, May 2013 • Melike Dizbay-Onat, Uday Vaidya, Evan Floyd, Claudiu Lungu, “Application of Natural Fiber Derived Activated Carbon as Respiratory Filter”, Poster Presentation, ASSE Conference, Birmingham, AL, April 2013 • Melike Dizbay-Onat, Uday Vaidya, Evan Floyd, Claudiu Lungu, “Natural Fiber Derived Activated Carbons”, Oral presentation, Graduate Student Research Day, UAB, Birmingham, AL, February, 2013 • Graduate Student Travel Award, UAB, March 2013
Matt Dodson Auburn University Round 2 Recipient Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Neuropathology [email protected]
I graduated from Auburn University with my Master’s Thesis in Cell Biology in 2010, at which point I moved on to pursue my Ph.D. in the Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I am just beginning the 4th year of my doctoral work here at UAB studying the interplay between neuronal metabolism and cell death pathways as a model for understanding why neurons die during Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative pathologies. By better understanding why neuronal cell death occurs during the progression of these diseases, we hope to generate potential therapeutic targets and treatments to aid in the maintenance and prevention of these debilitating diseases.
44 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Dodson, M., Darley-Usmar, V., and Zhang, J. 2013. Cellular metabolic and autophagic pathways: Traffic control by redox signaling. Free Radic. Biol. and Med. 63:207-221. • Dodson, M., Liang, Q., Johnson, M., Redmann, M., Fineberg, N., Darley-Usmar, V., and Zhang, J. 2013. Inhibition of glycolysis attenuates 4-hydroxynonenal-dependent autophagy and exacerbates apoptosis in differentiated SH- SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Autophagy. ePub ahead of print. • 2012 1st place in Center for Aging poster competition, Center for Aging conference, Birmingham, AL. • 2012 Young Investigator Award, Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine Annual meeting. San Diego, CA.
Sayna Ebrahimi University of South Alabama Recipient, Round 7 M.S., 2013, Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
In the conducted research funded by the GRSP scholarship, a new crack growth prediction tool was developed based upon the symmetric Galerkin boundary element method in the Laplace domain (SGBEM-Laplace), and the conventional and generalized maximum hoop stress criteria. This SGBEM- Laplace tool was used to predict crack trajectories in homogeneous and non-homogeneous isotropic brittle materials under dynamic loading conditions. One of the most important accomplishments within the last year for me was the research experience I gained through working in the great academic environment of the University of South Alabama under supervision of Prof. Phan. This scholarship, helped me exclusively focus on my research throughout the past year and prepared me with an excellent research background to pursue my Ph.D. studies at the best public school of the country, University of California at Berkeley with full financial support.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • S. Ebrahimi and A.-V. Phan, Dynamic analysis of cracks using the (SGBEM) for elastodynamics in the laplace-space frequency domain, ”Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements”, vol. 37, no. 11, pp. 1378-1391, 2013. • A.-V. Phan, S. Ebrahimi , Boundary Element Dynamic Fracture Analysis in the Frequency Domain: Fourier- or Laplace- Space, ASME 2012 Int’l Mech. Eng. Cong. & Expo, Houston, Texas • Graduate Division Block Grant Award, University of California, Berkeley, 2013-2018 • Daunomycin. Biomedical Engineering Society 2012 Annual Meeting Proceedings, 2012.
Amicia Elliott Devin University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Round 3 M.S., 2009, Structural Biology [email protected]
I am in the final year of my Ph.D. research in Molecular Biophysics at Vanderbilt University. My immediate plans are to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship starting in 2014 which I expect to take two to three years. The location of my post-doc is still to be determined.
45 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Liwu Fan Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 5 and 6 Ph.D. 2011, Mechnical Engineering [email protected]
Upon receiving my Ph.D. degree from Auburn University under the direction of Alumni Professor Jay M. Khodadadi, I have been working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization of Zhejiang University, P.R. China. My research interests have focused on phase change heat transfer with applications to thermal energy conversion and storage.
List of Recent Publications • Liwu Fan, J.M. Khodadadi, A.A. Pesaran, A parametric study on thermal management of an air-cooled lithium-ion battery module for electric vehicles, Journal of Power Sources, 238, 301-312 (2013). • Liwu Fan, J.M. Khodadadi, A theoretical and experimental investigation of expedited unidirectional freezing of nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM), ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, 134 (9), 092301 (2012). • J.M. Khodadadi, Liwu Fan, H. Babaei, Thermal conductivity enhancement of colloidal suspensions utilized as nanostructure-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) for thermal energy storage: A review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 24, 418-444 (2013). Basil Farah University of South Alabama Recipient, Rounds 5, 6, and 6 Supplement M.S., 2012, Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
A few months before graduating, I had an interview with a small engineering firm in The Woodlands, TX. The leadership in the company was impressed with my academic achievements. Thanks to GRSP, I was able to obtain a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and diversify my knowledge in engineering disciplines. I have been working with Tejas Research & Engineering for nearly a year. I am enjoying opportunities to use my academic knowledge in solving fluid flow problems, designing new equipment, and testing new technologies.
Carlton Farley, III Alabama A&M University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Applied Physics [email protected]
I have had the opportunity to study the photodegradation of various biomolecules, as well as other types of thin films, including melanin, chlorophyll, polybutadiene, polystyrene, and several compounds used in the production of organic solar cells. We are currently writing two papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals based on those results. I have also been able to assist other graduate students with their research, including Raman detection of explosives, thin film characterization for organic solar cells, crystal growth, and photo-patterning of polybutadiene thin films for fabrication of detectors.
46 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Brian Fayock University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Round 6 Ph.D., May 2013, Physics [email protected]
My dissertation consisted of the development of a 3D Monte Carlo radiative transfer code that simulated millions of photons (one at a time) scattering among a neutral hydrogen distribution resulting from a 3D magnetohydrodynamic-kinetic model of the heliosphere. The simulation provided results that could be compared directly to previously analyzed data for several spacecraft (Pioneer 10, Voyager 1, and Voyager 2) that had accumulated decades of ultraviolet radiation measurements pertaining primarily to the Lyman-alpha line from neutral hydrogen. We compared our results to data (both normalized) that had been analyzed in 1992, having measurements out to nearly 45 AU. The comparison was similar to Pioneer 10 observations due to normalization, while that with Voyager 1 was significantly better. Our best comparison was with Voyager 2 data, which was nearly replicated by our simulation. The similarity of our results to data suggests that both our heliospheric model and radiative transfer code contain an accurate understanding of the physics involved. For the past year, I have been analyzing data collected from the Solar Ultraviolet Magnetograph Investigation. The goal of the experiment is to determine the feasibility of measuring the magnetic field structures within the transition region of the solar atmosphere between the upper chromosphere and lower corona. I hope to continue working with this group, as the sun is a perfect place to learn about complex physics.
Recent Publications/Presentations/Honors • Fayock, B. (2013). Analysis of Solar Lyman-Alpha Scattering in the Heliosphere. PhD thesis, Univ. of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama. • Fayock, B., Zank, G. P., & Heerikhuisen, J. (2013), in American Institute of Physics Conference Series, Vol. 1539, ed. G. P. Zank, J. Borovsky, R. Bruno, J. Cirtain, S. Cranmer, H. Elliott, J. Giacalone, W. Gonzalez, G. Li, E. Marsch, E. Moebius, N. Pogorelov, J. Spann, & O. Verkhoglyadova, 462-465. • Fayock, B., Zank, G. P., & Heerikhuisen, J. (2013), Comparison of Pioneer 10, Voyager 1, and Voyager 2 Ultraviolet Observations with Anti-solar Lyman-alpha Backscatter Simulations, Astrophysical Journal Letters, 775, L4. Jason Freeman University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Round 5 and 6 Ph.D., 2011, Chemistry [email protected]
After completion of my degree in 2011, I accepted employment as a Research Chemist in the Mining Chemical division of Cytec Industries. Currently, I hold the position of Project Leader for the Synthetic Research Group in Mineral Processing Chemicals Department at Cytec. The research experience in phosphorus and polymer chemistries I obtained while a GRSP Fellow in the UAB Chemistry Department has provided me with the expertise and skills needed to conduct the applied research required for my career. I am extremely grateful for this support.
Recent Publications: • Synthesis, linear and nonlinear optical properties of phosphonato-substituted bithiophenes derived from 2,2′-biphenol. • Freeman, J. L.; Zhao, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, J.; Lawson, C. M.; Gray, G. M. Dalton Transactions 2013, 42, 14281-14297.
47 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
William Gaillard University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected Graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Electrical Engineering [email protected]
The result of this research effort will be a reusable glass micro reactor anda commercialized tabletop workstation capable of generating 100 - 200 pmols of high purity customer specified oligonucleotides required to synthesize short chain DNA, complex transmembrane proteins, site specific proteins, and user generated proteins not otherwise found in nature. Chemical synthesis will be achieved inside a glass micro-reactor at greater than 98.5% efficiency in a single 60 minute process run at 1% of current cost. In addition, an electronic drive controller and optical spectroscopy system capable of driving 16 individual reactions with simultaneous closed loop control will be developed and manufactured to evaluate the reaction and modify it in real time. To date, the first generation micro reactors have been fabricated and tested. The second generation reactors, which will feature direct electronic integration, are in the design phase. The voltage control aspect of the electronic drive controller has been designed and tested, while the current monitoring circuit is presently in the design phase. Spectroscopic evaluation of the reaction chemistry at the scale of the micro reactors has been accomplished. Other aspects of the design have been evaluated with the first set of reactors or with other microfabricated glass devices such as microcuvettes and microlenses.
Recent Publications/ Presentations/Honors • William R. Gaillard, Khalid Hasan Tantawi, Emanuel Waddell, Vladimir Fedorov, and John D. Williams, “In-plane spectroscopy with optical fibers and liquid-filled APEX™ glass microcuvettes”, J. Micromech. Microeng., 23, 2013 107001. • W. Gaillard, J. D. Williams “Photosensitive Glass Processing for Microfluidic Applications,” HARMNST, Berlin, Germany, (21-24 April 2013). • W. Gaillard, “Processing of Photosensitive Glass for Microfluidic Applications,” Science and Technology Open House, Tuskegee, (5-6 April 2013).
Hamed Ghaednia Auburn University Round 7 Expected Graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
Currently, I am focused on the effect of nanoparticle additives on lubricants as my Ph.D. project. Nano-sizes particles are small enough to infiltrate the small gaps between surfaces in contact and alter the tribological characteristics. However the particles’ exact enhancing mechanisms remain unknown (with a few exceptions). The main goal of the project is to understand the effect of particles on friction and wear and to study the interaction of particles with surfaces under high pressure. This project involves a variety of different experimental techniques ranging from purely chemical tests to friction and surface analysis tests. In addition, I am working on developing a contact model for nanoparticles between rough surfaces. I am three years into this project and have tackled multiple fronts of the project. Results so far are very interesting and I have couple of papers in publication and in preparation on the subject.
48 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Recent Publications/ Presentations/Honors • H. Ghaednia, H. Babaei, R.L. Jackson, M. J. Bozack, J. M. Khodadadi, (2013) “Effect of nanoparticles on thin film elasto- hydrodynamic lubrication”, Under revision. • R.L. Jackson, H. Ghaednia, H. Lee, A. Rostami, X. Wang, (2013) “Contact Mechanics” in Tribology for Scientists and Engineers: From Basics to Advanced Concepts, In Print • 68th Annual Meeting and Exhibition of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE 2013), May 2013, Detroit, MI. • Tuskegee University Annual Science and Technology Open House 2013, April 2013, Montgomery, Al. • H. Ghaednia, R. L. Jackson, “Experimental Analysis of Silver Nanoparticle-Enhanced Polyethylene Glycol Lubricants” 68th Annual Meeting and Exhibition of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE 2013), 5-9 May, Detroit, MI. • 2013 Young Tribologist Award, based on demonstration of important contributions to tribology research, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). • Platinum Award, Poster Presentation, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers STLE Annual Meeting (2013) • Harry Merriwether Fellowship (4 recipients per academic year), Graduate School, Auburn University, (2013).
Emily Gordon University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 3 and 4 M.S. 2011, Biotechnology [email protected]
I am currently working on my Ph. D. in Biotechnology at the University of Alabama-Huntsville under Dr. Luis Cruz-Vera. My anticipated graduation date is fall 2014. After graduation I hope to find a job or post-doctoral position in the North Alabama area, where I am currently raising my family.
L-Trp (Trp) can selectively interact with the ribosome translating tnaC mRNA inhibiting translation termination. It has been suggested that the action of Trp on the ribosome function depends on the interactions between the nascent TnaC- tRNA peptidyl-tRNA with components of the ribosomal peptide exit tunnel. The molecular mechanisms involved in this inhibition have yet to be revealed. Current research focus resides on understanding Trp as an inhibitor: 1) exploring the kinetics of peptide release induced by puromycin and 2) determining how the nature of the amino acyl-tRNA interacting at the A-site of the ribosome affects Trp-action. To perform these experiments, isolated stalled ribosomes that contain several mutant TnaC peptides are used. Results show that Trp is a mixed inhibitor, meaning when tryptophan binds the tertiary structure of the ribosome changes thus disallowing puromycin from nucleophilically attacking the peptide. Tryptophan, as a mixed inhibitor, could bind to both the ribosome or the ribosome-puromycin complex. Furthermore, amino acyl-tRNAs containing non-polar motifs affect the function of Trp, reducing its ability to inhibit the ribosome. Positively charged amino acyl-tRNAs are the most affected by Trp. Our results suggest that Trp does not inhibit the binding of translation factors involved in the ribosome function but the reactions performed during protein synthesis. The action of Trp within the ribosome depends of the chemical nature of the molecules binding the ribosomal A-site.
List of recent Publication/Presentations: • Inhibition of the ribosome function by L-tryptophan. Poster presentation at Molecular Genetics of Bacteria and Phages meeting, August 2013. • Martinez, A. K., Gordon, E., Sengupta, A., Shirole, N. H., Klepacki, D., Martinez-Garriga, B., Brown, L.M., Benedik, M. J., Yanofsky, C., Mankin, S.A., Vazquez-Laslop, N., Sachs, M. S. and Cruz-Vera, L.R. (2013). Interactions of the TnaC peptide with rRNA in the exit tunnel enable the ribosome to respond to free tryptophan. Nucleic Acid Res. Accepted.
49 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Guo Hong University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient Rounds 7 and 8 Expected Graduation, 2016, Ph.D., Electrical Engineering [email protected] I continue my goal to design and fabricate nanoscale patch antenna, spectrometer sensor, chemical sensors and am conducting investigations on nananoscale star-hole aperture chemical sensors and fabrication, nanoscale narrow waist metal antennas, and nanoscale spectrometer sensors. List of Recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • J. Guo, H. Guo, Blake Simpkins and Joshua Caldwell, “Narrow-waist metal bar infrared optical antennas,” SPIE Optics and Photonics Meeting, San Diego, California, August 25-29, 2013 Samantha Delmont Hastings University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Rounds 3, 4, 6 and 7 Ph.D. , 2014, Inorganic Chemistry [email protected] I have continued to make progress on my graduate research project under the direction of Dr. Gary Gray. I have synthesized a number of new compounds that have multiple applications in benefiting our environment. These compounds may be used as both molecular sensors to detect toxic substances and as catalysts in industrial reactions. To date we have synthesized compounds and have characterized them at the atomic level using tools such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and X-ray Crystallography. Further studies of these compounds have shown that depending on the molecular structure, they interact differently with mercury(II); In some cases mercury will reversibly bind to a portion of the molecule leaving the molecule unchanged, whereas in other cases mercury causes the molecule to undergo a geometrical rearrangement. More comprehensive studies of aimed at determining the factors affecting, and way in which these processes occur are underway. In addition to my research including a first author paper, I have successfully defended an original research proposal and plan to defend my dissertation in July of 2014. I have also had the opportunity to present my research in both local and national NSF EPSCoR conferences, the 2012 Annual ACHE Meeting (Alabama Commission of Higher Education), and ACS (American Chemical Society) meetings. Justin Havird Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 6, 6S and 7 Expected graduation, 2014, Ph.D., Biology [email protected] I am currently in my last year of Ph.D. research at Auburn University in the laboratory of Dr. Scott Santos. My research focuses on comparative physiology and molecular biology of organisms from anchialine habitats (coastal ponds and caves with underground seawater and freshwater influences). These organisms experience extreme changes in salinity in their habitats, yet maintain a near constant internal salt concentration. Previous results from the Hawaiian anchialine shrimp Halocaridina rubra suggest anchialine crustaceans may possess alternative osmoregulatory mechanisms compared to classically studied crustaceans. To expand these studies, I’m extending my current research to anchialine shrimps from the Ryukyus Islands in Japan. Preliminary results from these studies in
50 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
conjunction with a recently awarded East Asian and Pacific Summer Institutes fellowship and Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant from the National Science Foundation indicate anchialine shrimps from different phylogenetic clades likely possess different osmoregulatory strategies. Moreover, this seems correlated with freshwater vs. marine ancestry of the clade. Recent Publications/ Awards/ Honors • The Crustacean Society Fellowship in Graduate Studies for Genetics/Physiology • NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant (DDIG; DEB #1311500) • NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes (EAPSI) – Japan • The Crustacean Society Best Student Oral Presentation Award at SICB • Havird JC, Weeks JR, Hau S, Santos SR. Invasive species in the Hawaiian anchialine ecosystem: investigating potential predation on endemic organisms. Hydrobiologia 716:189-201. *Featured cover article • Havird JC, Henry RP, Wilson AE. 2013. Altered expression of Na+/K+-ATPase and other osmoregulatory genes in the gills of euryhaline animals in response to salinity transfer: A meta-analysis of 59 quantitative PCR studies over 10 years. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics 8:131-140.
Alexander Hodge Auburn University GRSP Round 7 Dec 2014, Ph.D, Chemical Engineering [email protected] Heart disease continues to be the largest source of mortality in the United States, a problem which is exacerbated by a shortage of donor organs. My research focuses on the use of biomimetic ma- terials to drive stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte maturation, a process which could provide a new source of cardiac cells for clinical therapies. My previous work has examined the effects of soluble nitric oxide (NO)-donating compounds on the maturation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Pluripotent stem cells treated with NO donors demonstrated increased spontaneous contractile activity, with greater numbers of cells contracting spontaneously and at higher frequencies, as well as increased calcium handling in comparison to non-treated cells. Currently, I am working with multiple biomimetic platforms for use in directing stem cell cardiogenesis. In one study, stem cells encapsulated in a polyethylene glycol-fibrinogen (PEG-Fb) hydrogel are treated with soluble NO donors to induce cardiomyocyte maturation in three-dimensional culture. Novel NO donors are being investigated which can be chemically incorporated into the PEG-Fb hydrogel to provide localized delivery of NO to differentiating cells. In a second study, polycaprolactone substrates modified with the conductive polymer polypyrrole are being used as a platform for directing cardiomyocyte maturation through enhanced conduction and exogenous electrical pacing. Additionally, I am creating an optical mapping platform to allow for quan- tification of electrical signaling through cardiomyocyte monolayers and three-dimensional cardiac constructs. Future work in this area will involve incorporation of multiple biomimetic cues into PEG-Fb hydrogels to control the local environment of stem cells differentiatiating in large scale suspension culture systems.
Recent Publications/ Awards/ Honors • AJ Hodge, P Kerscher, DA Dunn, EA Lipke. Biomimetic Materials for Cardiac Regeneration and Cardiomyocyte Differentiation. In: Handbook of Biomimetics and Bioinspiration, E Jabbari, A Khademhosseini, LP Lee, D Kim ed., World Scientific Publishing Co. Submitted October 2012, in review, accepted January 2013, in press. DA Dunn, AJ Hodge, EA Lipke. Biomimetic materials design for cardiac tissue regeneration. WIREs Nanomedicine & Nanobiotechnology. In press. • AJ Hodge, J Zhong, EA Lipke. Controlling Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocyte Maturation Using Soluble Nitric Oxide Donors. Graduate Research Poster Session Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2012. • AJ Hodge, J Zhong, and EA Lipke. Directing the maturation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes using soluble nitric oxide donors. • Auburn University Graduate Research Forum and Symposium, Auburn, AL, April 2012. (Selected to advance from Auburn University Graduate Student Forum February 2012, awarded first place engineering oral presentation)
51 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Mohammad Hossain Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 6, and 6 Supplement 2013, Ph.D., Microbiology [email protected]
I am now working as a Postdoctoral scientist in Dr. Liles’ lab at Auburn University. My current research is a continuation of my doctoral research which was supported by an EPSCoR GRSP fellowship. Currently I am studying the comparative and functional genomics of Aeromonas hydrophila responsible for epidemic disease outbreak in channel catfish. The epidemic of motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) has resulted now in the loss of over 10 million pounds of catfish, causing a devastating impact on the largest aquaculture industry in the United States. Our main goal is to identify the epidemic-associated virulence factors responsible for highly virulent nature of A. hydrophila. To study the putative virulence factors in A. hydrophila, we developed a gene knock out technique to create isogenic mutants of A. hydrophila for experimental challenge to channel catfish. The determination of vaccine efficacy of the A. hydrophila mutants with attenuated virulence factors is underway to formulate best vaccine candidates for preventing the epidemic outbreak of MAS in channel catfish.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Hossain, M.J. G.C. Waldbieser, D. Sun, N.K. Capps, W.B. Hemstreet, M.J. Griffin, L. Khoo, A.E. Goodwin, T.S. Sonstegard, S. Schroeder, K. Hayden, J.C. Newton, J.S. Terhune and M.R. Liles (2013) Implication of lateral genetic transfer in the emergence of Aeromonas hydrophila isolates from epidemic outbreaks in channel catfish. (Submitted to PLoS ONE); • Hossain, M.J., K.H. Rahman, J.S. Terhune, and M.R Liles (2012) An outer membrane porin protein modulates phage susceptibility in Edwardsiella ictaluri. Microbiology. 2012 Feb;158 (2):474-87; • Rahman, M.Z., N. Azmuda, M.J. Hossain, M. Sultana, S.I. Khan, N.K. Birkeland (2011) Recovery and Characterization of Environmental Variants of Shigella flexneri from Surface Water in Bangladesh. Current Microbiology. 63(4):372-6.
Chengdong Huang Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 3, 4, and 5 2010, Ph.D., Chemistry and Biochemistry [email protected]
In 2010, I obtained my Ph.D. in Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University. In order to further enhance my research experience repertoire, my research focus during my first postdoctoral research at Stony Brook University, shifted from structural biology to biological sciences. At Stony Brook University, I explored the motion transmission mechanism of an important AAA ATPase, p97. My current postdoctoral work at Rutgers University is focused on elucidating the role of the chaperon SecB in cell translocational machinery using NMR as the primary technique.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Huang, C.; Bhaskaran, Rajagopalan; Mohanty, Smita. Eukaryotic N-glycosylation Occurs Via membrane-anchored C-terminal domain of Stt3p subunit of oligosaccharyl transferase. J. Biol. Chem. (2012) 287(39), 32450-32458. • Huang, C.*; Li, Guangtao*; Lennarz, William J. Dynamic flexibility of the ATPase p97 is important for its interprotomer motion transmission. (* Equal contribution) Proc. Nat. Acad. Soc. USA (2012) 109(25), 9792-9297. • Li, Guangtao*; Huang, Chengdong*, Zhao, Gang; Lennarz, William J. Interprotomer motion-transmission mechanism for the hexameric AAA ATPase p97. (* Equal contribution) Proc. Nat. Acad. Soc. USA (2012), 109(10), 3737-3741.
52 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Hunter Hyche The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 1 M.S. , 2007, Environmental Engineering [email protected]
I have been working for CH2M Hill for the 6 years since graduation, passed the PE exam this spring. I am helping to manage a Water Restoration Program for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. I am also managing St. Charles Parish’s MS4 Program, and was elected to the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Urban Stormwater Coalition this year. Last year we completed a design-build project of a football stadium and running track for Nike at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans East, and also completed the restoration of the Sewerage and Water Board’s Cathodic Protection System.
Jajam Kailash Auburn University Recipient, Round 7 Ph.D., 2013, Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
I graduated from Auburn University in August 2013 and am now a Postdoctural Research Associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Urbana, Illinois. My research interests are materials processing and characterization, mechanics of materials, and fracture mechanics.
List of recent Publications, Presentations and Honors • Jajam KC, Rahman MM, Hosur MV, Tippur HV. “Fracture behavior of epoxy nanocomposites modified with polyol diluent and amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: A loading rate study”, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing (Submitted, 2013). • Jajam KC, Bird SA, Auad ML, Tippur HV. “Tensile, fracture and impact behavior of transparent Interpenetrating Polymer Networks with polyurethane-poly(methyl methacrylate)”, Polymer Testing (2013); 32(5); 889-900. • Bird SA, Clary D, Jajam KC, Tippur HV, Auad ML. “Synthesis and characterization of high performance, transparent interpenetrating polymer networks with polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate)”, Polymer Engineering & Science (2013); 53(4); 716-723. • Rahman MM, Hosur M, Zainuddin S, Jajam KC, Tippur HV, Jeelani S. “Mechanical properties of epoxy composites modified with reactive polyol diluent and randomly-oriented amino-functionalized MWCNTs”, Polymer Testing (2012); 31(8); 1083-1093. • Jajam KC, Tippur HV. “Quasi-static and dynamic fracture behavior of particulate polymer composites: A study of nano- vs. micro-size filler and loading-rate effects”, Composites Part B: Engineering (2012); 43(8); 3467-3481. • Jajam KC, Tippur HV. “Role of inclusion stiffness and interfacial strength on dynamic matrix crack growth: An experimental study”, International Journal of Solids and Structures (2012); 49(9); 1127-1146. • Jajam KC, Tippur HV. “An experimental investigation of dynamic crack growth past a stiff inclusion”, Engineering Fracture Mechanics (2011); 78(6); 1289-1305.
53 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Ivy Krystal Jones Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 1 and 2 2009, M.S., Mechanical Engineering [email protected]; [email protected]
I am currently a fifth year physics doctoral candidate at Hampton University with a concentration in optics and specializing in solid-state spectroscopy for laser material applications. My Ph.D. defense is scheduled for April 2014 and is entitled “Materials Development and Optical Spectroscopy of Pr3+ activated Halides for Low-Quantum Defect, Eye-Safe (~1.6 µm) Solid-State Gain Media”. I have plans in November 2013 to apply to the NASA Postdoctoral Program at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia and successfully acquire a position in the Advanced Materials and Processing Branch or the Flow Physics and Control Branch.
Recent Presentation: • “Emission cross-section and gain profile analysis of Pr:PbCl2 for 1.6 µm eye safe laser application”, External Advisory Board Meeting NSF – Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) – Center for Laser Science and Spectroscopy (CLaSS) – August 30, 2013 • “Spectroscopic properties of Pr doped PbCl2 for eye-safe 1.6 µm laser applications”, LA101 – Solid-State Lasers XXII: Technology and Devices, LASE 2014, Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering; SPIE Photonics West, Feb 1-6, 2014, San Francisco, CA
Dan Ke University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Electrical Engineering [email protected]
Microfluidic systems offer a strong platform for cost effective, high throughput biosensing applications. Most microfluidic systems add fluorescence label for detection, which requires complicated equipment like spectrometers or fluorescent microscopes. The high anisotropy and long range orientational order of Liquid Crystal (LC) can detect bioevents without complex equipment. Monitoring changes of LC anchoring energy and orientations at the LC-aqueous interface with bias voltage can improve sensitivity and response time significantly. Our goal is to develop an integrated opto-microfluidic system that will enable the detection of low levels of bio-events or bioanalytes by monitoring the anchoring energies at a liquid crystal/aqueous interface. Two structures for the microfluidic device are designed to apply LCs with negative and positive dielectric anisotropy. For both structures, simulation results of monitoring LC orientational transitions due to the changes of anchoring energy at LC- aqueous interface via the influence of a bias voltage are completed. Detect endotoxin via LC anchoring monitoring to achieve optically observation results.
Publication/Presentations/Honors • D. Ke and R. G. Lindquist, “Opto-Microfluidic Sensors Based on Liquid Crystal Orientational Transitions at Aqueous Interface”, AL NSF EPSCoR Science & Technology Open house, 2013
54 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Sungmin Kim University of South Alabama Recipient, Round 7 M.S., 2013, Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
After graduating from the University of South Alabama (USA) in July 2013, I joined the world’s leading aircraft manufacturing company, Airbus North America located in Mobile, AL. As an entry level Mechanical Engineer, my duties or responsibilities are to generate engineering reports as required to support current projects and to organize engineering data and provide assistance to route documents for review. I also review documents such as test reports provided by suppliers to verify that test procedures and results are qualified for Airbus’ standard.
Tae Kim University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Physics [email protected]
During the Round 7 period, I used time-dependent boundary conditions obtained from interplanetary scintillation observations to model the solar wind outflow from near the Sun to heliocentric distances beyond the Earth’s orbit. The results were presented at the 12th Annual International Astrophysics Conference held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on April 19, 2013. In December 2012, I attended the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California to present my recent simulation results showing the long-term interaction between the solar wind and the local interstellar medium, which is currently one of the most interesting (and controversial) topics in space physics because of the puzzling in situ measurements gathered by the Voyager spacecraft in this interaction region. In the Round 8 period, I plan to defend my dissertation and graduate at the end of the fall semester. The work performed during the Round 7 period has steered me toward a related research topic suitable for postdoctoral work, so it is very likely that I will stay at UAH after graduation as a postdoctoral researcher.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Kim, T. K., Pogorelov, N. V., Borovikov, S. N., Hayashi K., Jackson, B. V., Tokumaru M., Yu, H.-S. 2013, Modeling the Global Heliosphere Using IPS-derived Time-dependent Boundary Conditions, 12th Annual International Astrophysics Conference, ASP Conference Series (awaiting publication) • Kim, T. K., Pogorelov, N. V., Borovikov, S. N., Clover, J. M., Jackson, B. V., & Yu, H.-S. 2012, SPACE WEATHER: THE SPACE RADIATION ENVIRONMENT: 11th International Astrophysics Conference, AIP Conference Proceedings, 1500, 140 • Oral presentation, 12th Annual International Astrophysics Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC (April 15-19, 2013 • Poster presentation, American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA (December 3-7, 2012) • National Science Foundation - East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students Fellowship (2012)
55 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Wonkyu Kim University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Electrical Engineering [email protected]
My graduate research is to investigate plasmonic optical devices such as optical filters and perfect absorbers for biochemical sensors and efficient optical energy harvesting. I investigated and designed star-shape nano-aperture using finite-difference in time-domain method, which has characteristic resonance wavelength depending on the size and period of the aperture due to the phenomenon of extraordinary transmission. I also designed and fabricated a perfect absorber having an array of gold disks on dielectric and gold layer, respectively. The absorbers are designed to have very high absorption and currently the fabricated devices are under testing. Those devices are expected to be used as a component of chemical sensor and solar cells.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Wonkyu Kim, Hong Guo, Joshua Hendrickson, Junpeng Guo, “Enhancement of Surface Plasmon in star-shaped aperture” (to be submitted to Journal of Optical Society of America B) • Wonkyu Kim, Hong Guo, Joshua Hendrickson, Junpeng Guo, “Surface Plasmon Resonance Enhanced Optical Transmission through Nanostar Apertures in Metal Films”, Alabama EPSCoR, Tuskegee, AL April 5-6, 2013
Kwon GiHan University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Round 3 Ph.D., 2009, Chemical Engineering [email protected]; [email protected]
Currently I am working in the CSE (Chemical Science and Engineering) Solar Conversion group which has the collaborative project (Argonne-Northwestern Solar Energy Research Center, ANSER) on the characterization of solar fuels catalyst. My particular research is combining theX-ray synchrotron technique to electrochemical- and heterogeneous chemical reaction, including novel device design and development. The specific research field includes the following: • X-ray scattering Fourier transform and atomic pair distribution (PDF) analysis from high energy X-ray scattering on Advanced Photon Source • Develop techniques for the electrolytic deposition of amorphous metal oxide water-splitting catalyst films • Develop in-situ diffuse IR measurements to support PDF analyses of amorphous metal oxide catalyst films • Design novel electrochemical cells for in-situ X-ray PDF analysis as well as X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) • Develop an industrial applicable new size selected cluster source • Heterogeneous chemical reaction study under ambient pressure as well as designing new high pressure reactor for monitoring the course of reaction combined in situ X-ray/FT IR technique.
List of recent Publications • G. Kwon, G. A. Ferguson, C. J. Heard, E. C. Tyo, C. Yin, J. DeBartolo, S. Seifert, R. E. Winans, A. J. Kropf, J. P. Greeley, R. L. Johnston, L. A. Curtiss, M. J. Pellin, and S. Vajda, “Size-dependent subnanometer Pd cluster (Pd4, Pd6, and Pd17) water oxidation electrocatalysis,” ACS Nano 7, 5808(2013).
56 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Wei Li The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 3 and 4 Ph.D., 2010, Mechanical Engineering [email protected]
After finishing my post doc at University of Texas at Austin, I took a research scientist position at the University of Houston, still working on fuel cells and related electrochemical energy processes.
Yahao Lu The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 3, 4, and 5 Ph.D., 2010, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering [email protected]
Currently I am a senior scientist at Sharp Laboratories of America (SLA) where Iam aggressively pursuing novel battery research. Before joining SLA, I was a postdoctoral fellow in Professor John B. Goodenough’s group at the University of Texas at Austin. While there, I developed a new strategy, aqueous cathode, for lithium batteries to improve their capacity and cycle life. In addition, I worked on cathode and anode materials for lithium/sodium-ion batteries.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Honor: 2012 Most Valuable People (MVP) in Materials & Devices Applications Department (MADA) in Sharp Laboratories of America. • 13 patents pending (first inventor). • L.Wang*, Y. Lu* (Equal contribution), J. Liu, M. Xu, J. Cheng, D. Zhang, J.B. Goodenough, A superior low-cost cathode for a Na-ion battery, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 52(2013)1964-1967. • Y. Lu, L. Wang, J. Song, D. Zhang, M. Xu, J.B. Goodenough, Aluminum-stabilized NASICON-structured Li3V2(PO4)3, J. Mater. Chem. A, 1(2013)68-72. • Y. Lu, L. Wang, J. Cheng, J.B. Goodenough, Prussian blue: a new framework of electrode materials for sodium batteries, Chem. Comm. 48(2012)6544-6546. • Y. Lu, D. Zhang, L. Wang, M. Xu, J. Song, J.B. Goodenough, Electrochemical behavior of a graphite electrode prepared by anodic electrophoretic deposition, J. Electrochem. Soc., 159(2012) A321-A324. • J.Song D.Shin, Y. Lu, C.D. Amos, A. Manthiram, J.B. Goodenough, Role of oxygen vacancies of the performance of Li[Ni0.5-xM1.5+x]O4(x=0. 0.05, and 0.08) spinel cathodes for lithium ion batteries, Chemistry of Materials, 24(2012)3101-3109. • D. Liu, Y. Lu, J.B. Goodenough, Rate properties and elevated-temperature performances of LiNi0.5-xCr2xMn1.5- xO4 (0≤2x≤0.8) as 5V cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, J. Electrochem. Soc., 157 (2010) A1269-A1273. • M. Xu, L.Wang, X. Zhao, J. Song, H. Xie, Y. Lu, J.B. Goodenough, Na3V2O2(PO4)2F/graphene sandwich structure for high-performance cathode of a sodium-ion battery, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 15(2013)13032-13037.
57 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Mallory Messersmith University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Rounds 6 and 6 Supplement 2012, M.A., Anthropolpgy [email protected]
After traveling to Peru with my University of Florida advisor to complete zooarchaeology lab work at the Museo Contisuyo in Moquegua, Peru., I started my Ph.D. studies in Anthropology at UF in the fall of 2013. I will be focusing on zooarchaeology (identification and interpretation of animal bones in archaeological contexts), with a concentration in coastal and island regions. I will also serve as a Research Assistant in the Anthropology Department at UF for the fall semester.
Abilash Nair The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 4 and 5 Ph.D. , 2010, Engineering Science and Mechanics
Since graduating from UA, I have been working as Research Associate (Non-Tenure Track Faculty) at Rutgers University, New Jersey. I am involved in the research of Energetic Materials, where I used my past experience in mutli-scale and multi-physics modeling to develop predictive models for coupled mechano-chemical events in Inter-Molecular Reactive Composites (IRCs). Last year, I helped organize the 5th annual International Center for Applied Computational Mechanics (ICACM) symposium in New York City, which was an effort to foster research collaborations between French and American universities in the field of Meta-materials and Energetic Materials. I currently reside in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Ojha K. Santosh Alabama A&M University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Forest Ecology [email protected]
I am investigating the relationship between tree diversity and aboveground biomass productivity by including the effects of the stand-level and environmental level variables in young natural forests of the eastern region. I have been working in close collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Southern Research Station to obtain the required data. The data contains 1036 plots with stand age of less than 30 years. Out of the 1036 plots, 733 were located in 21 northeastern states, while 303 plots are located in 13 southeastern states. The preliminary research results showed a positive significant correlation between species diversity and above ground biomass productivity. The results were presented ata number of professional conferences and meetings, including most recently to approximately 50 attendees at the Ecological Society of America’s 98th Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 4-9, 2013. There was a great interest in the research findings and attendees provided some valuable suggestions.
58 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Ojha S.K. and Dimov L.D. Species Characteristics and diversity-productivity relationships in young natural forests of the eastern United States. Ecological Society of America, 98th Annual Meeting Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 4-9, 2013. • Ojha S. K. and Dimov L. D. Species diversity and above ground productivity in young natural forests of the eastern United States. Center of Excellence in Forestry Semiannual Meeting, SRS-FIA, Knoxville, Tennessee, July 22-23, 2013. • Ojha S.K. and Dimov L.D. Species characteristics, diversity, and above ground productivity in young natural forests of the eastern United States. Poster presentation at EPSCoR and Tuskegee University, Science and Technology open house conference 5-6 April 2013 in Montgomery, Alabama. • Ojha S.K. and Dimov L.D. A community analysis of natural hardwood forest vegetation of alabama. Poster presenta- tion at 7th Annual STEM Day, April 12, 2013, Alabama A&M University. • Ojha S.K. and Dimov L.D. Species characteristics and diversity-productivity relationships in young natural forests of the eastern United States. Published Abstract at the Ecological Society of America, 98th Annual Meeting Minneapo- lis, Minnesota, August 4-9, 2013 URL: http://eco.confex.com/eco/2013/webprogram/Paper42641.html Larissa Parsley-Walker Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 1 and 2 Ph.D., 2010, Biological Sciences [email protected]
I currently teach at the University of Mobile (UM), where I serve as the Chair of the Natural Sciences Department. I am also a liaison to the Teacher Education Council and am the primary advisor for students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Biology. At UM, I teach Microbiology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Immunology, and Capstone for graduating senior Biology majors. Last year, another professor from our department and I were invited to participate in an NSF-sponsored workshop on teaching a course in Forensic Science. We have since developed an interdisciplinary, upper-level Forensic Science course at UM that has received both local and state-wide media attention. I actively edit and review both research manuscripts and textbooks, having served as a reviewer for the journals PLoS One and Science of the Total Environment and as an invited reviewer for McGraw-Hill and Jones-Bartlett publishers. I have also edited manuscripts for BioScience Writers, LLC, a professional scientific editing service. While at Auburn University, I authored seven research manuscripts and two book chapters related to the topics of antibiotic resistance, soil microbiology, and metagenomics. I received the Distinguished Dissertation Award from Auburn University and was a finalist for the national CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award in 2011.
Jeremy Peppers University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Physics [email protected]
I have recently completed qualifying exams and obtained my non-thesis Master’s degree in Physics. I am continuing research in the area of mid-IR laser materials in pursuit of a Ph.D. The primary focus of recent research has been cobalt and iron doped solid-state materials. Some research has also been performed in relation to visible excitation of chromium in zinc selenide and zinc sulfide.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • CLEO 2013 (Poster presented), San Jose California: Spectroscopic characterization of Cobalt doped ZnSe/S crystals as saturable absorbers and gain elements for IR solid-state lasers
59 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Diane Render Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]
Preliminary characterization studies were performed. These tests include X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and several different microscopic images. All in vitro dissolution studies for the synthesized tablet. This data was recently presented at the Nanotech 2013 conference in Washington, DC. I have begun in vivo studies with Sprague Dawley rats. Initial in vivo studies have been completed. All transit studies were completed by monitoring the transit of the tablet with x-ray radiography. After the initial stages of in vivo studies were completed, histological studies were performed on the major organs, to view if the calcium carbonate nanoparticles could be detected. The liver, kidneys, stomach, and three parts of the intestinal tract were all kept for histological studies. Neither of the organs viewed any different than the control organs, when they were compared.
List of Recent Publications/ Presentations/ Honors • Nanotech 2013, Washington, DC, May 12-15, 2013, Poster presentation
Maninder Sandey Auburn University Recipient, Round 4 Ph.D., 2011, Veterinary Medicine [email protected]
I am is now serving 50% as an anatomic pathology resident in the Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University and 50% as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Bruce Smith’s laboratory.
Reza Sarvestani University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 4, 5, and 6 Ph.D., 2011, Electrical and Computer Engineering [email protected]
My research area was Micro Electro Mechanical Systems for RF applications RF-MEMS. I have developed techniques for making MEMS devices on Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). The output of this study was a patent filed for University of Alabama in Huntsville and a few publications which was used by other scientists and engineers as reference. I have also developed a new technique for controlling the grain size of electrodeposited gold layer. In 2011 Microwave Journal reviewed one of my publications in IEEE Microwave Theory and Technique Digest as one of the ten technologies that will change the future of passive microwave devices. Right after graduation I started my carreer as an assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey. I am currently in a tenure track position as assistant professor of Computer Engineering in Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah.
60 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Shoieb Shaik Tusgee University and The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 3, 4, and 5 at TU, Round 6 at UA Ph.D., 2013, Electrical and Computer Engineering [email protected]
I am working on my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa in the field of Hybrid Solar cells and Organic Thin film transistors. I was a finalist for the National CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award in 2011. Gang Shen University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 6, 6 Supplement and 7 Ph.D., 2013, Physics [email protected]
During the past year, I pursued the doping study of ZnO nanowires using aluminum by thermal chemical vapor deposition. I investigated the effect of synthesis parameters on the material characteristics, including Al concentration, Raman and photoluminescence spectra, as well as their electrical transport properties. By modeling the dependence of the nanowire geometrical properties on the synthesis parameters, I have been able to provide a better understanding of the growth mechanism of such nanowires.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • G. Shen, N. Dawahre, J. Waters, S.M. Kim, and P. Kung, “Growth, doping, and characterization of ZnO nanowire arrays,” Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B 31, no. 4 (2013): 041803. • N. Dawahre, G. Shen, S.N. Renfrow, S.M. Kim, and P. Kung, “Atom probe tomography of AlInN/GaN HEMT structures,” Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B 31, no. 4 (2013): 041802. • C. Garcia Nunez, A.F. Brana, J.L. Pau, D. Ghita, B.J. Garcia, G. Shen, D.S. Wilbert, S.M. Kim, and P. Kung, “Pure zincblende GaAs nanowires grown by Ga-assisted chemical beam epitaxy,” Journal of Crystal Growth 372 (2013): 205-212. • N. Dawahre, G. Shen, S.M. Kim, and P. Kung, “Voltage and laser-assisted mode atom probe tomography of gallium nitride,” Microscopy and Microanalysis 19 (Suppl 2) (2013): 990-991. Hunter Sims The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 4 2013, Ph.D., Physics [email protected]
I am currently working as a postdoctoral research assistant at the German Research School for Simulation Sciences in the Computational Materials Science department in the Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. I am working in the group of Prof. Dr. Erik Koch. My work involves combining first-principles calculations with realistic models to understand the properties of correlated-electron systems, currently focusing on the orbital-ordered Jahn-Teller material KCuF3.
List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • H. Sims, E.R. Ylvisaker, E. Sasioglu, C. Friedrich, S. Blugel, and W.E. Pickett Effect of local electron-electron correlation in hydrogen-like impurities in Ge Phys. Rev. B 87, 195120 (2013)
61 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
John Smith University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient, Rounds 4, 5, and 6 2013, Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]
The overall objective of this research was to predict the formability of thick section, plain woven, thermoplastic matrix composite laminates by analyzing parts produced with the combined application of localized heat and pressure. By predicting deformed states for composite laminates, it is possible to reduce research and development time, as well as material usage. This work dealt with four primary topics: 1) Design/ build the manufacturing cell to perform experimental trials, and optimize the manufacturing process for thermoformed laminates using a single, hemispherical cup and a design of experiment approach; 2) Generate a global strain map of the formed laminate with continuum mechanics and create a predictive, analytical model to determine composite laminate deformations for known tooling; 3) Construct a finite element model capable of predicting the global temperature profiles of the composite laminate: and 4) Develop a bi-component shear stress based mechanical relationship for an as-formed part which considers the predicted shear state from topic (2) and the predicted temperature profile of topic (3). It was possible to deform a composite laminate with a change in cross-section of one millimeter or less, due to the study of topic (1). This permitted the assumption of uniform thickness while developing the analytical model of topic (2). The analytical model produced results which were highly comparable to experimental trials. On average, there was a point to point difference of 2.5 millimeters with a standard deviation of 1.4, and a variation in intraply shear of 4.3 degrees with a standard deviation of 4. Thermal profiles of topic (3) were determined from finite element analysis and able to match experimental tests for undeformed laminates within an average accuracy of 10°C. Topic (4) summarized the predicted mechanical properties from the prior topics and produced a stress profile for an as-formed laminate. I am currently searching for employment in the field of mechanical applications of composite materials with a specialization in modeling and simulation. Charles Solvason Auburn University Recipient, Round 4 Ph.D., 2011, Chemical Engineering [email protected]
In 2011, I completed my research in multi-scale chemical product design under Dr. Mario Eden and joined Bryan Research & Engineering (BR&E) in Bryan, TX. At BR&E, I relied on the skills and experience I gained while performing research under the GRSP to develop one of the largest, programmatically expandable, molecular structure libraries in existence. When integrated with a process reactor suite of models, the molecular library provides a complete, molecular characterization of higher order chemical process streams. By incorporating this full characterization instead of thermodynamic “oil cuts”, complete process and product optimization is now possible for downstream refineries. I will be presenting this work at the 2014 AIChE Annual and Spring Meetings. It is an exciting time in the oil and gas industry. In the past two years I have published 2 book chapters and submitted 2 patents related to these concepts. List of recent Publications/ Presentations/ Honors • Gani R., Eden M.R., Gundersen T., Geogiardis M.C., Woodley J.M., Lopez-Arenas T., Sales-Cruz M., Perez-Cisneros E.S., Solvason C.C., Chemmangattuvalappil N.G., Lutze P., Roughton B.C., Camarda K.V, Topp E.M. (2013): “Process Systems Engineering, 4. Process and Product Synthesis/Design - Process Synthesis and Design” Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Wiley Publishing.
62 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Brandie Stringer Alabama A&M University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 M.S., 2014, Plant and Soil Science [email protected]
All data collection is complete. I am now formatting and analyzing my data, and writing my thesis on Forest Canopy Manipulation and Breeding Bird Responses.
List of recent Publications/ Presentations/ Honors • Stringer, B.K., Y. Wang, and C.J. Schweitzer. 2013. Forest Canopy Manipulation and Breeding Bird Responses: Treatment- and Temporal-Dependent Responses. In Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference, Shreveport, LA. General Technical Report, in press. Padma Sundaram Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 6, 6 Supplement and 7 Ph.D., 2013, Chemical Engineering [email protected]
In my research, we developed a drug delivery nano-carrier for controlled and extended release of drugs. We investigated the factors affecting the loading of DNA on AuNps. Amaximum loading of 108 strands of anchor DNAs per AuNp was observed with 0.4M NaCl and 4µM DNA. On binding daunomycin to the aptamer-anchor DNA complex conjugated to AuNps, for the first time in the literature, we demonstrated a very high payload of 1157 ± 18 daunomycin molecules per AuNp. The in-vitro release of daunomycin at 37oC (body temperature) demonstrated controlled release of drug from the nano-carrier for an extended period of time. After 6 days of release only about 55% of the bound daunomycin was released from the nano-carrier which implies that the release can be extended much further. With this high drug payload and an ability to release it slowly for an extended period of time this nano-carrier can bring in revolution to the cancer treatments. To test the efficiency of the nano-carrier in delivering the drug to cells, we studied the cellular uptake of the nano-carrier and cell viability in MCF7 breast cancer cells. The nano-carrier displayed excellent cellular uptake, and the cell death was observed to be proportional to the concentration of the nano-carrier. At any particular concentration the cell death by the nano-carrier was higher compared to the cell death by the corresponding concentration of free daunomycin. After 4 hours of incubation, the cell death by 100 nM nano-carrier was twice as much as cell death by same concentration of free daunomycin. This proves that the nano-carrier is more efficient in killing cancer cells compared to that of the free drug. Furthermore, we modified the nano-carrier for neomycin to highlight the versatility of the nano-carrier, and demonstrated an excellent control over drug release from the nano-carrier using affinity modulation. One and two point mutants of the DNA aptamer displayed different drug binding affinity with which we varied the drug release from 20% to 70% of bound drug in 2 hrs, from the strongest and weakest aptamers respectively. Such high variation in drug release with just one point mutation of the DNA is the ultimate control that could be achieve in a nano-scale system.
List of recent Publications/Presentations/Honors • D.M. Webster*, P. Sundaram* (*both authors contributed equally), M.E. Byrne. Injectable Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery: Carriers, Targeting Moieties and Therapeutic, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2013; 84 (1): 1-20. • P. Sundaram, H. Kurniawan, M.E. Byrne, J. Wower. Therapeutic RNA Aptamers in Clinical Trials, European Journal of Pharmaceutical Science 2013; 48(1): 259-271. • P. Sundaram, S. Pradhan, H. Kurniawan, E. Lipke, J. Wower, M.E. Byrne. A Novel Nano-Carrier Engineered for High Payload and Efficient In-vitro Cellular Delivery of Daunomycin. 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, November 3-8, 2013.
63 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Raja Suradhi Alabama A&M University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Applied Physics/ Materials Sciences [email protected] I continue to study, grow and characterize high energy detector-grade single crystals that have better efficiency for detection of radiation materials used in the field of high energy physics, medical imaging, and mainly in detection of nuclear materials for Department of Homeland Security. Scintillator crystals are of interest because of their high density, high light output, and short decay time and radiation hardness. There is a search for scintillator crystals with higher efficiency and transparency. I plan to study 1) pure and rare earth ions doped alkaline earth halides using melt growth techniques, including a special group, which is of new interest i.e., metal-organic crystals that can be crystallized using solution growth techniques which can have possible applications in the field of neutron detection; and 2) lead iodide synthesis, purification and growth by melt growth techniques. By using electrical, optical and structural characterization results, improvement in the materials composition is expected for future growth by stoichiometry approximations. List of recent Publications: • Ashwith K. Chilvery, Ashok K. Batra, Padmaja Guggilla, R. B. Lal and Raja Surabhi. A versatile technique for the fabrication of PEDOT:PSS films for organic solar cells, Energy Science and Technology, Vol 4, No 2 (2012). Khalid Tantawi University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 5, 6 and 6 Supplement Ph.D., 2012, Electrical Engineering [email protected] I am currently a Mechatronics professor at Motlow College, Smyrna, TN, and a visiting scholar in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University. List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • W. R. Gaillard, K. H. Tantawi, V. Fedorov, E. Waddel, J. D. Williams, “In-plane Spectroscopy with Optical Fibers and Liquid Filled APEX Glass Microcuvettes”, J. Micromech. and MicroEng., 23, 107001, 2013. • Khalid H. Tantawi, Emanuel Waddell, and J.D. Williams, “Structural and composition analysis of Apex™ and Foturan™ photodefinable glasses”, J. Materials Science, 48, pp. 5316-5323, (2013). • K.H. Tantawi, B. Berdiev, R. Cerro and J. D. Williams, “Porous Silicon Membrane structure for Investigation of Transmembrane Proteins”, Journal of Superlattices and Microstructures, Vol. 58, pp. 72-80, March 2013 • K.H. Tantawi, R. Cerro, B. Berdiev, M. Martina- Diaz, F. Montez, Darayas Patel, and J. Williams, “Investigation of Transmembrane Protein Fused in Lipid Bilayer Membranes Supported on Porous Silicon”, Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology, Vol. 37, pages 28-34 (2013) • K.H. Tantawi, B. Berdiev, R. Cerro, and J. Willaims, “Investigations on Transmembrane Ion Channels Suspended over Porous Silicon Membranes”, Biotech World Conference & Expo, Washington DC, May 12-16, 2013. Arefin Tauhid Tuskegee University Recipient, Round 7 M.S., 2013, Mechanical Engineering [email protected] The damage triggers an autonomous healing and cures the crack or fracture with time. In this research, this self–healing phenomenon in e-glass/epoxy composites were mimicked by incorporating self-healing agents (SHA) in hollow glass fibers (HGFS). Using this concept in fiber
64 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
reinforced composites, a significant fraction of mechanical properties can be restored through self-healing of cracks and by minimizing damaged area. At first, SHA was stored in HGF, using capillary method. The HGFS were then embedded within E-glass fibers by reinforcing epoxy using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding method (VARTM). Experimental effort was focused at time interval of 0 hour (1st impact), and 48 hour (2nd impact), respectively. Low velocity impact results show that highest gain in total energy is 27.67%, peak load is 13.85% and energy to peak load is 18.04% in comparing to without SHA filled HGFs samples. The highest gain or highest efficiency was observed in single set SHA filled HGFs samples. From ballistic test, it was found that in one layer HGFs absorbed energy gain is 11.38% after considering compression shear. Due to the delamination after first impact, the samples were found to absorb more impact upon a second impact that was due to more compressive shear offered by the samples to impact. However, the increase of 11.38% impact was due to the healing action by the Envirez-70301 resin. This significant gain in impact properties after second impact in SHA filled HGFs samples in comparison to control samples reflects the self-healing efficiency. List of recent publications • S. Zainuddin, M. Hosur, T. Arefin, M. Rahman, J. Tyson, “Optimization of Mechanical and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Epoxy and E-Glass/Epoxy Composites Using NH2-MWCNTs, Acetone Solvent and Combined Dispersion Methods” in press • M. Rahman, M. Hosur, S. Zainuddin, U. Vaidya, A. Tauhid, A. Kumar, J. Trovillion, S. Jeelani, “Effects of amino-functionalized MWCNTs on ballistic impact performance of E-glass/epoxy composites using a spherical projectile,” International Journal of Impact Engineering, vol. 57, pp. 108–118, Jan. 2013
Merlin Theodore Tuskegee University Recipient, Round 1 Ph.D., 2008, Materials Science and Engineering [email protected] I am still employed at SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC and was recently promoted to the positon of Excellence Manager. Alfred Tcherbi-Narteh Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Ph.D., 2013, Materials Science and Engineering [email protected] Upon completion of my Ph.D. work, I was hired by the Material Science and Engineering Department at Tuskegee University as a Research Assistant Professor. In addition to basic research and mentoring graduate students on various research topics and helping with the day-to-day running of our lab, I am also a course instructor in Mechanical Engineering Department. I teach Engineering Statics (MENG 0211) for second and third-year students from the Aerospace, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering departments. In addition, I also mentor undergraduate students throughout the academic year and high school students during summer under the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduate students (REU) program on campus. Currently, I am serving as faculty advisor for ASME students on Tuskegee campus. List of recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • A. Tcherbi-Narteh, M. Hosur, E. Triggs, S. Jelaani. Thermal Stability and Degradation of Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A Epoxy modified with Different Nanoclays Exposed to UV Radiation. Polymer Degradation and Stability 98 (2013) 759-770. • A. Tcherbi-Narteh, M. Hosur, S. Jeelani. Influence of Nanoclay on the Durability of Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites Subjected to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures. In press. • Nusrat Jahan, A. Tcherbi-Narteh, M. Hosur, M. M. Rahman, S. Jeelani. Effect of Carboxyl Functionalized MWCNTs on the Cure Behavior of Epoxy Resin. Open Journal of Composite Materials, 2013, 3, 40-47. doi:10.4236/ojcm.2013.32A006. • A. Tcherbi-Narteh, M. Hosur, E. Triggs, S. Jelaani. Behavior of Partially Cured Epoxy Composites Modified With Different Amounts of Montmorillonite Nanoclay Exposed To UV Radiation. American Society of Composites. University Park, Pittsburgh, Pa. September 9-11, 2013.
65 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Boniface Tiimob Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation 2016, M.S./Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]; [email protected] I continue to mimic nature’s way of bio-assembly to synthesize biobased inorganic functional materials from waste residues and incorporate them into biopolymeric platforms to enhance their properties for mechanical and tissue engineering applications, including: 1) mineral synthesis adopted by living organisms generates functional materials with very high structural integrity due to the interactions emanating from organized nucleation of inorganic phase materials on organic moieties in such biomaterials; 2) synthesize functional nanomaterials using waste egg shells, seashells, sugarcane stalks (bagasse) and wood powder. Incorporate these nanomaterials into biopolymers and fabricate fibers, scaffolds and standard mold structural composite materials with superior properties suitable for applications in drug delivery, tissue regeneration and mechanical engineering.
List of Publications/Presentations/Honors • Boniface J. Tiimob, Joshua Madison. Albert E. Russell, Desmond.G. Mortley. Endogenous and exogenous enzyme effects on different breeding clones of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) roots starch in ethanol production. Journal of alternative energy sources & technologies. Vol 4, No 2 (2013) pp 1-7. • Daniel A. Abugri, Boniface J. Tiimob, Vitus A. Apalangya, Gregory Pritchett, Wendell H. McElhenney. Bioactive and Nutritive Compounds in Sorgum bicolor (Guinea corn) Red Leaves and Their Health Implication. Food Chemistry 138 (2013), pp.718-723.
Keerthi Prasad Venkataramanan University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 6 and 6 Supplement Ph.D., 2012, Biotechnology Science and Engineering [email protected] Since leaving UAH, I have been working a Post Doctoral Research Scholar in Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware in Papoutsakis’ lab on the stress response of Clostridium acetobutylicum. C. acetobutylicum is the model organism for solvent and acid production by anaerobic fermentation. The metabolites produced by the organism are toxic to the bacteria and hence induces a metabolite specific stress response. Stress response and stress tolerance of microbes to chemical metabolites, though interrelated, are complex phenomenon, controlled by multiple parameters that affect growth and metabolism. A better understanding of the stress response will lead to the engineering and development of a new strain that tolerates growth inhibiting toxic chemicals. My research focuses on understanding and modeling complex cellular processes involved in stress response and tolerance though the approach of experimental systems biology. List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • Kurniawan Y, Venkataramanan KP, Piernavieja M, Scholz C and Bothun GD. “Role of Ionic Strength on n-Butanol Partitioning into Anionic Dipalmitoyl Phosphatidylcholine/Phosphatidylglycerol Vesicles” J. Phy. Chem. B. 2013, 117(28): 8484-89. • Venkataramanan KP, McCormick K, Kunjeti SG, Ralston MT, Meyers BA and Papoutsakis ET. “The Small RNome of Clostridium Acetobutylicum That Responds to Butanol and Butyrate”. AIChE National Meeting Nov. 2013. • Wang Q, Venkataramanan KP, Huang H, Papoutsakis ET and Wu C. “The core regulons orchestrating the response of Clostridium acetobutylicum to butanol and butyrate stress.” Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - Genome Informatics Meeting, Oct.-Nov. 2013.
66 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Christopher Ward Auburn University Recipient, Round 7 Ph.D. , 2013, Polymer and Fiber Engineering [email protected] My research while funded by the Graduate Research Scholars Program consisted of studying alternative methods of triggering the shape memory transition within shape memory polyurethanes in order to replace the more common direct heat triggering method. I was able to succeed in utilizing gold nanorods and their photothermal properties to trigger the shape memory effect through near-infrared light. Essentially, the self-grown gold nanorods were incorporated into the polyurethane to create shape memory nanocomposite films. Once near-infrared light is shone on the nanocomposite films, the energy is absorbed by the gold nanorods. The energy is then converted from light into heat per the nanorod photothermal properties. This heat is then used locally to initiate the shape memory effect of the polymer. This type of triggering can become valuable in the medical industry where direct heat is not desirable, but where near-infrared light does not harm the body. Currently, I am actively seeking a position at an engineered polymers company that will take advantage of my extensive characterization experience and interest in developing and improving polymer materials and processing techniques. List of recent Publications/Presentations/Honors • Ward, Christopher J. “Remote Incorporation of Nanoparticles in Polymeric Materials for Medical Applications.” Dissertation. Auburn University (2013). Published and Copyrighted. • Ward, Christopher J., Megan DeWitt, and Edward W. Davis. “Halloysite Nanoclay for Controlled Release Applications.” Nanomaterials for Biomedicine. Vol. 1119. ACS Symposium Series. American Chemical Society, 2012. 209-38. Print. • Ward, Christopher J. “Polymers in Drug Release,” Biomedical Applications of Polymers Class. Auburn University. 17 and 22 April 2013. Lecture. Dereka Watkins Tuskegee University Recipient, Round 7 Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected] Major disadvantages associated with the synthesis of resole phenol formaldehyde resins are the negative environmental impact and toxic effects of the starting materials, phenol and formaldehyde, on the human body. In order to create less hazardous materials, one of the goals of the current research is geared towards extracting lignin and cellulose from different sources of biomass waste. The second goal is to use lignin as a partial replacement for the phenol precursor for the synthesis of unmodified and modified resole phenolic resins. The third goal is to produce 2 wt% cellulose or nanoclay composites based on the unmodified control phenolic resins and the modified phenolic resins. The unmodified control resole phenol formaldehyde resin was synthesized using varied molar ratio of phenol to paraformaldehyde in the presence of a basic catalyst. The phenolic materials was reacted with paraformaldehyde at 80°C for four hours and cured using a multi-temperature cure schedule. The modified phenolic resins were created in a similar manner as the control material with the exception of varying the lignin and phenol molar ratios in the starting phenolic precursors. Carbon-13 NMR and FT-IR will be used to observe the structural difference between the resins. Viscosity testing will be performed on the materials. The resulting materials will be subjected to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) thermal properties testing. List of recent Publication/Presentations/Honors • D.T. Watkins, M. Moore, M. Hosur, M. Reeves, S. Jeelani, “Synthesis and Characterization of Modified Resole Phenolic Resins.” Science and Technology Open House 2013, Montgomery, Alabama. Poster Presentation. • D.T. Watkins, M. Moore, M. Hosur, M. Reeves, S. Jeelani, “Synthesis and Characterization of Modified Resole Phenolic Resins.” Alabama Composites Conference 2013, Birmingham, Alabama. Poster Presentation 3rd Place Winner.
67 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Bradford Wilson The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 2 and 6 2011, M.S., Civil Engineering [email protected]
I completed my M.S. in Civil Enginnering and am in the process of earning my Ph.D. All required classes and class hours for the doctorate have been completed. I only lack my dissertation (ABD). Analysis of survival of fecal-indicator bacteria on environmental impervious surfaces has been completed and published. Data collection for survival on pervious surfaces is complete, with analysis ongoing.
Nydeia Wright Boldern Tuskegee University Recipient, Rounds 3 and 4 2011, Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering [email protected]
I am currently employed by the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) – Munitions Directorate. I am building a portfolio of basic and applied research around advanced and multi-functional materials to support AFRL’s Weapons Enterprise. My current work includes advancing multi-functional, self-healing composites, investigating methods of effectively dispersing and integrating nanoparticles, analyzing and correlating high-strain rate effects on hybrid and composite materials, understanding potential material- based mechanisms for autonomous passive flow control, and developing reactive structural materials. My collaborative efforts comprise growing research programs with academia, industry, and other national research labs. I participate as a Summer Faculty Fellowship Program advisor, serve as mentor to graduate and undergraduate interns, and volunteer in local mentoring and tutoring programs. My next major goal is to collaborate with the Munitions Directorate’s Doolittle Institute and Outreach Program Office to develop a STEM-related camp for locally underserved elementary school students.
Yaolin Xu The University of Alabama Recipient, Round 7 Expected graduation in 2014, Ph.D., Chemical and Biological Engineering [email protected] Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely explored in biomedical fields. The interaction between NPs and the human immune system should be well examined before any applications. Based on our recent studies, the nanoparticle-treated human monocytes maintained high viability (> 90%), and no obvious immune response was detected from the markers used. In the future, cellular uptake of iron oxide NPs and NP-cell reaction mechanism will be studied. In addition to my research, I actively participated in developing and technically supporting the company-MagnnPro LLC. I believe I will be well fitted for this business extension which will benefit both the university and surrounding community in the future.
List of recent Publications/Presentations/ Honors • Yaolin Xu, “Synthesis of Magnetic-Fluorescent Bifunctional Nanoparticles”, MRS Spring & Exhibit, San Francisco, CA, 2013.
68 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP and Beyond
Lin Yang University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 7 and 8 Expected graduation in 2015, Ph.D., Optical Science and Engineering [email protected]
My research plans for the next two years will be to demonstrate an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system by using Optical Sampling by Cavity Tuning (OSCAT), develop a locking system to lock a diode laser to a frequency comb laser, and study precise metrology (length, frequency, etc) using ultra-stable diode lasers.
List of recent Publications/ Presentations/ Honors • L. Yang, J. Nie, L. Duan, “A Lidar based on Optical Sampling by Cavity Tuning,” Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO), San Jose, California, June 2013. • The Sci. and Tech. Open House, Student Poster Competition, Montgomery, Alabama, April 2013. • L. Yang, J. Nie, L. Duan, “Dynamic optical sampling by cavity tuning and its application in lidar,” Optics Express, Vol. 21, Issue 3, pp. 3850-3860 (2013).
Yuanli Zhang University of Alabama at Birmingham Recipient Round(s) 6, 6S, 7 Expected Graduation in 2013, Ph.D., in Physics [email protected]
My current research is to characterize the linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a new class of materials derived from phosphine- or phosphonate-substituted oligothiophenes. The work includes linear absorption measurements using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, fluorescence measurements using a fluorometer, and wavelength tunable NLO absorption measurements by direct transmission and Z-scan methods using picosecond and nanosecond pulsed lasers. Our studies have demonstrated that some compounds exhibit strong NLO absorption in the blue spectral region, which is important for visible imaging systems.
List of Recent Publications/Presentations/Honors • Freeman, Jason L., Qun Zhao, Yuanli Zhang, Jianwei Wang, Christopher M. Lawson, and Gary M. Gray. “Synthesis, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Phosphonato-Substituted Bithiophenes Derived from 2, 2’-Biphenol.” Dalton Trans. (2013). • Qun Zhao; Jason L. Freeman; Jianwei Wang; Yuanli Zhang; Tracy P. Hamilton; Christopher M. Lawson; Gary M. Gray,” Syntheses, X-ray Crystal Structures, and Optical, Fluorescence, and Nonlinear Optical Characterizations of Diphenylphosphino-Substituted Bithiophenes” , published by Inorganic chemistry. 51(4):2016-30(2012). • Nonlinear Optical Characterization of Phosphonate-substituted Bithiophene Derivatives in the Violet-blue Spectral Region, Yuanli Zhang, Jianwei Wang, Christopher M. Lawson, Qun Zhao, Gary M. Gray, present at “Science & Technology Open House”, April 13-14, 2012, Tuskegee, AL • Nonlinear Optical Characterization of Phosphonate-substituted Bithiophene Derivatives in the Violet-blue Spectral Region, Yuanli Zhang, Jianwei Wang, Christopher M. Lawson, Qun Zhao, Gary M. Gray, present at “Science & Technology Open House”, April 13-14, 2012, Tuskegee, AL • Strong Nonlinear Optical Absorption of Diphenylphosphino-Substituted Bithiophenes in the Violet-Blue Spectral Region, Jianwei Wang, Yuanli Zhang, Qun Zhao, Gary M. Gray, Christopher M. Lawson, presented at “NLO 2011”, July 17-21, 2011, Kauai, HI.
69 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP and Beyond
Min Zhong Auburn University Recipient, Rounds 2 and 6 Ph.D., 2009, Biology [email protected] I am currently an instructor in the Biology Department at Auburn University and strive to develop integrative teaching strategies with the combination of scientific research and pedagogical approaches for biological courses, creating an active learning environment for students, and advising undergraduates to get started in scientific research. My class list includes Introduction to Biology, Principles of Biology, Organismal Biology, and Biology of Marine Systems.
Huizhen Zhu The University of Alabama Recipient, Rounds 3, 4 and 5 Ph.D., 2009, Chemistry [email protected] I serve as the Product Development Manager at Zhejiang Goldtop Hat and Fashion Company in Zhejiang, China. My duties include working with designers on creating new collections; researching and selecting materials based on design, functionality and target price requirements; managing the development process of products; and managing relations with clients. Our products include scarves and hats for markets in North and South America, Eastern Asia, and Western and Northern Europe.
Yang Zou University of Alabama in Huntsville Recipient, Rounds 6 and 6 Supplement Ph.D., 2011, Optical Science and Engineering [email protected] I am working as a research scientist at Axometrics, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama. My Ph.D. research experience in optical science and engineering provided me with the expertise and skills required by my current job. As an optical scientist, I conduct research into new applications for polarimetry and ellipsometry in several key markets, like liquid crystal display, organic light-emitting diode display, optical film, biomedical and optical test equipment. I develop new optical models and instruments, test samples, analyze data and report results.
70 Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Campus Coordinators GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
GRSP Campus Coordinators
Each of the seven Alabama EPSCoR member institutions has an appointed campus coordinator. Campus Coordinators, in collaboration with the Alabama EPSCoR State Office and each GRSP faculty advisor, manage the GRSP awards. Campus Coordinators serve as the main point of contact for their respective institution.
Dr. David Berkowitz - University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Dr. David Berkowitz was recently named Graduate Dean of Graduate Programs at UAH. Prior to his appointment, he was the Associate Dean of the College of Business Administration, the Director of the Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Lab (ICE Lab), and the Director of the Integrated Enterprise Lab. David is also a Professor of Marketing and continues to educate students in conjunction with his administrative roles. He has experience as a product developer, small business owner and academic. His current research focuses on the intersection between Product Development and Supply Chain for Complex Long Lifecycle products. His research has appeared in leading academic journals such as the Journal of Retailing, Journal of Advertising Research, Journal of Advertising, European Journal of Marketing, European Journal of Innovation Management, Defense Acquisition Review Journal and the Journal of Product Innovation Management. At UAH, Dr. Berkowitz teaches Marketing High Technology Products, Managing Technology, Development, and Marketing Management. He is the past Director of the Center for the Management of Technology at UAH. Dr. Berkowitz was a founding board member of Alabama Launchpad. Dr. Berkowitz earned his Ph.D. in Marketing and Applied Statistics from the University of Alabama, a MBA from the University Texas at Austin and a B.A. in Accounting from Rutgers University at Camden. Dr. Berkowitz worked for 12 years with Hallmark Cards. Dr. Berkowitz developed and implemented several analytical models and managed new product introductions while working with Hallmark Cards. He was involved with site selection, retail acquisition, international licensing and franchising. Dr. Berkowitz also co-owned and operated a small retail business with his wife for 6 years. Dr. Berkowitz has consulted with numerous organizations on performance based logistics, customer satisfaction, strategic planning, brand loyalty and product development issues. For more information contact Dr. Berkowitz at [email protected] or 256-824-6952.
Dr. Frank “Skip” Bartol - Auburn University Dr. Frank F. (Skip) Bartol is the Alabama USDA EPSCoR State Agency Director, Alumni Professor of Reproductive Biology in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University (AU). He has been a member of the AU faculty since 1983. Dr. Bartol obtained the B.S. degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees through the Interdisciplinary Reproductive Biology Program from the University of Florida. Additionally, he obtained advanced training in molecular biology as a Visiting Scientist and Scholar in the Center for Animal Biotechnology at Texas A&M University. In 2005, Dr. Bartol was honored by his doctoral alma mater when he was named a Donald Henry Barron Lecturer at the University of Florida in recognition of “outstanding research and scholarly activities in the field of reproductive biology.” His research, which focuses on identification of mechanisms regulating development and function of female reproductive tract tissues in domestic ungulates, has been supported by the USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (USDA-NRICGP), the National Science Foundation, and private organizations in the U.S. and abroad, as well as by the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. He is an active member of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), the American Society of Reproductive Immunology (ASRI) and the Society for Theriogenology (SFT), and was elected as an Honorary Member of the Society of Phi Zeta, the honor society of veterinary medicine, for “distinguished service in the advancement of science relating to the animal industry”. An advocate of the responsible use of animals in research and education, Dr. Bartol has served as chair of the Auburn University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and both Animal Care and Experimentation and Animal Ethics sub-committees for the SSR. In addition to teaching the graduate course in reproductive biology at AU, Dr. Bartol lectures in animal use and bioethics in the AU veterinary curriculum and has spoken nationally and internationally on these topics. For more information, contact Dr. Bartol at 334.844.3700 or [email protected].
72 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
GRSP Campus Coordinators
Dr. Mahesh Hosur - Tuskegee University Dr. Hosur is the Alabama NSF EPSCoR Agency Director as well as Director of the NSF-EPSCoR RII grant headquartered at Tuskegee University. He also leads the effort on the Nano and Biomaterials thrust which consists of researchers at Auburn University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama, and the University of South Alabama. Together, they study a broad spectrum of areas connected to materials research and engineering including nanotechnology, advanced biomaterials, carbon/epoxy composites, epoxy syntactic foams, and nanomaterials for drug delivery applications. The research has the potential to create a new generation of automobile, aircraft, spacecraft, locomotives and sporting goods materials. Further, the nanotechnology work could lead to new types of biosensors, drug delivery systems, and heat exchangers. Dr. Hosur earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering, M. Tech in Aeronautical Engineering and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from India. His is currently a Professor in Materials Science Engineering at Tuskegee University. For more information, contact Dr. Hosur at 334.724.4220 or [email protected].
Dr. John M. Wiest - The University of Alabama Dr. John M. Wiest is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Associate Dean for the College of Engineering, and has been at the University of Alabama since 1995. He received his Ph.D. in 1986 from the University of Wisconsin and has held positions at Sydney University, the University of Wisconsin, and Purdue University. His research interests are in the areas of rheology and non-Newtonian fluid mechanics and include structural and molecular theories for rheologically complex materials, and thermoviscoelasticity. For more information, contact Dr. Wiest at 205.348.1727 or [email protected].
Dr. Chris Lawson - University of Alabama at Birmingham Dr. Christopher M. Lawson is a Professor of Physics at UAB and Executive Director of Alabama EPSCoR. At UAB, Dr. Lawson has been Principal Investigator (PI) for numerous grants awarded from NSF, ARO, ARL, AFOSR, and NASA. Before coming to UAB in 1993, Dr. Lawson was Manager and then Director of Optical Sciences at BDM Corporation in McLean, Virginia. He received his Ph.D. in Physics at Oklahoma State University in 1981 under Richard C. Powell (former President, Optical Society of America) and he received his M.S. degree in Physics from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1979. Dr. Lawson’s personal research, currently funded by NSF and the Army, is directed toward the development of nonlinear optical materials for optical power limiting applications. Dr. Lawson is also involved intheNSF Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies related development of optical spectroscopic sensors for detection of toxic substances. Dr. Lawson has published over 60 research articles and two book chapters,and he has also edited or co-edited eight books published by the International Society for Optical Engineering. For more information, contact Dr. Lawson at 205.975.5059 or [email protected].
73 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Campus Coordinators
Dr. Tommy Coleman - Alabama A&M University Dr. Tommy L. Coleman serves as Alabama A&M University Campus Coordinator for Alabama Experimental Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Graduate Research Scholars Program (GRSP). He is also Professor of Soil Science and Remote Sensing in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. He served 13 years as Director of the NASA University Research Center for Hydrology, Soil Climatology and Remote Sensing (HSCaRS). During his 31+ years at AAMU, Dr. Coleman has managed/directed numerous research projects, centers and other federal grants which exceed $ 16M. The NASA HSCaRS Research Center was the largest project he managed receiving more than $11M from NASA and ~$1,500,000 from AAMU state appropriations from 1995 – 2007) employing an average of 19 Ph.D. scientists and 9 staff. He has received a number of awards and honors for his contributions to the field of soil science and remote sensing and GIS, including Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide 2008; Ukrainian Ecological Academy of Sciences 2004; the NAFEO Distinguished Leadership Research Achievement Award 1999; elected as a Soil Science Society of America Fellow 1998; elected as an American Society of Agronomy Fellow 1997; the Morrison-Evans Outstanding Researcher Award 1997 given by the 1890 Association of Research Directors, and a three-time recipient of the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Researcher Award, 1996, 1995 and 1992, and several USDA Peer Review Panels. Dr. Coleman has an extensive publication record with more than 70 refereed journal and proceedings publications, more than 100 non-refereed scientific publications, more than 135 scientific abstracts and more than 23 technical publications. For more information, please contact Dr. Coleman at 256-372-4192 or [email protected].
Dr. John W. Steadman - University of South Alabama John W. Steadman, P.E, serves as the Alabama Department of Energy (DOE) EPSCoR State Agency Director, the Dean of Engineering at the University of South Alabama, and is a licensed professional engineer. Dr. Steadman previously served as Associate Dean and Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Wyoming and the Ph.D. degree from Colorado State University. Dr. Steadman was a research engineer for General Dynamics, Convair Division in San Diego, California before joining the faculty at the University of Wyoming and served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the United States Air Force Academy. Dr. Steadman has received several awards, including the IEEE United States Activities Board Citation of Honor, the NCEES Distinguished Service Award with Special Commenation, the Wyoming Engineering Society Outstanding Engineer Award, and the AT&T Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. Professor Steadman was appointed to the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors in Wyoming by three different governors serving on that board for more than sixteen years. He has also been active in the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), serving on several of the national committees, as treasurer, and as the national president in 1993-94. In addition to his engineering education responsibilities, Dr. Steadman was 2004 President of IEEE-USA, Past Chair of the Board of Governors of the Order of the Engineer, and participates in accreditation of engineering programs for ABET. Dr. Steadman is the author of more than 60 journal publications, book chapters and patents. He has been honored with election to Fellow grade in the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education. For more information, contact Dr. Steadman at 251.460.6140 or [email protected].
74 Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Appendices GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR
Index of Featured Scholars
GRSP Students Pg Huang Chengdong……. 51 Tcherbi-Narteh, Alfred.. 64 Acharya, Chethan……….. 33 Hwang, Patrick………….. 17 Theodore, Merlin……… 64 Afroz, Farhana……………. 33 Hyche, Hunter ……….. 52 Tiimob, Boniface……….. 65 Ahsan, Md. Ariful…………11 Jajam, Kailash…………… 52 Venkataramanan, K.P… 65 Allie, Aldington ………….. 34 Jones, Ivy Krystal……….. 53 Ward, Christopher…….. 66 Amidi, Sharooz……………. 34 Ke, Dan ……………………. 53 Watkins, Dereca………… 66 Andrews, Joel………………..8 Kim, Sungmin ……………. 54 Wilson, Bradford……….. 67 Apalangya, Vitus………. 35 Kim, Tae...... 54 Wright-Bolden, Nydeia 67 Baah, David………………… 35 Kim, Wonkyu………...... 55 Xu, Yaolin...... 67 Babaei, Hasan…………….. 36 Kwon, GiHan…………….. 55 Yang, Lin………………….. 68 Barfknecht, Peter…………36 Liu, Shikai………………….. 18 Zhang, Yuanli…………… 68 Bochis, Celina………………37 Lu, Rongwen…………….. 19 Zhong, Min……………….. 69 Brock, Nathan……………..37 Li, Wei ……………………… 56 Zhu, Huizhen…………….. 69 Butler, Todd……………… 37 Lu, Yahao………………….. 56 Zou, Yang…………………… 69 Cantrell, Andrew………...38 Marson, Kristine……….. 20 Cassidy, Caitlin…………….39 Martin, Justin ……….. 21 GRSP Campus Coordinators Caudle, Talitha…………….39 McDonald, Erin ………… 22 Bartol, Frank………….32, 71 Chen, Yanli (Joyce)…… 40 Messenger, Erin………… 23 Berkowitz, David………… 71 Chilvery, Ashwit………….. 12 Messersmith, Mallory.. 57 Coleman, Tommy…..32, 73 Clayton, Daniel ……… 40 Misbahuddin, Syed……. 24 Hosur, Mahesh………32, 72 Conner, Padriac ……… 41 Nair, Abilash…………….. 57 Lawson, Chris……..5, 32, 72 Constante, Ninfa……… 41 Ojha, Santosh K…………. 57 Steadman, John ……..32, 73 Coppa, Anne………………. 42 Parsley, Larissa ………… 58 Wiest, John………………2, 72 Davis, Jr., Morgan………. 42 Peoples, Delicia ………….. 25 Dawahre, Nabil………….. 13 Peppers, Jeremy…………. 58 Dizbay-Onat, Melike….. 43 Poyraz, Selcuk …………. 26 Dodson, Matt………………43 Pradhan, Shantanu….6, 27 Ebrahimi, Sayna …………..44 Prayakarao, Kaushal…. 28 Elliot, Amicia………………. 44 Render, Diane…………….. 59 Fan, Liwu……………………. 45 Rogers, Hunter…………… 29 Farah, Basil………………. 45 Ruckart, Kenneth……….. 30 Farley, III, Carlton W…… 45 Sadhwani, Narendra….. 31 Faycok, Brian……………….46 Maninder, Sandey……. 59 Freeman, Jason……………46 Sarvestani, Reza…………. 59 Gaillard, William………….47 Shaik, Shoieb……………. 60 Ghaednia, Hamed……….47 Shikai Liu (pg 18) analyzes Shen, Gang………………… 60 Gong, Xibing………………..14 and maps catfish DNA Sims, Hunter……………… 60 Gordon, Emily…………… 48 to decode and probably Smith, John……………… 61 Guo, Hong……………… 49 engineer a healthier and Solvason, Charles…….. 61 Hastings, Samantha…… 49 faster-growing catfish. Stringer, Brandie………… 62 Havird, Justin……………… 49 Sundarum, Padma…….. 62 Hill, Caleb………………….. 15 Suradhi, Raja…………….. 63 Hodge, Alexander…… 6, 50 Tantawi, Khalid ………… 63 Horne, William………….. 16 Tauhid, Arefin…………… 63 Hossain, Williams………..51
76 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Alumni Roster and Expected Graduation Dates
GRSP ALUMNI
2007 Yu Xiang, M.S. 2011 Sandrea B. Young, Ph.D. Andrew Gallian, Ph.D. Shaik Zainuddin, Ph.D. Malek Abunaemeh, Ph.D. Basil Farah, M.S. Hunter Hyche, M.S. Min Zhong, Ph.D. Farhana Afroz, M.S. Luai Hasoun, Ph.D. Huizhen Zhu, Ph.D. Aldington Allie, Ph.D. Mohammad Hossain, Ph.D. 2008 Parimal Bapat, Ph.D. Jianguo Lu, Ph.D. Chethan Acharya, Ph.D. 2010 Christina B. Schmidt, Ph.D. Mallory Messersmith, M.A. Sai Santosh Bangalore, M.S. Joel Andrews, Ph.D. Johanna Cannon, Ph.D. Rezwahur Rahman, Ph.D. Jejal Reddy Bathi, Ph.D. Celina Bochis, Ph.D. Andrew Cantrell, M.S. Paul Robinson, M.S. Fernando Calzzani, M.S. Bethany Crean-Harris, M.S. Talitha Caudle, Ph.D. Po Sun, Ph.D. Bopha Chhay, Ph.D. Erin Donovan, Ph.D. Yanli (Joyce) Chen, Ph.D. Khalid Tantawi, Ph.D. Cosmin Dumitrescu, Ph.D. Hannah Harding, M.S. Yi Chen, Ph.D. K.P. Venkataramanan, Ph.D. Vijay Eppakayala, M.S. Tarig Hassan, Ph.D. Tomeka Colon, M.S. Jingyuan Xiong, Ph.D. Sergio Fabi, Ph.D. Chengdong Huang, Ph.D. Liwu Fan, Ph.D. Wanda Denise Jones, Ph.D. Ronny Hughes, Ph.D. Jason Freeman, Ph.D. 2013 Deepak V. Kini, M.S. Ke Jiang, Ph.D. Stephanie Freeman, Ph.D. David Baah, Ph.D. Renato A. Minamisawa, M.S. Wei Li, Ph.D. Jason Freeman, Ph.D. Nathan Brock, M.S. Humberto Rangel, Ph.D. Yahao Lu, Ph.D. Bianzhu Fu, Ph.D. Caitlin Cassidy, Ph.D. Redahagn Sileshi, M.S. Alan Martinez, Ph.D. Emily Gordon, M.S. Talitha Caudle, Ph.D. Jean Michel Taguenang, Ph.D. Jessie Mayo, Jr., Ph.D. Alireza Hassenzadeh, Ph.D. Sayna Ebrahimi, M.S. Merlin Theodore, Ph.D. NoSoung Myoung, Ph.D. Manju Nanjappa, Ph.D. Brian Fayock, Ph.D. Abilash Nair, Ph.D. Li Qiu, Ph.D. Kailash Jaham, Ph.D. 2009 Tiffany Nelson-Williams, Ph.D. Kathleen Ann Roberts, Ph.D. Sungmin Kim, M.S. Sudhir Aluwalia, Ph.D. Larissa Parsley, Ph.D. Maninder Sandey, Ph.D. Ross Ptacek, Ph.D. Miranda Byrne-Steele, Ph.D. Dheeraj Raju, Ph.D. Reza Sarvestani, Ph.D. Shoieb Shaik, Ph.D. Matt Dodson, M.S. Mary Ellen Rogers-Moore, Justin Sheff, Ph.D. Gang Shen, Ph.D. Dechassa Duressa, Ph.D. Ph.D. John Smith, Ph.D. Hunter Sims, Ph.D. Amicia Elliott, M.S. Ines Sampayo, M.S. Gregory Strawder, Ph.D. Sonal Singh, Ph.D. Tiffany Frazier, M.S. Shoieb Shaik, M.S.* Yuri Terkhov, Ph.D. Padma Sundaram, Ph.D. Ester Haugabrooks, M.S. Danalea Skarra, M.S. Noboru Togawa, Ph.D. Raja Suradhi, Ph.D. Erin Imsand, Ph.D. Charles Solvason, Ph.D. Bradford Wilson, M.S. Arefin Tauhid, M.S. David Johnson, M.S. Samer Swedan, Ph.D. Randall Wilson, Ph.D. Alfred Tcherbi-Narteh, Ph.D. Ivy Krystal Jones, M.S. Phillip Keith Veronese, Ph.D. Yong K. Wong, Ph.D. Boniface Tiimob, M.S. Changsu Kim, Ph.D. Jonathan Williams, Ph.D. Xin Yang, Ph.D. Christopher Ward, Ph.D. Shantel King, M.S. Nydeia Wright-Bolden, Ph.D. Yang Zou, Ph.D. Yuanli Zhang, Ph.D. GiHan Kwon, Ph.D. Chuanling Xu, Ph.D. Samuel Owens, Jr., Ph.D. Qing Yang, Ph.D. 2012 Susan Balenger, Ph.D.
Expected Graduation Dates for GRSP Scholars
2014 Erin McDonald, M.D. William Gaillard, Ph.D. Hong Guo, Ph.D. Md. Ariful Ahsan, M.S. Syed Misbahuddin, M.S. Alexander Hodge, Ph.D. Kaushal Prayakarao, Ph.D. Vitus Apalangya, Ph.D. Selcuk Poyraz, Ph.D. William Horne, Ph.D. Narendra Sadhwani, Ph.D Hasan Babaei, Ph.D. Shantanu Pradhan, Ph.D. Patrick Hwang, Ph.D. Boniface Tiimob, Ph.D. Peter Barfknecht, Ph.D. Diane Render, Ph.D. Dan Ke, Ph.D. Ashwith Chilvery, Ph.D. Hunter Rogers, M.S. Wonkyu Kim, Ph.D. Daniel Clayton, Ph.D. K. Neil Ruckart, M.S Rongwu Lu, Ph.D. 2017 Padriac Conner, M.S. Sandra Sadate, M.S. Justin Martin, Ph.D. Kristine Marson, Ph.D. Anne Coppa, Ph.D. Brandie Stringer, M.S. Kevin Messenger, Ph.D. Morgan Davis, Jr., M.S. Raja Suradhi, Ph.D. Santosh K. Ojha, Ph.D. Hamed Ghaednia, Ph.D. Yaolin Xu, Ph.D. Delicia Peoples, Ph.D Xibing Gong, Ph.D. Jeremy Peppers, Ph.D. Emily Gordon, Ph.D. 2015 Dereca Watkins, Ph.D. Samantha D. Hastings, Ph.D. Todd Butler, Ph.D. William Willoughby, Ph.D. Justin Havird, Ph.D. Alejandra Constante, Ph.D. Lin Yang, Ph.D. Caleb Hill, Ph.D. Nabil Dawahre, Ph.D. Tae Kim, Ph.D. Melike Dizbay-Onat, Ph.D. 2016 Shikai Liu, Ph.D. Carlton Farley, III, Ph.D. Shahrooz Amidi, Ph.D.
77 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Physics Forestry Materials Chemistry Biotechnology Research Field Animal Science Civil Engineering Material Sciences Biological Science Biological Science Computer Science Materials Engineering Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Materials Science, Physics Materials Science, Physics Biomedical/ Biotechnology Veterinary Biological Sciences Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry Civil and Environmental Engineering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chemical and Biological Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Surfance Enhanced Raman Sca]ering Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering Civil, ConstrucVon and Env. Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Natural Resources, Environmental Studies Date 2013 2012 2011 2008 2015 2014 2008 2010 2014 2013 2014 2014 2011 2010 2014 2016 2010 2009 2011 2008 2011 2008 2011 2014 2011 2015 2014 2012 2011 2014 2011 2013 2013 2011 2009 2008 MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD Goal TU TU TU TU TU AU UA UA AU UA AU UA AU UA UA UA UA AU AU USA USA USA UAB UAB UAB UAB Inst. UAH UAH UAH UAH AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU GRSP Quick Reference Yi Joel Todd Vitus Anne Brian Ninfa Peter David Susan Celina Hasan Malek Caitlin Sudhir Bopha Daniel Talitha Nathan Parimal Tomeka Andrew Sharooz Farhana Ashwith Sandrea Bethany Johanna Chethan Miranda Padraic T. Fernando Aldington Md. Ariful First Name Jejal Reddy Sai Santosh Yanli (Joyce) Allie Baah Chen Chen Bathi Afroz Brock Bapat Colon Amidi Butler Chhay Ahsan Coppa Bochis Babaei Adams Caudle Conner Cassidy Clayton Cannon Cantrell Chilvery Calzzani Acharya Aluwalia Andrews Balenger Bangalore Constante Apalangya Last Name BarYnecht Abunaemeh Crean‐Harris Byrne‐Steele Brundidge‐Young 2 7 7 2 3 1 6 8 6 6 8 7 3 3 1,2 5, 6 3, 4 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 5, 6 7, 8 3, 4 4, 5 4, 5 6, 7, 8 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 6, 6S, 7 1, 2, 4, 5 Funding Rounds
78 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Physics Physics Physics Physics Physics Forestry Materials Chem Eng Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Engineering Microbiology Biotechnology Research Field Animal Science Civil Engineering Material Science Material Sciences Materials Science Biological Science Biological Science Biological Science Structural Biology Structural Biology Molecular Biology Computer Science Inorganic Chemistry Electrical Engineering Materials Engineering Basic Medical Sciences Environmental Science Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Materials Science, Physics Materials Science, Physics Biomedical/ Biotechnology Environmental Engineering Veterinary Biological Sciences Bio‐Nanocomposite Materials Cellular and Molecular Biology Cellular and Molecular Biology Air Quality and Land Use Change Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry Civil and Environmental Engineering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chemical and Biological Engineering Chemical and Biological Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Surfance Enhanced Raman Sca]ering Surfance Enhanced Raman Sca]ering Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering Civil, ConstrucVon and Env. Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Natural Resources, Environmental Studies Date 2013 2012 2011 2008 2015 2014 2014 2008 2010 2014 2013 2014 2007 2014 2014 2012 2010 2009 2014 2011 2014 2014 2010 2011 2010 2014 2016 2010 2009 2011 2015 2011 2011 2011 2008 2011 2012 2015 2015 2009 2008 2015 2015 2009 2011 2014 2009 2013 2011 2015 2015 2016 2014 2012 2011 2014 2011 2013 2013 2011 2010 2008 2008 2008 2015 2012 2009 2009 2008 2011 2013 2011/2014 MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD Goal PhD 2014 PhD grad MS 2011, Tu TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU AU UA UA AU AU UA UA AU UA UA AU UA AU UA UA UA AU UA AU AU UA UA UA AU AU AU UA UA UA AU USA USA USA USA USA USA UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB Inst. UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU GRSP Quick Reference Yi Joel Erin Luai Basil Liwu Ma] Tarig Vijay Todd Ester Vitus Nabil Anne Brian Brian Ninfa Peter Hong Emily Jason Caleb David JusVn Susan Sayna Kenya Celina Hasan Xibing Malek Sergio Caitlin Sudhir Bopha Daniel Talitha Alireza Tiffany Melike Amicia Hamed Nathan Cosmin Parimal Melissa William William Tomeka Hannah Andrew Morgan Andrew Bianzhu Sharooz Farhana Ashwith Sandrea Bethany Johanna Chethan Miranda Dechassa Padraic T. Fernando Aldington Stephanie Alexander Md. Ariful Carlton W. First Name Jejal Reddy Sai Santosh Yanli (Joyce) Mohammad Samantha Delmont Fu Hill Fan Guo Fabi Allie Baah Chen Chen Bathi Afroz Gong Floyd Farah Brock Ellio] Bapat Colon Amidi Butler Chhay Ahsan Horne Coppa Bochis Havird Hodge Fayock Frazier Babaei Adams Caudle Gallian Hassan Conner Cassidy Gordon Hasoun Clayton Dodson Cannon Gaillard Hossain Cantrell Harding Chilvery Calzzani Acharya HasVngs Farley III Aluwalia Davis, Jr. Duressa Andrews Balenger Freeman Freeman Ebrahimi Dawahre Donovan Goodson Ghaednia Bangalore Constante Apalangya Last Name BarYnecht Eppakayala Dumitrescu Dizbay‐Onat Abunaemeh Crean‐Harris Byrne‐Steele Haugabrooks Hassenzadeh Brundidge‐Young 2 2 7 7 2 7 8 2 8 1 3 1 6 8 8 2 1 8 6 4 6 8 7 7 7 3 3 3 4 4 6 1 3 3 1,2 1,2 5, 6 3, 4 7, 8 3, 4 7, 8 1, 2 7, 8 7, 8 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 5, 6 7, 8 5, 6 7, 8 7, 8 3, 4 7, 8 5, 6 4, 5 4, 5 4, 5 6, 6S 4,5,6 6, 7, 8 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 6, 6S, 7 6, 6S, 7 5, 6, 6S 3, 4, 6, 7 1, 2, 4, 5 Funding Rounds
79 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Physics Physics Physics Physics Physics Forestry Materials Chemistry Landscape Biochemistry Biochemistry Anthropology Biotechnology Research Field Fish Genomics Animal Science Civil Engineering Energy, Fuel Cells Cahish Genomics Material Sciences Biological Science Biological Science Biological Science Computer Science Inorganic Chemistry Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Materials Engineering Aerospace Engineering Biomedical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Materials Science, Physics Materials Science, Physics Biomedical/ Biotechnology Environmental Engineering IntegraVve Animal Behavior Electrochemical Engineering Veterinary Biological Sciences Veterinary Biological Sciences OpVcal Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Bioengineering, Computer Science Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry Engineering Science and Mechanics Ion Beam, Nanolithography, Physics Civil and Environmental Engineering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chemical and Biological Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Surfance Enhanced Raman Sca]ering Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering Civil, ConstrucVon and Env. Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Bioengineering, Chemistry, Life Sciences Natural Resources, Environmental Studies Ecological and Environmenal Research in Urbanized Date 2013 2012 2011 2008 2015 2011 2014 2010 2010 2008 2010 2014 2013 2014 2008 2015 2014 2014 2011 2014 2010 2014 2016 2010 2009 2011 2008 2011 2008 2011 2014 2011 2015 2014 2012 2011 2010 2014 2007 2013 2010 2010 2015 2011 2013 2013 2011 2009 2009 2010 2008 2009 2009 2015 2014 2008 2009 2013 2015 2009 2015 2010 2017 2015 2010 2009 2008 2012 2014 2010 2012 MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MA MS MS MS MS MS MS PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD Goal PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD Au TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU AU UA AU UA UA UA AU UA AU UA AU UA UA UA UA UA AU AU AU AU AU UA UA UA AU AU UA USA USA USA USA USA USA UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB Inst. UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU GRSP Quick Reference Yi Ke Tae Erin Joel Erin Wei Dan Alan Syed Kaye Todd Vitus Anne Brian Ninfa Peter Kevin David David JusVn Jessie Susan Shikai Yahao GiHan Celina Hasan Malek Ronny Caitlin Sudhir Bopha Daniel Manju Eunice Talitha Patrick Hunter Kailash Abilash Nathan Shantel Parimal KrisVne Jianguo Mallory Tomeka Andrew Sharooz Farhana Ashwith Sandrea Wonkyu Bethany Johanna Chethan Miranda Changsu Sungmin Kimberly NoSoung Ivy Kystal Rongwen Padraic T. Fernando Aldington Renato A. Deepak V. Md. Ariful First Name Jejal Reddy Sai Santosh Chengdong Yanli (Joyce) Wanda Denise Li Lu Lu Lu Ke Liu Kini Kim Kim Kim Kim Nair Allie King Baah Jiang Chen Chen Bathi Afroz Kwon Jones Jones Brock Jajam Bapat Colon Amidi Butler Chhay Ahsan Hyche Coppa Bochis Huang Babaei MarVn Adams Caudle Hwang Conner Imsand Cassidy Hughes Clayton Cannon Marson Cantrell Michael Chilvery Calzzani Acharya Myoung Johnson Ndeqwa Knowles Aluwalia Andrews Mayo, Jr. Balenger MarVnez Nanjappa Bangalore Constante McDonald Apalangya Last Name BarYnecht Messenger Abunaemeh Crean‐Harris Minamisawa Byrne‐Steele Messersmith Misbahuddin Brundidge‐Young 2 3 7 1 4 7 2 1 8 3 1 6 8 6 3 8 6 8 7 8 3 1 8 3 7 3 7 2 1 8 8 1 3 8 8 1,2 3,4 5, 6 3, 4 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 5, 6 7, 8 3, 4 1, 2 1, 2 7, 8 7, 8 7, 8 3, 4 4, 5 4, 5 4, 5 2, 4 6, 6S 6, 6S 1,2,4 3,4, 5 6, 7, 8 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 1, 2, 4 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 6, 6S, 7 1,2, 4, 5 1, 2, 4, 5 1, 2, 4, 5 Funding Rounds
80 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program Physics Physics Physics Physics Forestry Forestry Materials Chemistry Chemistry MathemaVcs Microbiology Biotechnology Research Field OpVcs/Physics Animal Science Civil Engineering Civil Engineering OpVcs and Lasers Material Sciences Material Sciences Materials Science Materials Science Biological Science Biological Science Biological Science Structural Biology Computer Science Inorganic Chemistry UV Nanolithography Chemical Enginering Veterinary Medicine EducaVonal Research Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Materials Engineering Basic Medical Sciences Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Materials Science, Physics Materials Science, Physics Biomedical/ Biotechnology Veterinary Biological Sciences Polymer and Fiber Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry Civil and Environmental Engineering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chemical and Biological Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Surfance Enhanced Raman Sca]ering Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering Civil, ConstrucVon and Env. Engineering Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Natural Resources, Environmental Studies Date 2013 2012 2011 2008 2015 2014 2008 2010 2014 2013 2014 2011 2014 2014 2011 2010 2014 2016 2010 2009 2011 2008 2011 2011 2011 2011 2009 2013 2014 2010 2014 2016 2010 2008 2013 2010 2015 2011 2011 2014 2011 2015 2011 2008 2014 2012 2011 2014 2011 2013 2011 2010 2013 2013 2011 2014 2016 2013 2010 2011 2009 2013 2010 2008 2011 2015 2014 2014 2013 2008 2015 2010 2011 2012 MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD Goal PhD PhD 2013 grad MS 2008, TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU AU UA UA AU UA AU UA AU UA UA AU AU AU AU UA UA UA AU AU UA AU UA UA UA UA AU AU AU USA USA USA USA USA USA UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB Inst. UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU GRSP Quick Reference Li Yi Joel Ines Paul Ross Reza John Zeyu Todd Vitus Gang Anne Brian Ninfa Peter Sonal David JusVn Diane Susan Celina Hasan Malek Caitlin Sudhir K. Neil Bopha Daniel Selcuk Talitha Delicia Tiffany Larissa Shoieb Shoieb Hunter Sandra Hunter Jeremy Nathan Charles Samuel Parimal Tomeka Kaushal Andrew Sharooz Farhana Gregory Ashwith Sandrea Danalea Bethany Johanna Dheeraj Chethan Miranda ChrisVna Narendra Padraic T. Shantanu Fernando Aldington Maninder Rezwahur Redahagn Md. Ariful Humberto Santosh K. Mary Ellen First Name Jejal Reddy Sai Santosh Yanli (Joyce) Kathleen Ann Qiu Pan Allie Sims Ojha Shen Raju Baah Sheff Chen Chen Bathi Afroz Singh Sadat Brock Bapat Colon Smith Amidi Butler Chhay Ahsan Skarra Sileshi Coppa Bochis Shaik* Shaik* Poyraz Ptacek Rogers Rangel Babaei Adams Caudle Parsley Render Sandey Conner Cassidy Clayton Ruckart Cannon Roberts Cantrell Peoples Chilvery Calzzani Peppers Acharya Rahman Pradhan Aluwalia Andrews Solvason Balenger Strawder Sampayo Sadhwani Bangalore Owens, Jr. Constante Sarvestani Robertson Apalangya Last Name BarYnecht Prayakarao Abunaemeh Crean‐Harris Byrne‐Steele Rogers‐Moore Nelson‐Williams Brundidge‐Young Schmidt (formerly Booher) 2 7 7 2 8 3 1 6 6 8 4 3 8 6 8 6 6 8 7 4 6 3 6 5 7 3 8 2 1 8 8 3 8 1,2 1,2 5, 6 3, 4 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 7, 8 5, 6 3, 4 7, 8 3, 4 3, 4 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 4, 5 4, 5 4, 5 6, 6S 6, 7, 8 2, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 1, 2, 4 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 7 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 6, 6S, 7 3, 4, 5, 6, 6S, 7 1, 2, 4, 5 3, 4, 5, 6 Funding Rounds
81 GRSP Graduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR Physics Physics Physics Physics Physics Physics Physics Forestry Materials Chemistry Chemistry Laser Physics Biochemistry Food Science Drug Delivery Biotechnology Research Field Animal Science Civil Engineering Energy, Fuel Cells Material Sciences Material Sciences Material Sciences Materials Science Biological Science Biological Science Biological Science Biological Science Biological Science Structural Biology Computer Science Computer Science Electrical Engineering Plant and Soil Science Materials Engineering Chem/Bio Engineering Basic Medical Sciences Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Materials Science, Physics Materials Science, Physics Biomedical/ Biotechnology Veterinary Biological Sciences OpVcal Science and Engineering OpVcal Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry Civil and Environmental Engineering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chemical and Biological Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Environmental and Civil Engineering Environmental and Civil Engineering Surfance Enhanced Raman Sca]ering Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering Bio‐Nanotechnology, Materials Science Biotechnology Science and Engineering Civil, ConstrucVon and Env. Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Natural Resources, Environmental Studies Date 2013 2012 2011 2008 2015 2010 2015 2014 2008 2010 2014 2013 2014 2012 2013 2015 2013 2010 2014 2011 2010 2014 2016 2010 2009 2014 2011 2008 2011 2010 2008 2011 2011 2012 2013 2008 2016 2011 2012 2008 2011 2014 2011 2015 2014 2014 2012 2011 2014 2011 2013 2009 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010 2014 2015 2010 2011 2009 2013 2013 2013 2011 2009 2009 2008 2011 2009 MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD PhD Goal PhD PhD PhD PhD MS/PhD TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU TU AU UA UA AU AU AU UA AU UA AU UA UA UA UA UA UA AU AU AU AU UA AU UA AU UA AU USA USA USA USA USA UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB Inst. UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH UAH AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU AAMU GRSP Quick Reference Yi Yu Po Lin Xin K.P. Yuri Joel Min Raja Qing Yang Todd Vitus Anne Brian Ninfa Peter Shaik Sarah David Susan Yaolin Yuanli Arefin Alfred Celina Hasan Khalid Malek Caitlin Renita Sudhir Samer Bopha Daniel Merlin Talitha Padma Nydeia Dereca Yong K. Nathan Randall Parimal William Noboru Tomeka Brandie Andrew Sharooz Farhana Ashwith Sandrea Huizhen Bethany Johanna Chethan Miranda Boniface Jingyuan Bradford Jonathan Padraic T. Fernando Aldington Chuanling Md. Ariful First Name Jejal Reddy Sai Santosh Christopher Phillip Keith Jean Michel Yanli (Joyce) Xu Xu Sun Zhu Zou Allie Yang Yang Yang Baah Chen Chen Bathi Afroz Ward Xiang Brock Xiong Bapat Colon Amidi Wong Butler Zhang Chhay Ahsan Zhong Coppa Bochis Tauhid Babaei Adams Wilson Wilson Caudle Tiimob Conner Cassidy Togawa Clayton Suradhi Cannon Tantawi Cantrell Swedan Stringer Terkhov Watkins Watkins Chilvery Calzzani Acharya Williams Aluwalia Andrews Balenger Veronese Theodore Torgerson Zainuddin Bangalore Constante Sundaram Willouhby Apalangya Last Name Taguenang BarYnecht Abunaemeh Crean‐Harris Byrne‐Steele Wright‐Bolden Tcherbi‐Narteh Venkataramanan Brundidge‐Young 2 2 7 7 2 7 3 1 6 1 7 7 8 6 6 8 7 4 1 4 4 7 4 3 3 3 1,2 5, 6 3, 4 7, 8 7, 8 7, 8 7, 8 1, 2 7, 8 7, 8 7, 8 2, 6 3, 4 1, 2 5, 6 7, 8 7, 8 3, 4 7, 8 5, 6 3, 4 1, 2 4, 5 4, 5 6. 6S 6, 6S 6, 6S 6, 6S 6, 6S 1,2,3 6, 7, 8 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 3, 4, 5 1, 2, 4 3, 4, 5 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 5,6, 6S 4, 5, 6 4, 5, 6 6, 6S, 7 6, 6S, 7 6, 6S, 7 1, 2, 4, 5 1, 2, 4, 5 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 Funding Rounds 3? (military service)
82 GRSP Alabama EPSCoR Graduate Research Scholars Program
Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee
Dr. Richard B. Marchase Dr. Daniel Wims Vice President for Research Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs University of Alabama at Birmingham Alabama A&M University 1530 3rd Ave. S, AB 720-E P.O. Box 287 Birmingham, AL 35294-0107 Normal, AL 35762 Phone: 205-934-1294, Fax: 205-975-2533 Phone: 256-372-5275 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Dr. Elizabeth French Proxy for Dr. Gregory Fitch Dr. John Mason Director Associate Provost and Vice President for Research Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning Auburn University Alabama Commission on Higher Education 202 Samford Hall P.O. Box 302000 Auburn, AL 36849-5112 Montgomery, AL 36130-2000 Phone: 334-844-4784 Phone: 334-242-2179, Fax: 334-242-0270 Fax: 334-844-5971 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Dr. Shaik Jeelani Dr. Carl Pinkert Chair, Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee Vice President for Research Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs The University of Alabama Tuskegee University Office for Research 101 Chappie James Center Box 870117 Tuskegee, AL 36088 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0117 Phone: 334-552-1088, Fax: 334-724-4224 Phone: 205-348-4566, Fax: 205-348-4989 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Dr. Ray Vaughn Non-Voting Vice President for Research Christopher M. Lawson, Ph.D. University of Alabama in Huntsville Executive Director, Alabama EPSCoR VBRH M-17 Vice-Chair, Coalition of EPSCoR States 301 Sparkman Drive Professor, Department of Physics Huntsville, AL 35899 574 Heritage Hall Phone: 256-824-6100; Fax: 256-824-6783 1401 University Blvd. Email: [email protected] Birmingham, AL 35294-1152 Office: (205) 975-5059 Ms. Lynne U. Chronister Fax: (205) 975-5128 Vice-Chair, Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee Email: [email protected] Vice President for Research University of South Alabama AD 200 307 University Boulevard North Mobile, AL 36688-0002 Phone: (251) 460-6333; Fax: (251) 460-7955 Email: [email protected]
83 GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Alabama EPSCoR University of Alabama at Birmingham 574 Heritage Hall 1401 University Boulevard Bimringham, AL 35294-1152