School Notes: School of Engineering & Applied Science
January/February 2012

Grant will support HIV research

An award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help Kathryn Miller-Jensen, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, pursue a health research project dealing with HIV-infected cells. Miller-Jensen proposes to distinguish cells that are latently infected with HIV from uninfected cells by quantifying differences in their protein phosphorylation networks, which become apparent only after drug treatment. This “phosphorylation signature” can be used to selectively activate and purge latent infections. Funding for the grant comes from the Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges initiative, which supports researchers worldwide who are pursuing innovative solutions to persistent global health and development challenges.

Professor honored by White House

André Taylor, assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering, was honored at the White House last fall as a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Taylor’s research investigates nanomaterials to create systems that have the potential to renewably improve our quality of life. For instance, Taylor and his team designed a new fuel cell catalyst composed of amorphous nanowire alloys that can double the lifespan of fuel cell catalyst systems. He has also created nanocomposites for use as active layers in organic solar cells and batteries. “André has an exceptional talent for finding innovative ways to apply chemical engineering principles to real-world problems,” said SEAS dean Kyle Vanderlick. The PECASE recognizes the finest scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge. The award is considered the highest honor bestowed by the US government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research careers.

New center begins to take shape

Construction has begun on the Center for Engineering Innovation and Design, which will strengthen the culture of engineering on campus and promote team-based, multi-disciplinary, engineering problem solving.  The engineering library has been temporarily accommodated in the Mann Student Center while the former library space is transformed into a physical and intellectual center for innovation, creation, and design. The first courses sponsored by the center will be offered in the fall semester of 2012.