TLSAMP Summer 2009
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
at
Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
2009 Summer Research Opportunity at The University of Memphis
Faculty Investigator(s): Dr. Firouzeh Sabri, Dept. of Physics
Brief Description of Project: One of Dr. Sabri’s interests is the behavior of nm-thick conductive films supported by a flexible substrate.
Thin metal films deposited on top of elastomeric substrates are the backbone of many new technological developments such as flexible skin, flexible electronics, and electronic textiles. The key property of these systems is stretchable metallic interconnects which is the focus of this research project.
Various metal-polymer systems will be fabricated and studied. Optical and electrical means will be implemented to detect thermal changes in the system.
The REU student involved in this project will help thoroughly characterize the system(s) mentioned above by means of optical and electrical methods. He/she will determine the sensitivity of the device and test the reproducibility of the systems behavior. Some of the skills that will be acquired during this work are thin film deposition techniques, cryogenics, curing of polymers and their properties.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Firouzeh Sabri and members of the Sabri research group
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
Brief Description of Project: Dr. Wang's group has a long standing interest in the study of separation of macromolecular systems. We use computational approaches to provide theoretical predictions and understanding of separation of macromolecules in microfluidic devices and in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We have on-going research projects that study: (i) separation of DNA in microfluidic/nanofluidic devices; (2) prediction of flow characteristics of macromolecular suspensions in microfluidic channels; (3) separation of synthetic polymers in high performance liquid chromatography; (4) modeling protein separations in HPLC. These research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and bridge knowledge from analytical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science to biomedical engineering. REU-students working on these projects will gain experience in computational approaches that are used widely in these emerging interdisciplinary research fields and gain knowledge in these interdisciplinary areas which they can later pursue post-graduate trainings..
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Yongmei Wang and members of the Wang Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
Brief Description of Project: Surface Modification of Magnetic Nanoparticles: REU students will work in the area of studying the effect of surface modification of iron oxide nanoparticles with different surfactants. The specific goals of this project are to (1) synthesize iron oxide MNP, (2) coat MNP with different surfactants and (3) study the temperature and frequency dependence of the magnetic properties of coated NP using electron spin resonance (ESR) and magnetometry techniques. There are many ramifications of this research project. These include the prevention of oxidation of the magnetic core (magnetic core-rare-earth oxide shell), the exchange bias hard magnetic materials (ferromagnet-antiferromagnet composites) with high energy product, and the biofunctionalization of MNP for the drug delivery.
“Green” Synthesis of amorphous carbon nanospheres: Nano carbon materials are versatile element finding applications in areas such as nanodevices, batteries, drug delivery, etc. Several synthesis techniques have been used to produce spherical pure carbon spheres. Conventional techniques produce bulk CNSs with relatively inert surfaces, which make surface modification almost unavoidable before using them as supports or templates. Furthermore, controlling the size of CNSs has been challenging. Under hydrothermal conditions, sugars molecules undergo chemical transformations forming homogeneous carbon spheres. The as-produced CNSs are porous and naturally hydrophilic with a large presence of surface hydroxyl groups, which can help in direct functionalization of the surface without requiring further modification. This hydrothermal synthesis technique has several advantages such as moderate temperatures, good yields, and most importantly an environmentally benign process; a “green” technique. During the course of this study, students will (1) get familiar with the hydrothermal synthesis technique, (2) have hands on experience with TEM and XRD and (3) investigate ways to use CNSs as template to synthesize core-shell nanocomposites.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Sanjay R. Mishra and members of the Mishra Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
Brief Description of Project: This project focuses on the preparation of dendrimer nanoparticles possessing “smart” function on their surface and/or bulk, and the characterization of their chemical and physical properties. The unique branching structure of dendritic polymers presents promising biomedical applications, e.g as a vehicle for targeted drug/DNA delivery.
The REU student involved in this project will apply his/her knowledge of fundamental chemistry to nanotechnology and bioscience. Pursuing organic synthesis, characterization, and multiple data analysis using various instruments will be expected from the student.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Tomoko Fujiwara and members of the Fujiwara Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
Brief Description of Project: Ionizing radiation, such as gamma or
electron beam, is extensively used to increase the amount of cross-links in a
polymer matrix, and/or for sterilization purposes. These processes are of
particular importance in the case of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE),
a biomaterial of choice for total hip- and knee-joint replacements. However,
such irradiation processes generate free radicals in the polymer matrix which
can potentially cause oxidative degradation of the joint components. Recent
studies have shown that an antioxidant such as vitamin E (α-Tocopherol (α-T))
increases the oxidation resistance of gamma-irradiated UHMWPE [55]. However, it
is not clear if vitamin E remains as an effective antioxidant after irradiation
is complete. One other property of vitamin E-doped UHMWPE (e-PE) is its optical
properties, including color. For instance, e-PE turns yellowish to dark brown
with added vitamin E.
The REU student involved in this will be involved in the electron-spin-resonance
(ESR) measurements of gamma-ray irradiated UHMWPE samples containing varying
amounts of vitamin E. Within the ten-week project period, the REU-student should
be able to get enough data in order to determine the rate of reaction of the
radicals in presence, or absence, of vitamin E. Results obtained from this
project will provide insight into the long-term oxidation of UHMWPE.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. M. Shah Jahan and members of the Jahan Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
Brief Description of Project: Research in Dr. Pinkhassik’s group focuses on creating novel nanomaterials and functional nanodevices primarily for biotechnology and biomedical applications. The goal of this project is to create a new generation of medical devices called theragnostic nanocapsules. Theragnostic medical devices combine therapeutic and diagnostic functions. These devices represent an emerging paradigm in modern medical practice, providing minimally invasive procedures. In particular, we plan to apply these nanocapsules to diagnosis and treatment of arthritis utilizing innovative methods for tissue engineering.
The REU student involved in this project will be involved in (1) the design and synthesis of nanocapsules loaded with contrasting agents for deposition on damaged cartilage surface and (2) the study of nanocapsule binding to proteins on broken cartilage surface and microCT imaging. Working in this projevt will give the REU student a valuable opportunity to participate in the development of a new potentially powerful biomedical technique.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Eugene Pinkhassik and members of the Pinkhassik Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
Brief Description of Project: Research in Dr. Bumgardner’s group focuses on evaluation and development of biocompatible materials for dental/craniofacial and orthopaedic implant applications. The goal of this project is to evaluate a natural bio-polymer, chitosan, for use as a coating for implant devices or substrate for bone tissue regeneration. The chitosan polymer, a polysaccharide similar to cellulose, is biocompatible, accelerates wound healing and is biodegradable, which makes it attractive for delivery of bioactive agents such as antibiotics or growth factors to the local tissue-implant interface to prevent/inhibit implant infection and stimulate new tissue formation. Because of these properties, chitosan-based materials are receiving much attention for a wide range of applications including coatings to promote integration of implants (e.g. hip and dental) into bone and as an engineered material substrate to regenerate bone tissue missing due to disease or injury. In this project, we plan to evaluate the material properties of chitosan polymers, correlate these properties with degradation characteristics and ability to support the growth of bone cells in culture.
The REU student involved in this project will be involved in (1) the determination of polymer molecular structure and degradation by gel permeation chromatography for molecular weight, atomic force microscopy and x-ray diffraction for polymer chain organization and packing, and mechanical testing for polymer strengths, and (2) evaluation of the growth of bone cells cultured on the chitosan materials by measuring DNA and collagen production. These data will be use to correlate chitosan properties with biological performance for use in optimizing chitosan materials for implant applications.
The REU student will have a valuable opportunity to participate in the development of a new implant material, and gain appreciation for the design and performance characteristics of materials intended for use in biomedical implant applications.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Joel D. Bumgardner and members of the Bumgardner Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
Brief Description of Project: Dr. Lindner’s group is engaged in developing novel electrochemical sensors (Ion Selective Electrodes, ISE) for biomedical applications. The REU-project is geared towards the development of electrochemical immunoassays for the determination of cardiac proteins. Nonspecific adsorption is one of the critical issues in the project which can induce both positive and negative bias (false positive and false negative analytical results).
The participating REU-student will investigate the specific binding and non-specific adsorption processes during the protocol of an electrochemical immunoassay. The REU-student will then evaluate different strategies toward the minimization of nonspecific adsorption using an Eco Chemie ESPIRT SPR system. The students will evaluate their results in the light of independent studies towards the quantitative determination of non-specific adsorption using radio-labeled proteins and atomic force microscopy.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Lindner and members of the Lindner Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
REU students in my group will work to develop a scalable, solution-phase process to produce graphene. The students who work in this project will have an opportunity to learn about and perform research on a cutting-edge material using tools and techniques that are of general utility in the field of materials science and nanoscience.
Nature of Supervision: Work under the direct supervision of Dr. Lam Yu and members of the Yu Research Laboratory.
Stipend and Duration: $3800 for ten weeks.
Contact Information:
Prof. Mohamed Laradji
Physics Dept.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-1676
The deadline for all opportunities is March 27, 2009.