NSF-RISE: Enhancement of Research and Educational Infrastructure in Materials Science and Engineering at Tuskegee University

通过一项新的HBCU科学与工程研究基础设施奖，塔斯基吉大学（TU）提议将其材料科学与工程（MSE）项目提升到更高的水平，从而大大扩大其影响。该项目将实施一个由三个部分组成的计划，其中将：(a)加强生物医学和制药应用纳米粒子的合成和表征的研究能力；(b)不仅培养博士水平的学生，而且培养硕士水平的学生，以便培养和激励他们继续攻读博士课程；(c)为年轻教员提供种子基金，使他们能够积极参与MSE的研究和教育。通过早期的卓越科学技术研究中心（CREST）和国家科学基金会资助的其他赠款，塔斯基吉大学（TU）在材料科学与工程方面开发了一个强大的研究和教育计划，并启动了MSE的第一个博士课程。TU现在已经成为MSE最大的非裔美国人博士的生产者。为了对这个项目提供持续的支持和承诺，TU管理部门建立了MSE部门，这是历史上黑人大学中唯一的部门。建议的研究活动包括各种纳米生物材料的化学合成和分析、表面分析、加工和性能评估。通过这项研究开发的过程和知识将有助于药物输送和制药应用等领域。这些研究活动有望在纳米颗粒与生物系统的相互作用和开发新的药物传递系统的相容性方面产生新的知识。该研究的另一个成果是开发了新型多功能聚合物复合材料。在MSE中实施硕士学位课程将允许塔斯基吉为更多希望在加入博士课程之前完成MSE硕士学位的学生提供服务。这也将提高学生进入博士课程的质量。为初级STEM教师提供启动资金，并将他们与经验丰富的教师配对进行有效指导，将使他们能够发展他们在纳米生物材料方面的研究专长。更广泛的影响这个项目的更广泛的影响包括培养了大量拥有学士学位到博士学位的非裔美国人，他们在材料科学和工程等新兴领域有很强的背景。这些学生将被培养出优秀的沟通和人际交往能力。在未来的岁月里，这样的毕业生应该成为许多少数民族年轻学生的榜样。此外，这些毕业生将有助于为美国的先进技术劳动力带来急需的多样性。“青年教师创业基金”计划将解决MSE少数民族教师短缺的问题，特别是在纳米生物材料科学与工程领域。研究成果有望为纳米生物材料的科学技术知识库做出重要贡献。更广泛的社会影响包括提高生物医学和制药领域的能力。

Through a new HBCU Research Infrastructure in Science and Engineering award, Tuskegee University (TU) proposes to elevate its Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program to a higher level so that its impact may considerably be broadened. The project will implement a three-part program that will (a) Enhance research capability in synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications; (b) Develop a cohort of students not only at the Ph.D. level but also at the Master's level so that they can be nurtured and motivated to continue their studies in the Ph.D. program; and (c) Provide seed funds for younger faculty members to enable them to become active in research and education in MSE. Through earlier Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) and other grants funded through the National Science Foundation, Tuskegee University (TU) has developed a robust research and educational program in Materials Science and Engineering and initiated its first Ph.D. program in MSE. TU has now become the largest producer of African American PhDs in MSE. In an effort to provide sustained support for and commitment to this program, the TU administration has established the Department of MSE, which is the only department at a Historically Black University.Intellectual Merit The proposed research activities include chemical synthesis and analysis, surface analysis, processing, and performance evaluation of a variety of nanobiomaterials. The processes and knowledge developed through this research will help in fields such as drug delivery and pharmaceutical applications. These research activities are expected to generate new knowledge about the interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems and compatibility in developing new drug delivery systems. Another outcome of this research is in developing the new multifunctional polymer composites. Implementation of a Master's degree program in MSE will allow Tuskegee to serve a larger number of students who wish to complete a Master's degree in MSE before joining the Ph.D. Program. This will also enhance the quality of students entering the Ph.D. program. Offering start-up funds to junior STEM faculty and pairing them with seasoned faculty members for effective mentoring will enable them to develop their research expertise in nanobiomaterials. Broader impact The broader impacts of this project include production of a large number of African Americans with baccalaureate through doctorate degrees with a strong background in the emerging areas of materials science and engineering. These students will be trained to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well. Such graduates should become role models for many young minority students in years to come. Moreover, these graduates will help bring much-needed diversity to the Nation's advanced technological workforce. The "Start-Up Funds for Junior Faculty" program will address the issue of shortage of minority faculty in MSE, particularly, in nanobiomaterials science and engineering. The research findings are expected to contribute significantly to the science and technology knowledge base of nanobiomaterials. Broader societal impact includes improved capabilities in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.