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

通过新的HBCU科学与工程研究基础设施奖，塔斯基吉大学（TU）建议将其材料科学与工程（MSE）计划提升到更高的水平，以便其影响可能会大大扩大。该项目将实施一个由三部分组成的计划，将（a）提高生物医学和制药应用纳米颗粒合成和表征的研究能力;（B）培养一批不仅在博士学位，水平，但也在硕士的水平，使他们可以培养和激励继续他们的研究在博士学位。计划;及（c）为较年轻的教职员提供种子基金，使他们能够积极参与中小企业的研究和教育。通过早期的科学与技术卓越研究中心（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，并启动了第一个博士学位。在MSE中的程序TU现在已经成为非洲裔美国人在MSE博士学位的最大生产商。为了给该项目提供持续的支持和承诺，TU行政部门设立了MSE系，这是历史上黑人大学的唯一一个系。智力优势拟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。这些研究活动有望产生关于纳米颗粒与生物系统的相互作用以及开发新药物递送系统的相容性的新知识。本研究的另一个成果是开发新的多功能聚合物复合材料。在MSE硕士学位课程的实施将允许塔斯基吉服务于谁希望在加入博士学位之前完成硕士学位在MSE的学生人数更多。程序.这也将提高进入博士学位的学生的质量。程序.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的指导，将使他们能够发展自己在纳米生物材料方面的研究专长。更广泛的影响该项目的更广泛的影响包括生产大量的非裔美国人与学士学位，通过博士学位，在材料科学和工程的新兴领域的强大背景。这些学生将接受培训，以具有良好的沟通和人际交往能力以及。这些毕业生应在今后成为许多少数民族青年学生的榜样。此外，这些毕业生将有助于为国家的先进技术劳动力带来急需的多样性。“初级教师启动资金”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和工程领域。研究结果有望为纳米生物材料的科学和技术知识基础做出重大贡献。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.