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July 2008Volume 2

GRSP and Beyond

alabama’s Graduate Research Scholars Program

- GRSP -

Is unique to the 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 an investment in Alabama

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.

GRSPGraduate Research Scholars ProgramAlabama EPSCoR

Table of Contents

Letter from the Executive Director .......................................................... 4

Overview ............................................................................................. 5

GRSP Students Meet Alabama Legislators ................................................ 6

Report to Alabama Commission on Higher Education ................................. 7

GRSP Tables ..................................................................................... 8-9

Statistics ............................................................................................10

Featured Research Scholars .............................................................11-56

GRSP and Beyond ..........................................................................57-66

Campus Coordinators ......................................................................67-70

Appendices ....................................................................................71-78 Index of Scholars ......................................................................72 Alumni Roster ...........................................................................73 Campus Coordinators / Students .................................................74 Congressional Districts of Student Residencies ..............................75

Quick Reference Guide ....................................................................76-78

Contact Information .............................................................................79

4

GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR

Dear Colleagues,

It is an honor and a privilege to provide you with this second volume of the Graduate Research Scholars Program (GRSP) booklet featuring students supported by the GRSP. Alabama EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) is grateful to the Alabama Legislature for their continued foresight in attracting the next generation of researchers and innovators to advance Alabama’s high tech human resource capacity. These bright scholars will pave the way for future economic growth and prosperity of our beautiful state.

Since the inaugural GRSP funding in the fall of 2006, revisions have been made to the program. Initially, the program restricted funding to graduate students working on the Alabama EPSCoR National Science Foundation’s Research Infrastructure Improvement grant. Currently it includes graduate students working across numerous Alabama EPSCoR related funded programs including DOE, NASA, and USDA. In addition, each of the seven participating Ph.D. granting institutions now have a Campus Coordinator who oversees the GRSP Program at their respective institutions.

The GRSP Program has provided benefi cial funding allowing universities to recruit high quality graduate students as well as create an environment both of entrepreneurship and continued education.

At our GRSP Legislative Meeting, (see page 6) one graduate student expressed to Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom, his interest in starting a bio-tech company. Several students have also graduated from the program, one has gone to work for the U.S. government, one continues her post-doc work at Universal Technology Corporation in Dayton, Ohio; while another was selected for post-doc work at Cornell University.

I invite you to spend a few minutes reviewing the exciting work being conducted by these graduate students in our state. If I can assist you in some way please feel free to contact me or one of our Campus Coordinators.

Sincerely,

Daryush ILA, Ph.D.Executive DirectorAlabama EPSCoR

P Status of Graduate Research Scholars Program

5

Alabama EPSCoR GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program

The Graduate Research Scholars Program (GRSP) is designed to strengthen and enhance the research

capacity of member institutions of the Alabama Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). A signifi cant goal of the GRSP is to position these institutions to be more competitive in attracting eminent senior faculty as well as prepare graduate students for careers in disciplines related to science and engineering.

The Alabama EPSCoR GRSP was established in 2006 with funding through the Alabama State Legislature with a $1 million increase in the Alabama EPSCoR line item appropriation to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. Initially the funding was targeted to support graduate students contributing to the research of the four (4) Centers of Excellence funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Infrastructure Improvement Award (RII2). Due to the initial success of the program and with continued legislative funding in FY 2007-2008, the program

was expanded to include qualifi ed students at all Alabama EPSCoR universities whose proposed research or fi eld of study and career interests were congruent with the funded science and technology programs of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Defense (DOD). In accord with the intent of the legislative appropriation, this expanded effort not only establishes a resource base to attract distinguished faculty and researchers, but also addresses the economic need for a highly trained workforce to ensure the

growth of emerging technology companies.

P Overview

Alabama EPSCoRGRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program

6

GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoRGRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoR

On February 21, 2008, ten GRSP students along with six faculty and administrators

traveled to Montgomery to meet Gov. Bob Riley, Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. and be recognized in the Senate Chamber by Senator Steve French, the “champion” for the Graduate Research Scholars Program. Representative Richard Lindsey also had the rare priviledge of introducing the students in the Senate Chamber. Senator French and Representative Lindsey attended the Alabama NSF EPSCoR National Meeting in November 2007 where they were introduced to the student’s research during the Alabama EPSCoR Poster Session. It was Senator French who suggested Alabama legislators have the opportunity to meet these students. The poster session’s Platinum and Gold award winners were asked to attend this meeting with the legislators. During the introduction of the students, both Senator French and Represenative Lindsey spoke about the innovative research these students are doing as well as the potential economic impact their research could have on the state. Before being introduced in the Senate and House Chambers, the group visited Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. in his Chambers. Randall Wilson, a UAH GRSP student, shared his goal for opening a bio-technology company after graduation. The event provided students a glimpse into the legislative process and provided the legislators a face with young researchers.

Senator Steve French introduces GRSP scholars to fellow Senators, February 21, 2008.

GRSP students visit Lt. Gov. Folsom’s Chambers

GRSP Students Meet Legislators

First Row, left to right: Wanda Jones, TU; Hidayah Nicole Green, UAB; Bethany Harris, AU; 2nd row: Dr. Pam Twigg, UAH; Mary Rogers, TU; Miranda Byrne, UAH; Ivy Krystal Jones, TU; 3rd Row: Jonathan Williams, UAB; Alan Martinez, UAB; Randall Wilson, UAH; Dr. Karen Boykin, UA; 4th row: Gov. Bob Riley, Matt Dodson, AU; Dr. Mahesh Hosur, TU; Dr. Shaik Jeelani, TU; 5th row: Dr. Frank (Skip) Bartol, AU; Dr. Chris Lawson, UAB; and Dr. Daryush ILA, AAMU.


7


Matt Dodson shares highlights of his wound repair research to the ACHE Commission, March 28, 2008.

Matthew Dodson, Auburn University NSF RII funded Center

for Environmental and Cellular Signal Transduction (CECST) Graduate Research Scholars Program student and winner of the Alabama EPSCoR Poster Session at the National NSF EPSCoR Conference presented his research during the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) Meeting on March 28, 2008. Dr. William ‘Billy’ Powell, ACHE Commissioner and Executive Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association visited Auburn University not long after Matt’s presentation and stopped by Dr. Skip Bartol’s offi ce. Dr. Bartol is the Director for the AU-CECST. Dr. Powell commented on the nice job Matt did on his ACHE Commission presentation. Drs. Powell and Bartol discussed the positive impact of the ACHE-GRSP funding on the rest of the research programs.

Dr. Gregory Fitch, Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education contacted a colleague, Dr. Michael Sarras, Vice President of Research at Rosalind Franklin University after Matt’s ACHE presentation. The emphasis in Dr. Sarras's lab is on extracellular matrix, wound healing and diabetes. Dr. Sarras is hoping to recruit Matt for their medical school doctoral program for the fall 2009 school year.

Ctenophore Mnemiopsis jelly fi sh exhibit wound repair in 30 minutes with no scars.Matt Dodson, AU GRSP Student

Report to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education

8


To date, three rounds of students have been funded. Recipients, along with their respective programs, are identifi ed in the roster below.1 Please note that in some cases individual

graduate students have been supported with more than one GRSP round of funding.

GRSP Tables

Inst. GRSP Scholar Research Fields

AAMU Bopha Chhay Material Sciences, Physics

AAMU Kaye Knowles Biology

AAMU Jean Michel Taguenang Physics

AU Bethany Crean Harris Biology, Animal Science

AU Erin Donovan Life Sciences, Molecular Biology

AU Ke Jiang Biology

AU Larissa Parsley Biology, Environmental Microbiol.

AU Yu Xiang Biology

AU Min Zhong Biology

TU Ivy Krystal Jones Material Sciences

TU Wanda Jones Material Sciences

TU Merlin Theodore Material Sciences

UA Jejal Bathi Environmental Engineering

UA Sergio Fabi Physics

UA Hunter Hyche Environmental Engineering

UA Kimberly Michael Environmental Engineering

UA Humberto Rangel Environmental Eng., Civil Eng.

UA Noboru Togawa Environmental Eng., Civil Eng.

UAB Andrew Gallian Physics

UAB David Johnson Bioengineering, Computer Science

UAB Changsu Kim Physics

UAB Deepak Kini Engineering, Mechanical Eng.

UAB No Soung Myoung Physics

UAB Jonathan Williams Physics

UAH Miranda Byrne Bioeng., Biology, Chemistry

UAH Ronny Hughes Bioeng., Chemistry, Life Sciences

UAH Randall Wilson Structural Biology

USA Danalea Skarra Life Sci., Biochem., Basic Med. Sci.

Round 1


AAMU Bopha Chhay Material Sciences, Physics


AAMU Renita Watkins Molecular Biology

AU Bethany Crean Harris Biology, Animal Science

AU Matt Dodson Life Sci., Cellular & Molecular Biol.

AU Xueyou Hu Antimicrobial Systems

AU Ke Jiang Biology

AU Larissa Parsley Biol., Environmental Microbiol.

AU Min Zhong Biology

TU Ester Haugabrooks Agricultural

TU Ivy Krystal Jones Material Sciences

TU Wanda Jones Material Sciences

TU Shantel King Agricultural

TU Mary Rogers Material Sciences

UA Jejal Bathi Environmental Engineering

UA Celina Bochis Civil Engineering

UA Dheeraj Raju Engineering Education

UA Humberto Rangel Environmental Eng., Civil Eng.

UA Noboru Togawa Environmental Eng., Civil Eng.

UA Brad Wilson Environmental Eng., Civil Eng.

UAB Sai Santosh Bangalore Statistical Genetics

UAB David Johnson Bioeng., Computer Science

UAB Changsu Kim Physics

UAB No Soung Myoung Physics

UAB Samuel Owens Chemistry

UAB Jonathan Williams Physics

UAH Miranda Byrne Bioeng., Biology, Chemistry

UAH Ronny Hughes Bioeng., Chemistry, Life Sciences

UAH Randall Wilson Structural Biology

USA Danalea Skarra Life Sci., Biochem., Basic Med. Sci.

Round 2

1Tables based on best available information at time of publication and may be subject to change.

9


GRSP Tables


AAMU Fernando Calzzani Surface Enh. Raman Spectroscopy

AAMU Tiffany Frazier Surface Enh. Raman Spectroscopy

AAMU Renato Minamisawa Ion Beam Nanolith., Physics

AAMU Redahegn Sileshi UV Nanolithography


AU Sudhir Ahluwalia Veterinary Biomedical Sciences

AU Christina Booher Biological Science

AU Johanna Cannon Biological Science

AU Yanli Chen Chemical Eng., Bioeng.

AU Chengdong Huang Biochemistry

AU Erin Imsand Biochemistry

TU Tarig Hassan Bionanocomposite materials

TU Jessie Mayo, Jr. Materials Sci. & Eng.

TU Tiffany Nelson Materials Sci. & Eng.

TU Shoieb Shaik Electrical Engineering

TU Nydeia Wright Bio Nanotech., Mat. Sci. & Eng.

TU Shaik Zainuddin Materials Sci. & Eng.

UA Chethan Acharya Chemical Eng., Biological Eng.

UA Vijay Kumar Eppakayala Environmental Eng.

UA GiHan Kwong Energy, Fuel Cells

UA Wei Li Chemical Engineering

UA Yuhao Lu Electrochemical Engineering

UA Huizhen Zhu Energy, Fuel Cells

UAB Parimal Bapat Physics

UAB Samantha Hastings Inorganic Chemistry

UAB Alán Martinez Physics

UAB Justin Sheff Inorganic Chemistry

UAB Philip Veronese Chemistry

UAH Talitha Caudle Biomedical

UAH Amicia Elliott Structural Biology

UAH Li Qiu Structural Biology

UAH Emily Roth Gordon Structural Biology

UAH Sarah Torgerson *

USA Samer Swedan Biochem. & Molecular Biol.

Round 3

luwalia

*Currently serving in the military out-of-state.


10

GENDERFor each round of funding, the Graduate Research Scholars Program has, on average, had slightly more males than females. Over the course of all three rounds of funding, the percentages of males and females refl ect 58% and 42% respectively. In Round One, there were 16 males and 12 females. Round Two grew to 17 males and 12 females. Round Three has been the largest group of GRSP Scholars to date with 20 males and 14 females, bringing the total number of scholar funded positions to ninety-one. Through their demonstrated excellent academic achievements and dedication to research, some students have been awarded funding for more than one round.

RESEARCH AREASA wide variety of research topics and fi elds of study can be found among the talented participants of Alabama EPSCoR’s Graduate Research Scholars Program, with fi elds ranging from biomedical and life sciences to nanomaterials and engineering. With the education and research being performed today, these scholars will become the industrial and academic leaders of tomorrow. Their work and research fi ndings will greatly impact the future of Alabama, the United States, and the world.

The table shows the general research fi elds and degrees to which scholars are currently working. Some scholars have multi-faceted research, encompassing several different fi elds of study, with a total of 49 Ph.D. students and 16 master’s degree candidates. A detailed listing of each scholar’s area(s) of research can be found on pages 76-78.


50

60

Number of Scholars by Gender

0

10

20

30

40

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Total

Males

Females

Degree/Research Field # of Students*

Biological Sciences

15

Chemistry 7Physics 12

Engineering 26Educational Research 1

Environmental Sciences

2

Vet./Animal Sci. 2*Based on data provided

25%

Degrees Pursued

75%

M.S.

Ph.D.

Statistics


Alabama EPSCoRGraduate Research Scholars Program

Featured Research Scholars

12


Chathan AcharyaThe University of Alabama, TuscaloosaRound 3 RecipientGraduation in May 2008, Chemical and Biological [email protected]

Research Abstract• Investigating the stability and activity of platinum nanoparticles on modifi ed carbon (boron-doped) using experiments and density functional theory (DFT) simulations.

• Prolong the activity of the nanometer-sized catalyst particles by stabilizing the catalysts on various supports.

• Used in PEM fuel cells as an anode catalyst.

ObjectiveInvestigate the interaction between carbon supports.

Future PlansStarting in April 2008, I will become a Post-doctoral Researcher at the University of California at San Diego.

Supervisor/MentorDr. C. Heath TurnerChemical and Biological EngineeringThe University of Alabama201 7th AvenueTuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Stability and Activity of Metal Nanocomposites on Carbon Supports

13

Sudhir AluwaliaAuburn UniverstiyRound 3 Recipient, EPSCoR ProgramExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Veterinary Biomedical [email protected]

ObjectiveProspective cohort study to explain in detail the effect of the national infection with Chlamydopila spp. on milk production and quality, and health of the mammary gland in dairy cattle.

Research Abstract• To identify preventative and therapeutic approaches to dairy herd health that will increase economic sustainability of dairy agriculture for future generations. • Better maintenance of milk quality and production.• To identify vaccine-mediated prevention of bovine mastitis,• Increase economic sustainability of dairy agriculture for future generations.

Future PlansAfter fi nishing my doctorate degree, I plan to work in industry and eventually own my own company.

Supervisor/MentorProf. Bernhard KaltenboeckDepartment of PathobiologyAuburn University170 Greene Hall, CVMAuburn, AL 36849334.844.2665 [email protected]


Vaccine medicated prevention of ruminant mastitis associated infections

ObjectiveTo apply my knowledge of programming and contribute to the fi elds of Genomics and scientifi c computing and have an enriching learning experience.

Research Abstract• Accuracy of data obtained from statistical software is important to make consistent and accurate scientifi c judgment. The objective of this research is to investigate the accuracy of p-values (probability values), often used in Genomic research.• We have evaluated several numerical libraries on the accuracy of p-values and informed researchers/programmers on the importance of accuracy in Genomic research. The proceedings of this work are currently under review for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

14


Supervisor/Mentor Dr. David B. AllisonProfessor of Public HealthUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRPHB 420C1530 3rd Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL [email protected]. Jelai WangSection on Statistical GeneticsUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRPHC [email protected]

Sai Santosh BangaloreUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 2 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2008, M.S. in Electrical and Computer [email protected]

Future PlansIn August 2008, I will be graduating with a Master’s degree in electrical & computer engineering. I want to further my knowledge in these fi elds and pursue a career in scientifi c programming for academia, engineering, bio-tech, and pharmaceutical applications.

How accurate are the extremely small p-values used in genomic research

15

GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Alabama EPSCoR

ObjectiveTo synthesize biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles using a pulsed laser deposition technique. Our aim is to study the gas phase and morphological properties of these particles and use them for bone tissue regeneration applications.

Research Abstract• Calcium phosphates and especially hydroxyapatite are found in abundant proportions in bones and in tooth enamel. • Synthetically grown calcium phosphates showing chemical and structural resemblance with naturally occurring biological materials have proven to be very useful in biological applications ranging from cements, coatings for prosthetic implants and more recently substrates and scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.• Our aim is to synthesize biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation, and study its gas phase and morphological properties.• Preliminary studies that have been conducted show that our technique provides good control over the size of these biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles.

Parimal BapatUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 3 Recipient, Department of PhysicsExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D., Physics [email protected]

Future PlansTo expand current research to explore new properties of calcium phosphate nanoparticles and try to utilize them for biomedical applications. After graduation, I would like to continue researching this fi eld in an industrial setting.

Supervisor/MentorDr Renato Camata, Ph.D. Department of PhysicsUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham1530 3rd Ave S, Ch310Birmingham, AL [email protected]

Gas phase synthesis and morphological studies for bone tissue regeneration

16


Celina BochisThe University of AlabamaRound 2 RecipientCenter for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D. in Civil [email protected]

ObjectiveDevelop design guidelines for retrofi tting stormwater control practices suitable for different land uses, land development and rain zones that are effi cient and cost effective.

Research AbstractUrban land uses and their associated impervious covers increase the quantity and worsen the quality of stormwater runoff seriously impairing receiving waters. My research focuses on the impact of urban development on stormwater characteristics and how stormwater controls can be selected based on land use. We employed the Source Loading and Management Model (WinSLAMM) to simulate runoff quantity and quality for six highly urbanized drainage areas located in Jefferson County, Alabama. We also examined the performance of different combinations of stormwater control devices. Our work will generate a method to determine the most suitable type of stormwater control practices based on variability in land uses, land development, rain zones, and cost effectiveness.

Future PlansI plan to apply and expand the knowledge gained during my doctoral studies in the fi eld of water resources and stormwater by working with industry in a consulting position. I would also like to continue my research in this area and eventually apply for a teaching position. Supervisor/MentorDr. Robert PittThe University of AlabamaCivil, Construction and EnvironmentalEngineering DepartmentBox 870205 Tuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Characteristics of Urban Development

ObjectiveTo determine the strength and extent of interrelated effects of calcium intake and bone metabolism on the reproductive output of small mammals, and investigate how these effects infl uence reproductive strategies and adaptations.

Research Abstract• Pregnant mammals resorb bone to accommodate increased calcium demand of developing fetal skeleton.• Extent of resorption is limited by cost of bone loss.• Trade-off between offspring production and maternal bone quality investigated using white-footed mice and big brown bats. • Bone resorption quantifi ed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and serum bone marker concentration assays.• Fluctuations in bone resorption relative to dietary calcium and offspring production examined.

Future PlansAfter earning my Ph.D., I aspire to obtain a faculty position at a major research university and continue my work in physiological ecology.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Wendy R. Hood Dr. Geoffrey E. HillDepartment of Biological SciencesAuburn University101 Life Sciences BuildingAuburn, AL 36849 334.884.7437 [email protected]@auburn.edu

17

Christina BooherAuburn UniversityRound 3 RecipientCenter for Environmental Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in 2011, Ph.D., Biological [email protected]


Calcium availability and bone resorption: Implications for small mammals

calcium intake and

18


Fernando A. Calzzani, Jr.Alabama A&M UniversityRound 3 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2008, M.S. in [email protected]

ObjectiveTo develop ultra-sensitive methods based on the Surface Enhanced Raman Scatter-ing (SERS) principles to be used as sensors for the detection of biological substances and trace amounts of common explosives such as Nitroglicerin, TNT, RDX and HMX.

Research AbstractSERS mechanism is based on the resonating interaction of electro-magnetic waves with nano-roughened metallic surfaces. SERS effects can multiply the detection sen-sitivity of RAMAN signals by levels never before reached. • Production of cost effective nano patterned substrates suitable to obtain SERS spectrum using low resolution Raman spectrometer. • To study the complex profi les of electromagnetic waves interacting with nano-structures. • Detection of trace amounts of explosives to be used in homeland and airport security.

Future PlansTo study SERS effects in substances such as amino acids and proteins to be applied to biological investigations.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Anup SharmaDepartment of PhysicsAlabama A&M University4900 Meridian StreetNormal, AL [email protected]

Ultra-sensitive sensors for explosive detection by SERS

19

ObjectiveTo further elucidate the last common ancestor of the deuterostomes by exploring hemichordate evolution and development.

Research Abstract• Deuterostomes are a major lineage of animals consisting of chordates (including vertebrates), echinoderms, and hemichordates.• The marine invertebrate phylum Hemichordata shares important morphological characteristics with chordates, making them of particular interest for studying the origin of chordates. • This work utilizes molecular sequence data to investigate relationships within hemichordates.• This work has implications for understanding the early evolution of deuterostomes.

Future PlansI plan to pursue a career in teaching and research at a major academic institution, studying evolution and development in marine invertebrates.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Ken HalanychDepartment of Biological SciencesAuburn University101 Rouse Life Sciences BuildingAuburn University, AL [email protected]

Johanna T. CannonAuburn UniversityRound 3 RecipientCenter for Environmental Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in 2011, Ph.D., Biological [email protected]


Hemichordate Relationships and Insights into Ancestors

20


Talitha Holmes CaudleUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRound 3 RecipientExtended Alabama Structural Biology ConsortiumExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveTo determine the structure of optineurin, a protein involved in glaucoma disease.

Research Abstract• Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide.• Genetic studies have shown that optineurin is a disease causing variant in glaucoma.• The goal of my research is to determine its structure. • Structure will provide understanding regarding disease pathology.• Furthermore, it gives a template for the design of drugs that interact with optineurin.

Supervisor/Mentor

Dr. Pamela TwiggLaboratory for Structural BiologyUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville301 Sparkman Dr.Huntsville, AL [email protected]

Future PlansI want to continue research in the biomedical fi eld at a company that specializes in gene-based therapy.

Structural Studies of Optineurin, the Disease Causing Variant in Glaucoma

21


Yanli ChenAuburn UniversityRound 3 Recipient Expected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D. in Chemical [email protected]

ObjectiveTo understand the metabolic interactions between two different species at the molecular level through developing systems biology tools.

Research Abstract• Investigate a mixed culture consisting of two different ethanologenic microorganisms. • Study metabolic interactions, synergic and competitive effects by using the integration of experimental and computational methods.From the perspective of control and systems engineering: • Address the fully functional metabolic pathways by understanding the metabolic networks of mixed culture.• Provide a general framework in developing structured models for complex biological systems.• Guide design for more effective microbe strains via recombinant DNA technology.

Future PlansComplete the Ph.D. degree within two years and apply for a research position in the fi eld of systems biology or bioengineering.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Jin WangDepartment of Chemical EngineeringAuburn University218 Ross Hall Auburn, AL [email protected]


Elucidation of Metabolic Networks of Mixed Culture for Bioethanol Production

22


Amicia D. ElliottUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRound 3 RecipientExtended Alabama Structural Biology ConsortiumExpected 2009 Graduation, M.S., Genetics and Molecular [email protected]

ObjectiveTo characterize the binding site of a huntingtin-interacting protein involved in the polyglutamine family of neurological disorders.

Research Abstract• Study the PQBP-1, a protein that binds to the expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tract of proteins involved in Huntington's Disease (HD), and other neurological disorders. • Identify the polyglutamine-binding surface of PQBP-1, primarily through NMR spectroscopy. • Collect additional kinetic data via isothermal titration calorimetry and fl uorescence techniques, which may provide a drug target for polyQ diseases like HD.

Future PlansI will pursue a combined M.D./Ph.D. in structural neuroscience that will allow me to treat patients and research effective treatments for neurological diseases.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Pamela TwiggLaboratory for Structural BiologyUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville301 Sparkman Dr., MSB 228 Huntsville, AL [email protected]

Biochemical Characterization of PQBP-1, A Huntingtin-Interacting Proteins

23


Vijay Jumar EppakayalaThe University of AlabamaRound 3 RecipientCenter for Optical Sensors and SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2008, M.S., Environmental [email protected]

ObjectiveTo compile the available literature on identifi cation and treatability of emerging contaminants and study their fate and transport in groundwater.

Research AbstractEmerging contaminants are of great concern because of their potential for signifi cant health risks. This research targets two primary areas necessary for understanding and controlling these risks:• Evaluation of specialized methods for the detection of EC’s at very low levels.• Evaluation of current treatment technologies for removing these contaminants from water.This research will also focus on:• Treatability of EC’s in wet weather fl ows• Combining treatment methods• Preparing challenge samples to test existing detection technology

Future PlansMy future plans are to start a career in the fi eld of Environmental & Water Resources Engineering and to obtain a professional license.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Robert PittCivil, Construction & Environmental EngineeringThe University of Alabama260 HM Comer (MIB)Box 870205Tuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

t

Identifi cation and Treatability of Emerging Contaminants in Wet Weather Flows

24


Sergio FabiThe University of AlabamaRound 1 RecipientCenter for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies/Engineering Math Advancement ProgramExpected Graduation in 2008, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveMy objective is to research, in particular, the cosmic topology, or the geometrical shape of the universe, and to develop teaching materials for introductory physics.

Research AbstractMy work supports an education and outreach component of the Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopy. As a Ph.D. physics student studying cosmology, optical processes are extremely important for my area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) research. My goal to assist with STEM pipeline development through:• Generation of elementary school instructional materials introducing the concept of optical processes in the environment.• Creation of middle school and high school optical experiments.• Engineering Math Advancement Program (E-MAP) Bridge program introductory physics and optics lectures.• Through E-MAP, focus on stimulating an early interest and providing basics for preparatory classes in STEM areas.

Future PlansPosition as adjunct professor for introductory physics and laboratory development at The University of Alabama.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Karen Boykin, Ph.D., J.D.Environmental InstituteThe University of AlabamaBox 870205Tuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

STEM Development for Early Introduction to Physics Concepts

25


Tiffany FrazierAlabama A&M UniversityRound 3 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2009, M.S., [email protected]

ObjectiveTo develop a sensitive technique capable of detecting residues of harmful inorganic as well as organic substances in the air and water environments.Research AbstractSurfaced Enhanced Raman Scattering is a powerful technique that has been shown to have a capability of detecting explosives like TNT, RDX, and HMX that are widely used in the preparation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The technique will use nano-patterned gold substrates as well as gold and silver nanoparticles to enhance Raman signals. This technique will combine nanotechnology and Raman scattering to increase analytical sensitivity for detecting substances of interest.

Future PlansI plan to develop techniques to make inexpensive SERS substrates using polybutadiene.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Anup Sharma Physics Alabama A&M University 4900 Meridian Street Normal, Alabama [email protected]

Detection of Explosive Residues by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering

26


Tarig A. HassanTuskegee UniversityRound 3 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D. Material Science and Engineering [email protected]

ObjectiveTo develop bionanocomposite materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties to increase the industrial utilization of renewable materials.

Research Abstract• Due to the high cost and environmental hazards of petroleum and mineral derived products, a growing effort has emerged on the research and development of bionanocomposite materials. • In this research we explore the synthesis and characterization of various types of materials obtained from renewable resources such as eggshells and seashells.• These natural biomaterials will be processed to reduce their sizes to nanometer scale and use them as reinforcing fi llers in thermoplastic and thermoset polymers or biocompatible bone fi llers.• The bionanocomposite materials synthesized by this technique can be used for structural applications in biomedical, automotive, aerospace, electronics and military applications.

Future PlansAfter completing my Ph.D. in material science and engineering, I plan to pursue a professional career in process and product development.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Vijay K. RangariCenter for Advanced Materials (T-CAM)Tuskegee University101 Chappie James CenterTuskegee, AL [email protected]

Bio-Nanocomposite Synthesis, Fabrication, Thermal and Mechanical Chaacterization

27


Samantha Delmont HastingsUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2013, Ph.D., Inorganic [email protected]

ObjectiveSynthesize and characterize phosphorous donor ligands and their transition metal complexes for applications as molecular sensors.

Research Abstract• Develop analytical methodologies that allow the detection of chemical warfare agents and their decomposition products.• One successful approach to doing this has been to develop tunable molecular receptors.• Transition metal complexes of functionalized phosphorus-donor ligands are prepared to serve as novel receptors for such materials. • The effi cacy of the sensor complexes will be determined via binding studies of cations, anions, and/or small molecules.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Gary M. GrayDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham1530 3rd Ave. S., CHEM 201 Birmingham, AL [email protected]

Future PlansI plan on completing my Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at UAB, as well as continuing my current research.

Chemical Warfare Agent Receptors for Cations, Anions, and Small Molecules

28


Esther HaugabrooksTuskegee UniversityRound 2 RecipientCenter for Advanced MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2009, M.S., Environmental [email protected]

ObjectiveTo use microbial techniques to evaluate the functionality of wetland soils and adjacent uplands as a tool to understand the impact of microbial diversity on wetland systems.

Research Abstract• Currently there are no widely accepted methods to evaluate wetland functionality using tools that measure microbial processes. • Use microbial techniques, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), to evaluate microbial diversity and observe shifts in microbial populations.• Find a relationship with soil parameters such as organic carbon, soil texture, and pH with microbial diversity and enzyme activities. • Evaluate microbial and enzymatic trends in wetland and adjacent soils along a topographic transect.

Future PlansI plan to pursue a career in the fi eld of environmental and public health.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Ramble Ankumah and Dr. Michelle CorleyDept. of Agriculture & Environ. SciencesTuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL [email protected]@tuskegee.edu

Evaluation of Microbial Diversity and Enzyme Activities in Wetland Soils


29

Chengdong HuangAuburn UniversityRound 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., [email protected]

Objective Using high resolution solution NMR, I will resolve the 3D structure of C-terminal Stt3p, address the biological signifi cance of Stt3p, and tentatively elucidate enzymatic mechanism of Oligosacchryl Transferase (OT).

Research Abstract• N-glycosylation is the most ubiquitous protein modifi cation in eukaryotic cells, which is catalyzed by a remarkably complex multi-subunit integral membrane enzyme, oligosaccharyl transferase (OT). • The enzymatic mechanism of N-glycosylation still remains unanswered, although overwhelming results have suggested that C-terminal Stt3p is directly involved in substrate recognition and /or catalysis.• My project will, for the fi rst time, address the function of C-terminal Stt3p, resolve its 3D structure, and ultimately, elucidate enzymatic mechanism of OT.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Smita MohantyDepartment of ChemistryAuburn UniversityAuburn, AL [email protected]

Future PlansAfter I complete my Ph.D. study, I will secure a research position as a structural biologist, focusing on using NMR to resolve 3D structures of proteins.

Structural and Functional Characterization of the C-terminal Stt3p

30


Ronny C. HughesUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRecipient, Rounds 1 and 2 Extended Alabama Structural Biology Consortium Expected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveDevelopment of a small lab structural genomics pipeline to study the three-dimensional structure of proteins involved in RNA interference (RNAi) via X-ray crystallography.

Research Abstract• Development of novel technologies to facilitate the three-dimensional structure determination of selected protein targets from a deep sea hyperthermophilic bacterium.• Use these structures to guide the development of potential therapeutics for disease.• Gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of RNA. • Interference which has the great promise of providing cures and treatments for infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

Future PlansI would like to work in the biotechnology industry and eventually start a company in the local area.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Joseph D. Ng Laboratory for Structural BiologyUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville301 Sparkman Dr. Huntsville, AL [email protected]

Two men and a Genome:A Small Lab Structural Genomics Project

31


Erin ImsandAuburn University Round 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveTo determine the method of cysteine oxidation by the eukaryotic metalloenzyme cysteine dioxygenase (CDO).

Research Abstract• Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) is a non-heme iron enzyme that functions to catalyze the rate-limiting step in taurine biosynthesis.• Low cellular levels of taurine have been implicated in a wide variety of immune, cardiac, and neurological disorders.• The general aim is to provide key insight into the structure-function relationship of CDO so that its role may be understood in the pathogenesis of many diseases • Recombinant CDO exists in two isoforms; the fi rst objective is to determine which isoform represents the physiological enzyme.• The second objective is to elucidate the reaction mechanism of CDO through various biochemical approaches.

Future PlansAfter completing my Ph.D., I plan to obtain a post-doctoral position, continuing to study the kinetics of medically important metalloenzymes.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Holly R. EllisDepartment of Chemistry and BiochemistryAuburn University179 Chemistry BuildingAuburn, AL [email protected]

Structural and Kinetic Characterization of Eukaryotic cysteine Dioxygenase

Shantel KingTuskegee UniversityRound 2 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2009, M.S., Environmental [email protected]

32


Objective The objective of my research is to compare microbial diversity and enzyme activity in soils from conventional organic farm systems.

Research Abstract• Few studies have been done using scientifi c research that quantifi es the benefi cial relationship between microbial diversity, soil functioning, plant quality and ecosystem sustainability.• One of the two main goals of this study is to identify the various microbes found in specifi c soil samples. Microbes are known to help with various biochemical processes in the soil (nutrient cycling and breakdown of soil aggregates). • The other main goal is to use and test the enzyme activity of the microbes in various soil samples. Enzymes are known to help to catalyze all the biochemical reactions and are a very important part of the nutrient cycling system in the soil.• There are no real suitable parameters to test soil quality. By using enzyme activity and microbial diversity we can contribute to the availability of parameters in which to test the quality of the soil.

Future PlansFuture plans include acquiring a research scientist position with an environmental agency researching soil quality and fi nding suitable parameters for testing the quality of soils.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Ramble AnkumahDr. Michelle CorleyCollege of Agriculture, Environmentaland Natural Sciences200 Milbank Hall Tuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL [email protected]

Study soil microbial diversity and enzyme activity from organic farms

33


GiHan KwonThe University of AlabamaRound 3 RecipientCenter for Materials for Information Technology (MINT)Expected Graduation in 2008, Ph.D. in Chemical [email protected]

ObjectiveWe focused on the electrocatalysts and their stability to improve durability and cost as the main barriers to the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).

Research AbstractWe are using Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) as a support for platinum nanoparticles. In order to understand the effect of the substrate-particle interaction as a function of nanoparticle size as well as to the modifi cation of the support, a nanocluster source (Matilda) is being developed for the deposition of size-selected nanoparticles in the range of 2-10 nm. We plan to synthesize boron doped HOPG samples to be used with size-selected nanoparticles from Matilda for the observation of diffusion and sintering behavior using sophisticated surface analysis techniques.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Tonya M. KleinChemical & Biological EngineeringThe University of AlabamaA127 BevillTuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Future PlansWe will test Matilda with a detector which is an electron multiplier used to measure ion currents of nanoparticles from magnetic sectors as well as perform Cyclic voltammograms of platinum nanoparticles on HOPG/Boron doped HOPG.

Stability of Platinum Nanoparticle on HOPG/Boron doped HOPG

34


Wei LiThe University of AlabamaRound 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Chemical [email protected]

ObjectiveFundamentally understand the cathode electrocatalyst degradation mechanism in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC).

Research AbstractA major PEMFC durability problem is the cathode electrocatalyst, platinum nanoparticles on carbon black, losing electrochemically active sites over time. This is mainly caused by Pt dissolution and carbon support corrosion.

The rates of carbon support corrosion and Pt dissolution are measured and resolved by coupling a mass spectrometer directly to the PEMFC, with systematic investigation to correlate the potential scan rate, temperature and humidity to both rates. In-situ X-ray absorption fi ne structure (XAFS) will be utilized to probe the Pt oxidation status, Pt-Pt and Pt-O bond distance, and Pt coordination number change during degradation, which supplies direct information about the degradation mechanism.

Future PlansI would like to work and research environmental friendly energy utilization.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Alan M. LaneDepartment of Chemical & Biological EngineeringThe University of AlabamaBox 870203Tuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Degradation Mechanism of Cathode Electrocatalysts in PEM Fuel Cells

35

Yahao LuThe University of AlabamaRound 3 Recipient Expected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Metallurgical and Materials Engineering [email protected]

ObjectivesTo design, manufacture, and test micro-direct methanol fuel cells through the combination of experimental and modeling methods.

Future PlansTo pursue a Ph.D. at The University of Alabama, and fi nd a R&D position in the electrochemical engineering.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Ramana G. ReddyACIPCO Professor and HeadMetallurgical and Materials EngineeringThe University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Research AbstractDevices with small volumes, multi-functions, and long operating time, such as GPS, personal digital assistants, laptops have good market value in today’s commercial world. These stimulated an immense research interest in micro-power sources, including ad-vanced batteries and micro-fuel cells. The micro-fuel cell (μ-FC) system, especially the micro direct methanol fuel cell (μ-DMFC), has a greater potential to be used as an elec-trochemical power source in portable and miniature electronic devices replacing lithium batteries due to its safety, high effi ciency, renewable fuel, and environmental compat-ibility.

In this study, experimental and modeling studies are undertaken to design, manufac-ture and test μ-DMFC. The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology is em-ployed in manufacturing of μ-DMFC which includes the etching of μ-fl uid fl ow fi eld on the silicon wafer and the depositing of current collector. The performance characteris-tics of assembled μ-DMFC units with different fl uid fl ow fi eld designs are experimentally measured using the fuel cell testing system developed in our laboratory.


Methanol Fuel Cell Design, Manufacture, and Testing

36


Supervisor/MentorDr. Sergey MirovPhysics DepartmentUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamCampbell Hall 421BBirmingham, AL [email protected]


Alán MartinezUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 3 RecipientCenter for Optical Sensors and SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2011, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveTo research novel laser materials for use in the infrared spectral range based on solid-state semiconductors and develop laser systems based on these materials.

Research Abstract• Explore and characterize novel middle-infrared laser materials.• Develop laser systems based on solid-state semiconductors.• Develop broadly tunable laser sources for use in spectroscopy and medical applications.• Develop robust, inexpensive materials to modify existing pulsed lasers to operate in a signifi cantly shorter pulse regime.

Future PlansTo implement these new materials into spectroscopic systems based on broadly tun-able infrared lasers.

Laser Materials use in the Infrared Spectral Range

37



Jessie B. Mayo, Jr.Tuskegee UniversityRound 3 RecipientTuskegee Center for Advanced MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Materials [email protected]

ObjectiveExamine novel thermoplastic-Kevlar composites and STF infused Kevlar fabric for stab resistance to assist in the development of multi-threat (cut and puncture pro-tection, ballistic hazards, chemical/biological protection, etc.) complete body armor.

Research AbstractConventional body armor protects well against ballistic threats but has shown low resistance to cut and puncture. The manufacture of Kevlar Correctional has shown to work well. However, the fabric is expensive and diffi cult to manufacture. Other stab protective materials exist such as chain mail and ceramic coated fabrics but these products are bulky and are less fl exible. In an effort to produce materials that are multi-threat resistant with an adequate amount of fl exibility, shear-thickening fl uid-fabric targets and thermoplastic fabric targets have been examined. STF and TP-fabric characterization has shown a considerable amount more resistance than neat fabrics during multi-threat testing.

Future PlansTo conduct research that leads to the development of new and effective materials for defense and energy.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Mahesh V. HosurTuskegee Center for Adv. Mtls. (T-CAM)105 Chappie James CenterTuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL 36088334.727.4220, [email protected]

Cut and Puncture Studies of Ballistic Fabrics for Flexible Extremity Protection

38


Renato Amaral MinamisawaAlabama A&M UniversityRound 3 RecipientGraduation June 2008, M.S., Applied [email protected]

Effects of Nonstruct

Supervisor/MentorDr. Robert ZimmermanPhysics DepartmentAlabama A&M University Normal, AL [email protected]

ObjectiveProduce and characterize nanopores in Fluoropolymer fi lms for single molecule chemistry.

Research AbstractAdditional research contributions:• Improvement of thermoelectric materials modifi ed by ion beam implantation. • Fabrication and evaluation of Glassy Polymeric Carbon doped with nanostructures. This research has led to:• 33 Publications in journals: In 2004, one publication; in 2005, 2 publications; in 2006, 5 publications; in 2007, 7 publications; and as of April 2008, 18 publications.• 17 conference presentations since 2003. • AAMU has fi led a provisional patent (with Dr. Daryush Ila, Director CIM) entitled, Design of an Apparatus and Method to Fabricate Controllable Micro and Nano Pores in Stenciled Polymer Membranes by Direct Ion Beam Sputtering and Ablation.

Future PlansI plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Physics at the Institute of Bio and Nanosystems, Julich Research Center, Germany.

Fabrication of Nanopores using MeV Accelerators

39


Future PlansTo work as a research scientist or university professor where I can effec-tively implement my expertise and benefi t the next generation. Supervisor/MentorDr. Mahesh V. HosurCenter for Advanced MaterialsRoom 104, Chappie James CenterTuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL [email protected]

ObjectiveTo chemically modify bio-based materials, in order to develop more eco-friendly composites with adequate strength and toughness, for use in automotive body panels.

Research AbstractSoybean oil reinforced with natural plant fi bers are being studied as eco-friendly alternatives for presently used non-environmentally compatible materials. This research involves studying the chemical, thermal, mechanical and optical properties of these soy based resins reinforced with natural fi ber composites, in order to develop a more eco-friendly system without compromising the mechanical and thermal properties observed in presently used automotive body panels. The focus is to determine how chemical treatment and dimensional changes in the fi bers will enhance or decrease the properties of the reinforced composites. Additionally, modifi cations will be made to the synthesized soybean oil matrix to determine how variations in the reactant concentration affect the properties of the end products.

Tiffany NelsonTuskegee UniversityRound 3 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Material [email protected]

Developmnet of Eco-friendly Alternatives for Automotive Body Panels

40

Alabama EPSCoR

Samuel B. Owens, Jr.University of Alabama at BirminghamRound 2 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2008, Ph.D., Chemistry [email protected]

ObjectiveA research and development position in an industrial setting that calls for experience in synthesis and characterization of both inorganic and organic compounds.

Research Abstract• Hydroformylation generates aldehydes via addition of a formyl group and a H atom across a carbon-carbon double bond. • This reaction is responsible for the production of more than 75% of all oxo chemicals in the world.• New organophosphorus ligands are being developed for use in Rh(I) complex catalysts for olefi n hydroformylations. These catalysts will hopefully be more effi cient, i.e. more active, more selective, and/or more enantioselective than are current catalysts.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Gary M. GrayDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham901 14th Street SouthBirmingham, AL 35294205.934.8139 fax205.934.8094 [email protected]

Objective

Future PlansI am currently in the process of searching for a job working in research and development in an industrial or government setting.

GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program

Tartaric Acid-Derived Bis(phosphites) as Ligands for Styrene


41


Li QuiUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRound 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D. in Biotechnology Science and [email protected]

ObjectiveTo study the three-dimensional structure of type IIE restriction endonuclease EcoRII-DNA complex from Escherichia coli involved in restriction-modifi cation system (R-M system) protecting the host against invading DNA via X-ray crystallography in order to gain insight into reaction mechanism between enzymes and DNA.

Research AbstractEco RII is a type IIE restriction endonuclease that binds to two copies of the DNA recognition sites 5´-CC(A/T)GG, one being the actual target of cleavage in the presence of Mg2+ as a co-factor, the other serving as the allosteric effector. The mode of enzyme autoinhibition and activation by effector binding is unknown. My research focuses on crystallizing and determining the structure of EcoRII-DNA complex to investigate the molecular basis of activation and cleavage mechanisms by EcoRII.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Liqing ChenLaboratory for Structural BiologyUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville301 Sparkman DriveHuntsville, AL [email protected]

Future PlansI would like to do post-doctoral research related to structure based drug design with a pharmaceutical company or institution.

Development of Structural Research on Restriction Endonuclease ECORII

42


ObjectiveResearch and provide statistical analysis of the Engineering Math Advancement Program for improving methods leading to the retention of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.

Dheeraj RajuThe University of AlabamaRound 2 RecipientCenter for Optical Sensors and SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D., Educational [email protected]

Research AbstractThe retention rate for students in Engineering at UA is slightly over 33%. This is a serious problem as many capable students are leaving the engineering fi eld for a variety of reasons. Math is one of the primary tools of engineering. Lack of preparation in math is one of the main factors for student dropout in engineering. The Engineering Math Advancement Program (E-MAP), and educational outreach component of the Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies is preparing freshman engineering students to improve math skills through a hands-on approach to learning. My research involves collecting, analyzing and summarizing fi ndings on E-MAP student data.

Future PlansTo work as a statistical research consultant improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry and promoting the practical application of research results.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Karen BoykinCivil, Construction, & Environmental Eng. The University of Alabama356 HM Comer (MIB)Box 870205Tuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Analysis of STEM Pipeline Development through Education and Outreach

43

Alabama EPSCoR GRSPGraduate Research Scholars

Mary Ellen Rogers Tuskegee UniversityRound 2 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation 2009, Ph.D., Materials Science and [email protected]

ObjectiveTo create a series of silicate nanocomposites and compression molded polyamide laminate composite sheets based on phenolic resins for fl ame retardant applications.

Research AbstractRemarkable thermal, mechanical and fl ame retardant properties of phenolic resins render them applicable for automotive and plastic industries, aerospace engineering materials and precision molding applications. The use of phenolic resins in other applications is limited by the resin’s low impact strength and brittle nature. Production of resole phenolic nanocomposites and laminate composite sheets will address these property limitations as well as enhance other material properties. The mechanical, thermal and fl ame retardant properties of the fabricated materials will be examined to assess their use for additional application venues.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Mahesh HosurMaterials Science and EngineeringTuskegee University101 Chappie James CenterTuskegee, AL [email protected]

Future PlansUpon receiving my doctoral degree, I plan to seek a professorate position and eventually pursue academic administrative positions.

Researching Silicate Nanocomposites and Polyamide Laminate Composites

44

GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program Alabama EPSCoRAlabama EPSCoRGRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program

Emily Roth-GordonUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRound 3 RecipientExtended Alabama Structural Biology ConsortiumExpected Graduation in 2008, M.S., [email protected]

Research AbstractRab9 is a critical cellular component for HIV-1, Ebola, Marburg, and measles replication in the body. These viruses affect millions of people throughout the world. Most HIV drugs on the market target viral proteins rather than the genes of proteins, such as Rab9, that are critical for the proliferation of the virus. By better understanding the structural aspects of Rab9, we can come closer to discovering an anti-viral drug that targets the associated proteins that assist in the replication of the virus rather than the virus itself, hopefully, reducing the chance of resistant viruses. The use of NMR allows for a structural look beyond previously conducted structural studies with the intent of anti-viral drug discovery.

Future PlansI hope to perform binding studies with Rab9 while working on a Ph.D. with the intent of possible drug discovery.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Edward J. MeehanLaboratory for Structural BiologyUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville301 Sparkman DriveHuntsville, Alabama [email protected]

ObjectiveTo study the structure and characteristics of Rab9 through nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR, in hopes of future use of Rab9’s properties for antiviral drug discovery.

Structual Analysis of Rabp using NMR

45


Research AbstractConsidering the limitations of current energy resource and there environmental im-pact, greater stress has been placed on the development of renewable energy sourc-es such as photovoltaic cells. As CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 are chalcopyrite structure semiconductor with exceptional photovoltaic applications because of its wider band gap. The main signifi cance of CuInSe2 is its high radiation stability and the possibil-ity to obtain the materials of both types of conductivities.

It has already been demonstrated that poor quality CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 have yielded effi ciencies higher than that of Si solar cells. With higher quality epitaxial fi lms on Si substarte, it is expected that greater effi ciencies could be obtained.


Shoieb ShaikTuskegee UniversityRound 3 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2009, M.S. in Electrical [email protected]

ObjectiveTo develop solar cells with higher effi ciency than Si solar cells using copper indium selenide CuInSe2 / Si heterojunctions by sputtering. CuInSe2 fi lms will be grown by sputtering from a composite target (In-20%, Cu-80%).

Future PlansTo grow high temperature heteroepitaxial thin fi lms on opposite conductivity (100) Si wafers to study the infl uence of growth conditions on photovoltaic properties. The crystalline quality will be investigated and Solar cell Fabrication and Characterization will also be conducted as material quality improves.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Michael AwaahElectrical Engineering DepartmentLuther H. Foster Hall, Wilcox ETuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL 36088334.727.8034 [email protected]

Growth and Characterization of Photovoltaic Materials

46


Justin T. SheffUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D. in Inorganic [email protected]

ffects of Nonstruc-ural (NS) Proteins of uman Respiratory yncytial Virus

ObjectiveDeveloping receptor molecules that have specifi c spectroscopic signatures when cations, anions and/or small molecules or that have unusual catalytic properties in the presence of the cations, anions and/or small molecules.

Research Abstract• Prepare functionalized α,ω-bis(phosphite) metallacrown ethers cable of binding cations, anions, or small molecules, some of which may be derived from chemical warfare agents.• Determine binding affi nities and stoichiometries to determine effects of cavity size and electron donor sites. • Study metallacrown ethers as catalysts for alkene hydroformylation reactions to evaluate effects of cations and small molecules.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Gary M. GrayDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham1530 3rd Ave. S., CHEM 201Birmingham, AL 35294-1240205-566-7946205-934-8094 [email protected]

Future PlansUpon completion of Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, I will be seeking employment in an industrial R&D fi eld.

Metallcrown Complexes for Binding of Cations, Anions and Small Molecules

47


ObjectiveTo develop high density micro and nano arrays for DNA and protein sensors on substrates coated with thin fi lm of biological polymers like polybutadiene and poly-L-Lysine using lithographic masks.


Redahegn SileshiAlabama A&M UniversityRound 3 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in December 2008, Ph.D., [email protected]

Research AbstractInterferometric UV lithography with low-power 244 nm laser is used to produce micron and nano-scale periodic structures like micro arrays and gratings in substrates of biological interest like phospholipids thin fi lms as well as polymers like polybutadiene and poly-L-Lysine. Polybutadiene is a biologically benign polymer which holds promise as a substrate for sensing applications; likewise Poly-L-lysine is an amino-acid polymer. Due to its hydrophilicity, it is commonly used as a coating agent to promote cell adhesion in culture as well as for immobilization of oligonucleotides in DNA micro array.UV Lithography of biological substrate involves development of high density micro arrays for DNA and protein sensors. Likewise antibodies attached to different dyes for instance, Oregon green, which binds with the corresponding antigens (like Biotin and Avidin) can be used to investigate the interaction on microarrays produced on the substrate. We can also use hydrophilic dyes, like Rhodamine 6G, which preferentially sticks to the area exposed to UV.

Future PlansThe sensitivity of the technique will be investigated using different antibodies which bind with the corresponding antigens.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Anup Sharma Physics DepartmentAlabama A&M University4900 North Meridian Street Normal, AL [email protected]

t i

UV Lithography of Biological Substrate

48


ObjectiveElucidate the various effects of certain Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) proteins on human epithelial cells.

Research AbstractWhen cells are infected by a virus, chemical substances called interferons are pro-duced. This interferon production is of paramount importance to the immune system as it helps in the elimination of the virus. Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and children. Human RSV inhibits the interferon response, allowing itself to replicate freely in host cells and cause disease. The mechanism by which this inhibition is achieved is still not completely understood. The goal of our research is to identify the various ways RSV interacts with host cells to prevent interferon production. This information will prove essential for the future design of a vaccine or antiviral drugs.

Future PlansTo work in the fi eld of research and academia.

Samer SwedanUniversity of South AlabamaRound 3 RecipientEPSCoR ProgramExpected Graduation in 2011, Ph.D. in Basic Medical [email protected]

Supervisor/MentorDr. Sailen BarikBiochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of South Alabama307 University Blvd., MSB 2152Mobile, AL, [email protected]

Effects of Nonstructural (NS) Proteins of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus

49



Jean Michael TaguenangAlabama A&M UniversityRecipient, Rounds 1, 2 and 3Alabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2008, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveStudy the UV induced photodegradation of polymers such as polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and poly-L-lysine (PLL), the post exposure recovery of PMMA and fabricate micro-nanoporous arrays.

Research Abstract• Laser-induced fl uorescence, Raman, absorption spectroscopy is used to investigate reversible degradation of transmission in PMMA optical fi bers.• Use Deep UV lithography on thin fi lms is used to generate micro-nanoarrays with enhanced hydrophilicity on PLL substrate.• Post exposure Raman spectrum of PMMA shows a progressive recovery and permanent degradation of PLL.• The technique allows us to fabricate micro-nanoporous arrays with controlled porosity and thus has a potential application in biosensing for where the micro-nanopores can be used to encapsulate biomolecules.

Future PlansUse porous arrays on PLL and other polymers substrate to develop a sensor for different biomolecules.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Anup SharmaDepartment of PhysicsAlabama A&M University4900 Meridian StreetNormal, AL [email protected]

Applications of Induced Photodegradation of Polymers

50


Phillip Keith VeroneseUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveExamine the mechanisms of macromolecular assembly for molecular motors using hydrodynamic and thermodynamic techniques and correlate the determined structural states with enzymatic activity.

Research Abstract• Protein unfoldases, such as the E. coli ClpA protein are molecular motors that assemble into complex structures and couple the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to unfold proteins for remodeling or degradation.• The enzymatic activity of these motor proteins is regulated by the macromolecular assembly state, which in turn is regulated by the nucleotide ligation state.• An array of hydrodynamic and thermodynamic techniques are employed to examine the energetics of nucleotide binding and nucleotide driven macromolecular assembly.

Future PlansDefi ne a detailed thermodynamic and kinetic model of macromolecular assembly and its linkage to nucleotide binding and hydrolysis.

Supervisor/MentorAaron L. Lucius, Ph.D.Department of ChemistryUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham1530 3rd Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL [email protected]

Assembly of Molecular Motors

51


Future PlansUpon graduation, I hope to conduct research in water-conservation issues.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Robert PittDepartment of Civil, Construction & Environmental EngineeringThe University of AlabamaBox 870205Tuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Bradford M. WilsonThe University of AlabamaRound 2 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2011, M.S./Ph.D., Environmental [email protected]

Research AbstractPathogen contamination of urban receiving waters constitutes risk to health. Because of diffi culties in analyzing specifi c pathogen content in runoff, risks have traditionally been evaluated on the basis of indicator species, microorganisms assumed to have come from sanitary-sewage contamination of the watershed and assumed to indicate the presence of sewage-borne pathogens. Research increasingly shows sources other than sewage (e.g., animal feces and soil storage) signifi cantly contribute to indicator-species assemblages in urban runoff. Accurate assessment of health risk from runoff will require knowledge of these other sources and of their potential for mobilization by rainfall. My research will analyze the microbial content of sheetfl ow runoff from areas not subject to sewage contamination.

ObjectiveTo characterize the biological makeup of urban surface runoff from areas not subject to sanitary-sewage contamination.

Microbiological Characterization of Urban Wet-Weather Flows

52


Randall WilsonUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRecipient, Rounds 1 and 2Laboratory for Structural BiologyExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Biotechnology Science/ [email protected]

ObjectiveCharacterizing the structures of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Research Abstract• One enzyme, known as E2-25K, has been shown to play a role in both Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. • Exploring the structure and function of the E2-25K protein using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. • E2-25K an interesting target for drug therapy because it is known to function in the cell as part of the system that disposes misfolded proteins.• The cell’s ability to break down misfolded proteins is one contributing factor to a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Future PlansI plan to continue my research and exploration of the structure and function of disease-related proteins through corporate research and development opportunities, private equity agreements or academic partnerships.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Pamela TwiggLaboratory for Structural Biology University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville, AL [email protected]

Structural and Functional Characterization of Neurodegenerative Diseases Proteins

Future PlansFuture plans include pursuing a career as a physical scientist in the area of bio-nanotechnology.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Vijay K. RangariCenter for Advanced Materials 101 Chappie James CenterTuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL [email protected]

53


Nydeia WrightTuskegee UniversityRound 3 RecipientCenter for Advanced MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D. in Material Science and [email protected]

ObjectiveTo use ultrasound and autogenic pressure reactions to synthesize highly magnetic and biocompatible nanomaterials to be used in drug delivery applications.

Research Abstract• Develop materials to increase drug effi ciency, particularly in patients where drug treatment, such as cancer therapy can harm healthy cells. • To develop magnetic drug carrying systems that can be directed and released at a targeted site through interactions with a magnet located outside the body. • To produce ultra small magnetic materials such as iron oxides and carbides coated with a surfactant to increase the bicompatability and the ability to load with a drug. • Development of drug therapy materials.

Synthesis Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications

54


Yu XiangAuburn UniversityRound 1 RecipientExpected Graduation in Dec. 2008, Ph.D., [email protected]

ObjectiveTo investigate the specifi city and fl exibility of symbiosis between cnidarian animals and symbionts by comparing population genetics of sea anemones in the genus Aiptasia and harbored Symbiodinium.

Research Abstract• Symbiotic algae live inside many reef-associated animals and provide photosynthetic nutrients.• Specifi c host may only harbor specifi c algae or various algae suggesting specifi city or fl exibility.• Sea anemones in the genus Aiptasia are widely distributed providing a good system to address above question.• Various molecular markers were used to reveal population genetics for both the algae and anemones. • By comparing results, we found high specifi city between symbionts and anemones.

Future PlansAfter getting a Ph.D. degree and one or two post-doc trainings, I hope to fi nd a research position at a university.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Scott R. SantosDepartment of Biological SciencesAuburn University101 Life Science BuildingAuburn AL 36849334.844.7410 phone334.844.1645 fax [email protected]

Phylogeography and symbiont polymorphism in the anemone genus Aiptasia

55



Shaik ZainuddinTuskegee UniversityRound 3 RecipientAlabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Materials Science and [email protected]

ObjectiveTo study and predict the aging affects on the neat and nanophased E- glass/ epoxy composites for long lifetime applications.

Research AbstractFiber reinforced polymeric (FRP) composites are extensively used in aeronautical and marine structures requiring a design life of 15- 25 years. Under environmental conditions, properties of FRP composites degrade over period of time and experimental investigation for such a long design lifetime is impossible. Hence, models and algorithms are needed to be developed for predicting its life and durability. The focus of this work is to conduct accelerated aging experiments and carry modeling studies to develop predictive tools for the strength degradation and life prediction.

Future PlansTo work as a research scientist or university professor where I can effectively implement my expertise and benefi t the next generation.

Supervisor/MentorDr. Mahesh V. HosurCenter for Advanced MaterialsTuskegee UniversityRoom 104, Chappie James CenterTuskegee, AL [email protected]

Durability and Life Prediction of E-Glass/Epoxy Composites

ObjectiveTo modify Nafi on® with polyamidoamine(PAMAM) dendrimers with the overall goal aimed at minimizing methanol crossover in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell.

Research AbstractNafi on® membranes are the most commonly used proton conductor for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) because they possess high proton conductivity, and excellent chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability. However, when used in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), the high methanol crossover of Nafi on® results in not only lower fuel effi ciency but also a lower overall voltage performance, which impedes their commercial development for this application. Our work presents a new approach to modify Nafi on® by impregnating PAMAM dendrimer into Nafi on® to form crosslinking, thus decreasing the methanol crossover. Besides the reduction of methanol crossover, this modifi cation is expected to maintain high proton conductivity due to the existence of large amount of amine groups in PAMAM.


Future PlansMy future plans include: (1) running longevity tests to see if the doped membrane is stable over a long operational lifetime; (2) directly adding PAMAM to the methanol fuel solution, instead of pretreatment of Nafi on® with PAMAM, to see if the same positive results can still be obtained; (3) using PAMAM as the “co-solvent” for the Nafi on® and metal nanoparticles to simplify the process of making MEA.

SupervisorDr. Joseph S. ThrasherDepartment of Chemistry332 Shelby HallThe University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL [email protected]

Huizhen ZhuThe University of AlabamaDep Huizhen ZhuThe University of AlabamaDepartment of Chemistry Expected Graduation in 2009, Ph. D. Chemistry [email protected] of ChemistryExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph. D. ChemistryObjectiveObjective

Huizhen ZhuThe University of AlabamaRound 3 RecipientExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., [email protected]

Minimizing Methanol Crossover in Fuel Cells

56


Program


GRSP and BeyondA follow-up on previously featured scholars and alumni

58


Jejal Reddy BathiThe University of AlabamaRounds 1 and 2Center for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in December 2008, Ph.D., Environmental [email protected]

Jejal has used a newly developed instrument to asses the organic pol-lution in sediments of selected creeks in and around the Tuscaloosa and Northport areas. He will be presenting his work at the 11th In-ternational Conference on Urban Drainage to be held in Edinburgh, Scotland in August/September 2008 and during the 81st Annual Wa-ter Environmental Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference, October 2008 in Chicago.

Miranda L. ByrneUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRounds 1 and 2Extended Alabama Structural Biology ConsortiumExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Biotechnology Science and [email protected]

Miranda continues her research by studying the three-dimensional structure of proteins derived from extremophiles, or organisms that thrive in extreme environments such as high heat and extreme cold. Specifi cally, she targets proteins involved in the process of DNA replication from two microorgan-isms: the hyperthermophilic (heat-loving) marine organism Thermococcus thioreducens and the psychrophilic (cold-loving) organism Methanococcoides burtonii. DNA replication is an essential process utilized by all organisms to faithfully make exact copies of their DNA. Errors in such processes can lead to many detrimental diseases including cancer. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the molecular structure of proteins involved in DNA repli-cation aids in the development of treatments for such diseases. In addition, a structural comparison of proteins from organisms that thrive in extreme temperature differences may provide an understanding of the molecular basis of thermal stability. Hence, the structure of proteins from varied envi-ronments may assist in the engineering of more robust enzymes for indus-trial processes. At UAH in the Laboratory for Structural Biology, Miranda has solved the structure of a heat stable DNA polymerase, an enzyme which is responsible for making DNA. In addition, she has also solved the structure of two Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigens (PCNAs) from both the heat loving and cold loving microorganisms. PCNA is a protein which associates with the DNA polymerase and aids in the replication of DNA by tethering the polymerase to the DNA.

GRSP and Beyond

59


Bopha ChhayAlabama A&M UniversityRounds 1 and 2Alabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in July 2008, Ph.D., [email protected]

Bopha is expecting to graduate in July 2008 and is currently looking for a job.

Bethany Crean HarrisAuburn UniversityRounds 1 and 2Center for Environmental & Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in 2008, M.S., Animal [email protected]

Bethany is scheduled to graduate in December 2008 and hopes to fi nd a job at UAB conducting biomedical or biotechnology research.

Matt DodsonAuburn UniversityRound 2 Center for Environmental & Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in Dec. 2008, M.S., Cellular and Molecular [email protected]

Matt will be traveling late summer 2008 or early fall to Rosalind Franklin Institute in Chicago for consideration as a Ph.D. candi-date. He will meet with Dr. Michael Sarras who conducts wound healing for diabetics research.

GRSP and Beyond

60


Andrew GallianUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 1Graduated 2007, Ph.D., Physics

Andrew is working for the State Department as a Research Scientist.

Hunter HycheThe University of AlabamaRound 1Graduated August 2007, [email protected]

Hunter is working for CH2M Hill in New Orleans, Louisiana. Some of his work includes the Mississippi Freshwater Reintroduction into Bayou Laforche Project; and curb to curb street projects (sewer, drainage, curb and gutter, sidewalks and streets) in one of the most devastated areas following Hurricane Katrina, the eastern part of New Orleans. In addition, Hunter has been involved in pump sta-tion repair projects, and the repaving of some New Orleans Rec-reation Department’s inner-city basketball courts with recyclyed tennis shoes. This was in collaboration with Nike, Footlocker and coincided with NBA All-Star week.

Erin W. DonovanAuburn UniversityRound 1Center for Environmental & Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Cell and Molecular [email protected]

Erin continues her studies on DNA and was offered a Fellowship on a NSF “GK-12” grant from May 2007 to May 2009. As part of her fellowship, Erin has been assigned to assist 10 hours a week in a biology lab at Smiths Station High School in Lee County. The purpose of the program is to increase interest in science, technol-ogy, engingeering and mathmatics (STEM) discliplines. Auburn’s Dr. Overton Jenda is the lead Principle Investigator (PI) on the project.

GRSP and Beyond

Photo not available

61


Ivy Krystal JonesTuskegee UniversityRounds 1 and 2Alabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2010Ph.D., Materials Science & [email protected]

During the summer of 2008, Ivy will be working in the Ma-terials and Manufacturing Directorate at Wright-Petterson Air Force Research Laboratory testing the functionality of thermo-statting epoxy network models on Large-scale Atomic Molecu-lar Masively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS).

Ke JiangAuburn UniversityRounds 1 and 2Center for Environmental & Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Biological [email protected]

Ke continues to work on his Ph.D.

David JohnsonUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRounds 1 and 2Extended Alabama Structural Biology ConsortiumExpected Graduation in August 2009, Ph.D., Biomedical [email protected]

On June 25, 2008, David defended his Master’s project and is working on fi nal revisions to his thesis, “High-throughput Self-interaction Chromatography: Applications in Formulation Prediction for Proteins.” He plans to continue working on his Ph.D. at UAB.

GRSP and Beyond

62


Deepak Venkatesh KiniUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRound 1Center for Environmental & Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in December 2008, M.S., Mechanical [email protected]

Deepak is serving as a Graduate Research Assistant in the UAB Me-chanical Engineering Department. After graduating in December 2008, he will be looking for a job. Deepak was recently recognized for his contributions to a paper about Reservatol, which was published in June 2008 in PLoS One. His research involves applying methods of geomet-ric higher accuracy to solve complex problems computationally.

Changsu KimUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRounds 1 and 2Center for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in May 2008, Ph.D., [email protected]

Changsu’s expected graduation has been revised to 2009.

Wanda Denise JonesTuskegee UniversityRounds 1 and 2Alabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsExpected Graduation in 2008, Ph.D., Materials Science and [email protected]

Wanda is working to complete her Ph.D. work and was selected to serve as a Cornell University Diversity Post Doctoral Fellow for 2008-2010 which she will start in August 2008. Wanda’s research initiative is entitled, ‘The Use of Funcational Nanostructured Mate-rials in High Capacity Lithium Batteries for Medical Devices” under the direction of Dr. Lynden Archer and Dr. Marjorie Hart, Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Wanda chose this research area while volunteering for AmeriCorps where she learned fi rst hand about wheelchair users and the problems with the size and power of the chair batteries.

GRSP and Beyond

63


Larissa C. ParsleyAuburn UniversityRounds 1 and 2Center for Environmental & Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in 2010, Ph.D., [email protected]

Larissa has decided to pursue her Ph.D. and is continuing her en-vironmental microbiology research during the summer of 2008 at the University of Pittsburgh in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is studying the wastewater treatment process as a reservoir of antibiotic resistence genes in various bacterial species.

NoSoung MyoungUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRounds 1 and 2Center for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., [email protected]

NoSoung’s expected graduation has been changed to 2010.

Kimberly MichaelThe University of AlabamaRound 1Center for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2008, M.S., Environmental Engineering

GRSP and Beyond

64


Merlin TheodoreTuskegee UniversityRound 1Alabama Center for Nanostructured MaterialsGraduated May 2008, Ph.D., Material Science & [email protected]

Merlin is continuing her post-doc work at Universal Technology Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. She is a Materials Research Engi-neer in the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Nonmetallic Materials Division with the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Danalea SkarraUniversity of South AlabamaRounds 1 and 2Extended Alabama Structural Biology ConsortiumExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., Basic Medical [email protected]

Danalea will present some of her data at the 2008 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Summer Re-serach Program in Snowmass, Colorado.

Humberto Avila RangelThe University of AlabamaRounds 1 and 2Center for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in December 2008, Ph.D., Civil [email protected]

Humberto has completed experiments with full scale physical models evaluating different fl ow rates, sediment depths, and particle sizes. The analysis of his experimental data was presented at the Interna-tional Conference on Stormwater and Urban Water Systems Model-ing, Feb. 2008 in Toronto, Canada, this work will also be published in the 2008 proceedings. Another paper was accepted to be presented at WEFTEC 2008 in Chicago this October. Humberto is also using CFD modeling to evaluate additional environmental scenarios.

GRSP and Beyond

65


Jonathan E. WilliamsUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRounds 1 and 2Center for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., [email protected]

Jonathan continues his research in developing compact, por-table, battery-pumped middle infrared lasers for remote sens-ing of determined of chemical, biological or explosive agents, dangers in environmental spills, and natural disasters or for the diagnosis of diseases in humans.

Noboru TogawaThe University of AlabamaRounds 1 and 2Center for Optical Sensors & SpectroscopiesExpected Graduation in 2008, Ph.D., Civil [email protected]

Noburu’s expected graduation is in 2009.

Sarah TorgersonUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleRound 3

Sarah is currently serving on active duty out-of-state with the United States Military.

GRSP and Beyond

Photo not available

Min continues her research at Auburn University’s Center for Envi-ronmental Cellular Signal Transduction on Annelid worms. Like the nucleus, mitocondria, which is the powerhouse of the cell, have their own genomes that can be used for molecular evolutionary stud-ies. Sequencing of complete mitochondrial genomes has become a useful tool for inferring animal evolution. Although complete mi-tochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome sequences have been obtained for hundreds of animal species, only a handful of complete mtD-NA sequences have been obtained from Annelida, or segmented worms, which is one of the largest animal phyla with over 16,500 described species. My project is exploring the utility of mtDNA ge-mones for understanding annelid phylogeny and evolution. I am specifi cally focusing on the groups of annelid worms named Ter-ebelliformia and Myzostomida that includes familiar shallow-water and deep-water groups. In addition to gaining understanding of annelid evolution, we have discovered the unique gene duplication and intron transpostion events in mitochondrial genomes not often reported in animals.

66


Min ZhongAuburn UniversityRounds 1 and 2Center for Environmental & Cellular Signal TransductionExpected Graduation in 2009, Ph.D., [email protected]

GRSP and Beyond

Alabama EPSCoR GRSPGraduate Research Scholars ProgramAAAAAllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaa EEEEEEPPSSCCCoooooRRRRRR GRGRGRGRG SPSPSPSPSPPGraduaGraduate Reste Rese earch hearch ScholaScholaholars ProPrs ProgramgramgramAlabama EPSCoR GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program


Campus Coordinators

68


Dr. Anup Sharma Alabama A&M University Dr. Anup Sharma is a professor of physics at Alabama A&M University. He has a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. His research involved the fi rst demonstration of continuous-wave mirrorless laser in an alkali vapor. Dr. Sharma continued his research in Optics and Spectroscopy at Max-Planck Institute, Texas A&M University and the Bhabha Atomic Research Center. For the last several years, he has fabricated fi ber-Bragg gratings for applications in sensors. He has also used UV lithography for fabricating micro/nano arrays on substrates

which show promise for biosensing applications. He has guided several Ph.D. students and developed graduate courses in Biophotonics and Nanophotonics. For more information, please contact Dr. Sharma at 256.372.8102 or [email protected].


Campus Coordinators

Each of the seven Alabama EPSCoR member institutions has an appointed campus coordinator. Campus Coordinators, in collaboration with the Alabama EPSCoR State Offi ce and each Graduate Research Scholar’s faculty advisor, manage the GRSP grants. Campus Coordinators serve as the main point of contact for their respective institution.

Dr. Frank “Skip” BartolAuburn University Dr. Frank (Skip) F. Bartol is the Auburn University Graduate Research Scholars Program Campus Coordinator, the Alabama USDA EPSCoR State Agency Director, and Professor of Reproductive Biology and Director of the Cellular and Molecular Biosciences Program at Auburn University (AU) and a member of the AU faculty since 1983. Dr. Bartol holds academic appointments in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agriculture and the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. He 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 & 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 fi eld of reproductive biology”. His research, which focuses on identifi cation 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) 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, please contact Dr. Bartol at 334.844.1506 or [email protected].

69

Alabama EPSCoR

Campus Coordinators


Dr. Mahesh HosurTuskegee University Dr. Hosur serves as the Graduate Research Scholars Program Campus Coordinator for Tuskegee University and the Director of the Alabama NSF RII Grant’s Alabama Center for Nanostructured Materials (ACNM) headquartered at Tuskegee University. The ACNM team also consists of researchers at Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, University of Alabama at Huntsville, and the University of South Alabama. Together, they study a broad spectrum of areas connected to materials research and engineering including nanotechnology, carbon/epoxy composites, epoxy syntactic foams,

and carbon nanofi bers. 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.S. in Civil Engineering, M. Tech in Aeronautical Engineering and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from India. His is currently a Professor in Aerospace Science Engineering at Tuskegee University. For more information, please contact Dr. Hosur at 334.724.4220 or [email protected].

Dr. John M. WiestThe University of AlabamaDr. 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 fl uid mechanics and include structural and molecular theories for rheologically complex materials, and thermoviscoelasticity. For more information, please contact Dr. Wiest at 205.348.1727 or [email protected].

Dr. Chris LawsonUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamDr. Christopher M. Lawson is a Professor of Physics at UAB, as well as, Director of the Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies (COSS), and Associate 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 Dr. 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 in the COSS-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, please contact Dr. Lawson at 205.975.5059 or [email protected].


70

Dr. Edward MeehanUniversity of Alabama in HuntsvilleDr. Edward J. Meehan is Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Laboratory for Structural Biology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). He is the Principle Investigator for NSF/EPSCoR funded Alabama Structural Biology Consortium (ASBC). He received a B.S. degree in Chemistry in 1972 from Birmingham-Southern College and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1978 from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He was a visiting Scientist in the Department of Crystallography at the University of Pittsburgh (1989) and a visiting research fellow at the Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan (1990-1992). He was selected as UAH’s Outstanding Young Educator (1981) and honored as the Outstanding Professor of the Year for the College of Science (1998). In 2004 he received both the Dean’s Service Award for the College of Science and the UAH Foundation Award for Research and Creative Achievement. Dr. Meehan uses X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional shape of important biological molecules. NASA, NIH, NSF, the Alpha foundation, and private donations have funded his work. For more information, please contact Dr. Meehan at 256.824.6533 or [email protected].

Dr. John W. SteadmanUniversity of South Alabama John W. Steadman, P.E. serves and the University of South Alabama’s Graduate Research Scholars Program Campus Coordinator and was recently elected as the Alabama Department of Energy (DOE) EPSCoR State Agency Director. Dr. Steadman is the Dean of Engineering at the University of South Alabama and 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, please contact Dr. Steadman at 251.460.6140 or [email protected].

Campus Coordinators


Appendices



72

Name Volume-Page Number(s)Acharya, Chethan............................V2- 9, 12; V1-11Aluwalia, Sudhir................................V2-9, 13; V1-11Bangalore, Sai Santosh.....................V2-8, 14; V1-10Bapat, Parimal..................................V2-9, 15; V1-11Bathi, Jejal..................................V2-8, 58; V1-10, 24Bochis, Celina...............................................V2-8, 16Booher, Christi na..............................V2-9, 17; V1-11Byrne, Miranda.................. V2-6, 6, 58; V1-9, 10, 38Calzzani, Fernando...........................V2-9, 19; V1-11Cannon, Johanna..............................V2-9, 19; V1-11Caudle, Talitha..................................V2-9, 20; V1-11Chen, Yanli........................................V2-9, 21; V1-11Chhay, Bopha.........................V2-8, 59; E1-10, 14, 39Crean Harris, Beth...............V2-6, 8 59; V1-7, 10, 18Dodson, Matt ........................... V2-6, 7, 59; V1-9, 28Donovan, Erin..........................V2-8, 60; V1-7, 10, 15Elliott , Amicia (Amy).........................V2-9, 22; V1-11Eppakayala, Vijay Kumar...................V2-9, 23; V1-11Fabi, Sergio.......................................V2-8, 24; V1-10 Frazier, Tiff any...................................V2-9, 25; V1-11Gallian, Andrew................................V2-8, 60; V1-10 Hassan, Tarig.....................................V2-9, 26; V1-11Hasti ngs, Samantha..........................V2-9, 27; V1-11 Haugabrooks, Ester...........................V2-8, 28; V1-10Hu, Xueyou..............................................V2-8; V1-34 Huang, Chengdong...........................V2-9, 29; V1-11 Hughes, Ronny.......................V2-8, 30; V1-10, 39, 40Hyche, Hunter....................................V2-8, 60; V1-10Imsand, Erin......................................V2-9, 31; V1-11Jiang, Ke.....................................V2-8, 61; V1-10, 26 Johnson, David............................V2-8, 61; V1-10, 35 Jones, Ivy Krystal......................V2-6,8, 61; V1-10, 23Jones, Wanda.....................V2-6, 8, 62; V1-10, 33,39 Kim, Changsu...............................V2-8, 62; V1-10, 17King, Shantel.....................................V2-8, 32; V1-10Kini, Deepak......................................V2-8, 62; V1-10Knowles, Kaye........................................ V2-8; V1-10Kwong, Gihan....................................V2-9, 33; V1-11Li, Wei................................................V2-9, 34; V1-11Lu, Yuhao...........................................V2-9, 35; V1-11 Marti nez, Alán ...............................V2-6, 9, 36; E1-11 Mayo, Jr., Jessie.................................V2-9, 37; E1-11Michael, Kimberly........................V2-8, 63; V1-10, 37Minamisawa, Renato.......................V2-9, 38 ; V1-11Myoung, No Soung......................V2-8, 63; V1-10, 32Nelson, Tiff any ..................................V2-9, 39; V1-11Owens, Samuel ................................V2-8, 40; V1-10Parsley, Larissa............................V2-8, 63; V1-10, 27

Name Volume-Page Number(s)Qiu, Li...............................................V2-9, 41; V1-11Raju, Dheeraj..................................V2-8, 42; V1- 10 Rangel, Humberto.....................V2-8, 64; V1- 10, 22 Rogers, Mary........................V2- 6, 8, 43; V1-10, 40Roth-Gordon, Emily..........................V2-9, 44; V1-11Shaik, Shoieb...................................V2-9, 45; V1-11Sheff , Justi n .................................V2-9, 46; V1-11Sileshi, Redahegn.............................V2-9, 47; V1-11 Skarra, Danalea.........................V2-8, 64; V1-10, 19Swedan, Samer................................V2-9, 48; V1-11Taguenang, Jean Michel........V2-8, 9, 49; V1-10, 11Theodore, Merlin.......................V2-8, 64; V1-10, 29Togawa, Noboru........................V2-8, 65; V1-10, 31Torgerson, Sarah.............................V2-9, 65; V1-11Veronese, Philip...............................V2-9, 50; V1-11Watkins, Renita.....................................V2-8; V1-10Williams, Jonathan..........V2-6, 8, 65; V1-10, 25, 39Wilson, Brad....................................V2-8, 51; V1-10Wilson, Randall.....................V2-6, 8, 52; V1-10, 39Wright, Nydeia.................................V2-9, 53; V1-11 Xiang, Yu..........................................V2-8, 54; V1-10Zainuddin, Shaik.............................V2- 9, 55; V1-11 Zhong, Min................................V2-8, 66; V1-10, 30Zhu, Huizhen....................................V2-9, 56; V1-11

Page numbers are referenced by volume and page number. Example: V2-10 denotes the scholar can be found in Volume 2, page 10. This publication, printed July 2008, is the second volume of the GRSP booklet. Volume 1 was printed February 2008 and is denoted similarly.


Index of Scholars

Alabama EPSCoR

73

Alabama EPSCoR GRSPGraduate Research Scholars ProgramAlabama EPSCoR GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Program

Alumni Roster and Expected Graduation Dates

2006Andrew Gallian, Ph.D. 2007Hunter Hyche, M.S.Merlin Theodore, Ph.D.

2008Chethan Archarya, Ph.D.Wanda Jones, Ph.D.

GRSP ALUMNI

Expected Graduation Dates for Current GRSP Scholars

Upcoming 2008 GraduatesSai Santosh Bangalore, M.S.Fernando Calzzani, M.S.Bopha Chhay, Ph.D.Bethany Crean Harris, M.S.Matt Dodson, M.S.Vijay Kumar Eppakayla, M.S.Sergio Fabi, Ph.D.Deepak Kini, M.S.Kimberly Michael, M.S.Renato Minamisawa, M.S.Samuel Owens, Ph.D.Humberto Rangel, Ph.D.Emily Roth-Gordon, M.S.Redahegn Sileshi, Ph.D.Jean Michel Taguenang, Ph.D.Yu Xiang, Ph.D.GiHan Kwong, Ph.D.

2009Sudhir Aluwalia, Ph.D.Jejal Bathi, Ph.DCelina Bochis, Ph.DMiranda Byrne, Ph.D.Erin Donovan, Ph.D.Amicia (Amy) Elliott, M.S.Tiffany Frazier, M.S.Ester Haugabrooks, M.S.Chengdong Huang, Ph.D.Ronny Hughes, Ph.D.Ke Jiang, Ph.DDavid Johnson, M.S.Changsu Kim, Ph.D.Shantel King, M.S.Wei Li, Ph.D.Yuhao Lu, Ph.D.Jessie Mayo, Jr., Ph.D.NoSoung Myoung, Ph.D.

Tiffany Nelson, Ph.D.Mary Rogers, Ph.D.Shoieb Shaik, M.S.Justin Sheff, Ph.D.Danalea Skarra, Ph.D.Noboru Togawa, Ph.D.Jonathan Williams, Ph.D.Randall Wilson, Ph.D.Nydeia Wright, Ph.D.Shaik Zainuddin, Ph.D.Min Zhong, Ph.D.Huizhen Zhu, Ph.D.

2010Parimal Bapat, Ph.D.Talitha Caudle, Ph.D.Yanli Chen, Ph.D.Tarig Hassan, Ph.D.Erin Imsand, Ph.D.Ivy Krystal Jones, Ph.D.Larissa Parsley, Ph.D.Li Qiu, Ph.D.Dheeraj Raju, Ph.D.Philip Veronese, Ph.D.

2011Christina Booher, Ph.D.Johanna Cannon, Ph.D.Alán Martinez, Ph.D.Samer Swedan, Ph.D.Brad Wilson, Ph.D.

2013Samantha Hastings, Ph.D.

*Graduati on Informati on not available for Kaye Knowles, Renita Watkins, and Sarah Torgerson.

74


Name Page Number(s)

Dr. Frank Bartol, Auburn University...................................68AU Scholars:

Ahluwalia, Sudhir Booher, Christi na Cannon, Johanna Chen, Yanli Crean Harris, Bethany Dodson, Matt Donovan, Erin Huang, Chengdong Imsand, Erin Jiang, Ke Parsley, Larissa Xiang, Yu Zhong, Min

Dr. Mahesh Hosur, Tuskegee University............................69TU Scholars:

Hassan, Tarig Haugabrooks, Ester Jones, Ivy Krystal Jones, Wanda King, Shantel Mayo, Jr., Jessie Nelson, Tiff any Rogers, Mary Shaik, Shoieb Theodore, Merlin Wright, Nydeia Zainuddin, Shaik

Dr. Chris Lawson, University of Alabama at Birmingham...................................................................69

UAB Scholars: Bangalore, Sai Santosh Bapat, Parimal Gallian, Andrew Hasti ngs, Samantha Johnson, David Kim, Changsu Kini, Deepak Marti nez, Alán Myoung, No Soung Owens, Samuel Sheff , Justi n Veronese, Philip Williams, Jonathan

Name Page Number(s)

Dr. Edward Meehan, University of Alabama in Huntsville.....70UAH Scholars:

Byrne, Miranda Caudle, Talitha Elliott , Amicia (Amy) Hughes, Ronny Qiu, Li Roth-Gordon, Emily Torgerson, Sarah Wilson, Randall

Dr. Anup Sharma, Alabama A&M University.........................68AAMU Scholars:

Calzzani, Fernando Chhay, Bopha Frazier, Tiff any Knowles, Kaye Minamisawa, Renato Sileshi, Redahegn Taguenang, Jean-Michel Watkins, Renita

Dr. John Steadman, University of South Alabama.................70USA Scholars:

Skarra, Danalea Swedan, Samer

Dr. John Wiest, The University of Alabama............................69UA Scholars:

Acharya, Chethan Bathi, Jejal Bochis, Celina Eppakayala, Vijay Kumar Fabi, Sergio Hyche, Hunter Kwong, Gihan Li, Wei Lu, Yuhao Michael, Kimberly Raju, Dheeraj Rangel, Humberto Togawa, Noboru Wilson, Brad Zhu, Huizhen

Campus Coordinators/Students

75


Congressional Districts of Student Residencies*

2002 Alabama US Congressional Districts

Produced by the Department of GeographyCollege of Arts and Sciences

The University of Alabama

1

2

7

6 3

5

4

Rep. Jo Bonner -1st DistrictErin DonovanDanalea SkarraSamer Swedan

Rep. Terry Everett -2nd DistrictMin Zhong

Rep. Mike Rogers-3rd DistrictSudhir AluwaliaChristi na BooherJohanna CannonYanli ChenMatt DodsonTarig HassanEster HaugabrooksXueyou HuChengdong HuangErin ImsandKe JiangIvy Krystal JonesWanda JonesShantel KingJessie Mayo, Jr.Tiff any NelsonLarissa ParsleyMary RogersShoieb ShaikMerlin TheodoreNydeia WrightYu XiangShaik Zainuddin

Rep. Robert Aderholdt- 4th District(none)

Rep. Robert Cramer, Jr.- 5th DistrictMiranda ByrneFernando CalzzaniTalitha CaudleBopha ChhayAmicia (Amy) Elliott Tiff any FrazierRonny HughesKaye KnowlesRenato MinimasawaLi QiuEmily Roth-GordonRedahegn SileshiJean Michel TaguenangSarah TorgersonRenita WatkinsRandall Wilson

Rep. Spencer Bachus- 6th DistrictSai Santosh BangaloreParimal BapatCelina BochisBethany Crean HarrisSamantha Hasti ngsDavid JohnsonAlan Marti nezSamuel OwensDheeraj RajuJusti n Sheff Noboru TogawaPhilip VeroneseBrad Wilson

Rep. Arthur Davis- 7th DistrictChethan AcharyaJejal BathiVijay Kumar EppakayalaSergio FabiAndrew GallianHunter HycheChangsu KimDeepak KiniGiHan KwongWei LiYuhao LuKimberly MichaelNo Soung MyoungHumberto RangelJonathan WilliamsHuizhen Zhu

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GRSP

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79

Contact Us

Alabama EPSCoR Staff

Dr. Daryush ILA

Executive Director

[email protected]

Ms. Charlotte Nix

Program Coordinator

[email protected]

Ms. Jennifer Yarbrough

Program Assistant

[email protected]

Dr. Karen Boykin

Education Outreach

Research Coordinator

[email protected]

Ms. Veena Sharma

Management Assistant

[email protected]

Ms. Cynthia Lankford

Director’s Assistant

[email protected]

Photography by Leslie M. Roop

Graphics by Jonathan R. Bonner

Copyright© 2008

AGORA Graphics

Additional photography by students/

mentors and Gov. Riley’s staff

Management and Administration

The Alabama Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) supports studies at seven Ph.D. granting member institutions participating in sponsored research funded by the National Science Foundation, (NSF); Department of Energy, (DOE); National Aeronautics and Space Administration, (NASA); Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA); the Department of Defense (DOD); and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, (USDA).

Contact the Executive Director at:

Daryush ILA, Ph.D.Alabama EPSCoR Executive DirectorAlabama A&M University Research InstituteP.O. Box 313Normal, AL 35762-0313Phone: 256-372-8703Fax: 256-372-8708E-mail: [email protected]

GRSPGraduate Research Scholars Pro-

gramAlabama EPSCoR

Alabama EPSCoRAlabama A&M UniversityResearch InstituteP.O. Box 313Buchanan Way, Carnegie Building4900 Meridian StreetNormal, AL 35762-0313PH: 256-372-8703FAX: 256-372-8708

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