SwRI, UTSA award $200K for photoresponsive nanomaterials research
![green](http://www.utsa.edu/today/images/graphics/greenlaser.jpg )
![green](http://www.utsa.edu/today/images/graphics/greenlaser.jpg )
(June 26, 2012) -- Kelly Nash, assistant professor in the UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Benjamin Furman, a research engineer in the Southwest Research Institute Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division, have been selected to receive $200,000 in seed funding for their collaborative research proposal, "Photoresponsive Polymeric Composites Utilizing UV-Light Harvesting from Upconverting Nanoplatelets."
Nash and Furman will use the funding to develop and characterize photoresponsive polymer-matrix nanocomposites that incorporate highly luminescent up-converting nanoplatelets (UNPs). They expect the UNPs to offer mechanical reinforcement and stimulate bond rearrangement using inexpensive visible-light sources, such as green laser diodes.
The development of the nanocomposites, in conjunction with newly designed opto-acoustic instrumentation, will promote new capabilities in targeted drug release and offer a new fundamental method to investigate the structure/property relationships of multifunctional nanocomposites in general. The proposed project will focus on hydrogels for applications in drug release.
"We are extremely pleased by the quality and quantity of Connect program proposals submitted for this third round of funding. We believe that the outstanding response represents a substantial growth of interest in institutional collaboration that we intended the Connect program to stimulate," said Walt Downing, SwRI executive vice president. "It was difficult to select a single winner from the field of excellent proposals. Ultimately, we chose a project that builds upon the respective strengths of UTSA and the institute to conduct research in photoresponsive nanomaterials that might lead to revolutionary breakthroughs in drug delivery and other biomedical applications."
"Doctors Nash and Furman's Connect proposal will have tremendous value not only to industry and the university but to the nation," said Jim Massaro, UTSA assistant vice president for research development. "It is a perfect example of the importance of collaboration and what two outstanding entities in their own right can accomplish together. Connect has proven its worth time and again."
This is the third project to be funded under Connect, a program established in 2010 to stimulate inter-organizational research between SwRI and UTSA in fields such as advanced materials, chemistry and chemical engineering, energy, environment, security and manufacturing, among others.
Events
Cheer on the UTSA Soccer team as they take on Colorado State. Head over to Park West for this spirited experience!
Park West Athletic ComplexIn observance of Labor Day, UTSA will be closed on Monday, September 2. Plan a day exploring San Antonio with your roommate(s) and new friends.
Main Campus and Dowtown CampusLearn some planning, researching, and writing tips to help you with upcoming writing assignments.
Writing Center, (JPL 2.01.12D,) John Peace Library, Main CampusUTSA Police Department and Office of Risk and Emergency Management will host a safety information center with giveaways and interactive demonstrations. Both departments will provide information on services available to the UTSA community.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusExplore ways of engaging with the community through our community-based work-study program. Voter registration and voter engagement opportunities with our community partners will also be shared.
McKinney Humanities Breezeway, Main CampusEnjoy an ice-cold paleta while learning about the parking options.
East Campus Lot 1 and Brackenridge Lot 5, Main CampusCelebrating and supporting MEN WHO TEACH! This event will bring together practicing professionals, future teachers in college, and high schoolers in the San Antonio area to connect and provide mentorship as they grow and learn in their education careers.
San Pedro I, Downtown Campus