CMU supports science of the future
When Brad Fahlman went to a National Science Foundation Conference last spring, the chemistry faculty member met an advanced materials trailblazer.
“When I looked through the itinerary I saw Joel Miller’s name,” Fahlman said. “I thought, ‘There is no way that this is the Joel Miller who started the field of molecular magnets 20 years ago.’ But it was.”
Fahlman said while sitting on the panel with Miller, they started talking about their interest in advanced materials research. Fahlman also told Miller of a new program at CMU – the Advanced Materials Research Initiative.
The physics, biology, and chemistry departments are collaborating with this initiative, which is designed to improve research collaboration among scientific disciplines, enhance student training opportunities, and elevate CMU’s national standing in the research community.
“Advanced materials research is important because it really has an impact on environmental and societal problems we currently face,” Fahlman said. “We want faster electronics and better ways to deliver drugs for certain illnesses. Just about any application that pops into your mind is intimately linked to advanced materials.”
A three-year, $695,735 CMU 2010 grant recently was awarded to the College of Science and Technology for the new Advanced Materials Research Initiative.
“The allocation shows CMU’s commitment for working to solve worldwide problems and ensure that we continue to make technological
advancements,” he said. “It’s clear that CMU is serious about increasing the level of research, and they are believers in the importance of materials.”
Elevating research standards, reputation
With the funding available, Fahlman asked Miller to speak on campus. And more experts will come to campus as a part of an ongoing advanced materials research seminar series. “We had him here in February, and he was very impressed,” Fahlman said. “He’ll let his colleagues know that we are a top research university. That is all part of the plan to elevate CMU’s status in the research community.”
In addition to bringing Miller to campus, the grant money was used to purchase a computer and hire a Web designer specifically for the initiative.
Future plans will be to hire seven graduate research assistants, which will enable faculty members to devote more time to grant writing, working in the lab, and conducting research projects, such as studying biomaterials to improve skin scaffolds for burn victims. •
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