Author Archive

Charles L. Hussey Named Distinguished Professor

Posted on: May 21st, 2019 by nhammer

UM Provost Noel Wilkin (left) congratulates Charles Hussey, associate dean for research and graduate education in the College of Liberal Arts and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, on being named a Distinguished Professor during the end-of-the-semester faculty meeting Friday (May 10) in Fulton Chapel. Photo by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services.

OXFORD, Miss. – Chemistry faculty member Charles L. Hussey was appointed a Distinguished Professor during the end-of-the-semester faculty meeting Friday (May 10, 2019) in Fulton Chapel.

Charles Hussey is associate dean for research and graduate education in the College of Liberal Arts and professor of chemistry and biochemistry. The Distinguished Professor appointment is an honorific title started by UM in 2018 that recognizes the best faculty with sustained excellence at Ole Miss. The award was created in response to the university’s strategic initiative to develop a post-professorial recognition. No more than 5 percent of eligible faculty can be appointed as a Distinguished Professor.

“The accomplishments of the university are really the accomplishments of its people,” Provost Noel Wilkin said. “This award allows us to acknowledge the outstanding contributions that our most accomplished faculty have made to their fields.

“The ways in which [these professors] have shaped their disciplines and influenced the world is amazing, and they are very deserving of this award.”

Hussey joined the faculty in 1978 after receiving a bachelor’s in chemistry in 1971 and his doctorate in analytical chemistry in 1974, both from UM. Before joining the Ole Miss faculty, Hussey served a four-year active duty term as a chemical research officer at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Frank J. Seiler Research Laboratory and as a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at the academy. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1994.

After receiving tenure in 1983, Hussey was promoted to professor in 1987 and served as chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry from 1997 until 2017. He received the UM Faculty Achievement Award in 1996, was named the university’s 2015 recipient of the Southeastern Conference’s Faculty Achievement Award and earned the University of Mississippi Distinguished Research and Creative Achievement Award in 2015.

For four decades, his research has focused on the electrochemistry and transport properties of ionic liquids and molten salts. He has authored or co-authored more than 175 refereed journal articles, book chapters, patents and technical reports, and his research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the U.S. Department of Energy and more.

He was elected as a fellow of the Electrochemical Society in 2003 and selected as an emeritus member in 2017.

He also has directed 25 dissertations and theses during his UM career and taught courses ranging from General Chemistry to Fundamentals of Electrochemistry.

“Professor Hussey has been passionately serving the University of Mississippi for four decades,” wrote Greg Tschumper, chair and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, in his letter of support to Hussey’s appointment. “His research has brought national and international recognition to our institution. He has continually fostered the growth of everyone around him through extraordinary service and leadership.

“His scholarly activity, leadership and service epitomize the very essence of the title of Distinguished Professor.”

Each school and college has its own guidelines for nominations, but the university requires that nominated faculty have at least six years of service at the highest rank of professor, along with exemplary accomplishments in research and creative achievement, teaching and service. Also, it is expected that awardees will have achieved a significant degree of national or international recognition.

The recommended appointment nominees are made by a committee chosen by the Faculty Senate and the provost, and the committee has representatives from across campus.

See the original May 10, 2019 article by Shea Stewart here.

Congratulations to our Chemistry Graduates!

Posted on: May 8th, 2019 by nhammer

Alumni Profile: Stephen Emerson

Posted on: May 8th, 2019 by nhammer

Alumni Profile: Stephen Emerson

By Bethany Fitts

Stephen Emerson (BA 05), an environmental inspection and biological monitoring expert, has worked as an environmental scientist for over 10 years, providing environmental inspection for companies working on linear or renewable energy projects. Over the course of each project, he gives training courses to help construction teams safely follow environmental protocol such as noxious weed prevention and removal and hazardous waste disposal.

Despite this extensive experience, Emerson didn’t really know what to expect when he was first asked to work on the Dakota Access Pipeline–an underground oil pipeline that runs through North and South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois.

“They told me right before I came that there might be some minor protests but nothing to be concerned about,” Emerson said.

However, it didn’t take long before Emerson realized that “minor” was a significant understatement.

“I was hiking solo with all of my tools, and I saw 200 cars on the road,” he said. “And, soon enough, 200 became 2,000.”

Thousands of people from across the country and the world had gathered to protest construction of the pipeline with concerns about environmental threats and damage to sacred Native American sites.

“I get it,” Emerson said of the protestors. “There are some very strong opinions on both sides. My job is to make sure construction is completed according to protocol and that regulations are abided by. Our goal is to leave the smallest footprint on the environment. When I’m flying over in a helicopter, I want to be able to look down and not see where that pipeline went in.”

Emerson believes he and his team succeeded in minimizing the pipeline’s environmental footprint and is proud of his work on the project.

“A lot of projects don’t involve that level of protest,” he said. “But to know that I’ve done my best and getting to be a part of American history are the reasons I love this job.”

The history Emerson referred to actually began, he said, in 1973 when President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act.

“At the time these laws were written, it was needed because you had a lot of corporations shooting for the almighty dollar,” Emerson said. “You know… you don’t want your water contaminated just because this big corporation makes profits.”

Even though Emerson loves his job, he did not initially want to specialize in environmental inspection. In fact, he earned his degree in biochemistry from Ole Miss with the intention of going to medical school. After graduating, though, Emerson began working in Oman’s Wahiba Sands desert as an environmental scientist, and his path began to change.

“I fell in love with the environmental component of biochemistry,” he said. “I’d always loved nature as a child.”

Emerson’s work requires a thorough knowledge of acts like the National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act. His past clients range from Google and the Department of Homeland Security to Pacific Gas and Electric and Genesis Solar, LLC.

Of his work with the Genesis Solar Energy Project, a new solar power plant located in the Colorado Desert, Emerson said, “It was amazing to have been there before anybody else was. And now you have one of the largest solar facilities in the world.”

As we move further into the 21st century, Emerson believes environmental inspection and biological monitoring will only become increasingly vital.

“There’s more people on the planet and less natural resources,” he said. “The protection of these natural resources is going to be a critical component as we move forward.”

Stephen Emerson is an active member of the Ole Miss Alumni Association.

Stephen, Ole Miss thanks you.

Ready for Takeoff: Navy ROTC graduate Garrett Booth spends spring semester on staff

Posted on: May 7th, 2019 by nhammer

The Austin, Texas, native graduated from Ole Miss in December with a degree in biochemistry and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy in January through the university’s Naval ROTC program.

He was assigned to flight training and ordered to report to Pensacola, Florida, in late May. While many recently commissioned midshipmen use the break between commissioning and reporting to relax or establish themselves in the town to which they will be moving, Booth decided to remain at his alma mater as a staff member, assisting midshipmen in their journey toward becoming officers themselves.

Click the image below to read Booth’s story, which is part of the “Journey to Commencement” series that highlights University of Mississippi students and their academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Eden Tanner

Posted on: April 23rd, 2019 by nhammer

Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry

179 Coulter Hall
662-915-1165| eetanner@olemiss.edu

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Bachelor of Advanced Science, 2012
The University of New South Wales, Australia

Doctor of Philosophy, 2016 (Physical and Theoretical Chemistry)
University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Oxford, 2016 – 2017

Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University, 2017-2020

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Solving biomedical and bioengineering problems using physical chemistry and particularly ionic liquids and nanomaterials

RESEARCH SUMMARY

The Tanner lab seeks to solve outstanding bioengineering research questions using a chemistry framework, where an understanding of the molecular interactions within the delivery system allows the development of predictive frameworks and task-specific solvent design. Ionic liquids, consisting of a bulky, asymmetric cation and an anion, have attracted significant interest in a broad range of applications, including catalysis and energy applications, due to their favorable properties, including non-volatility, recyclability, and their inherent tuneability whereby the anion and cation can be altered to change the physicochemical properties of the material. By synthesizing the ionic liquids with biocompatible or bioinspired starting materials, they can be employed in biological contexts. Because changing the structure of the ionic components results in changes to their their biologically relevant properties, including interactions with bio-interfaces, biomolecules and pharmaceutical ingredients, they can be tuned to solve a variety of problems. Nanoparticles have been touted as ideal drug delivery systems due to their ability to deliver drugs in a more effective, safe, and specific way compared to traditional therapeutics, particularly in the context of administering chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin, to treat cancer. However, the vast majority of nanoparticle technologies do not progress clinically as they face a number of currently insurmountable challenges, which result in <5 % arriving to the intended destination.

RESEARCH GROUP WEBSITE

http://thetannerlab.com

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Ionic Liquids in Drug Delivery (Harvard)

1. Tanner, E. E. L. et al. Design Principles of Ionic Liquids for Transdermal Drug Delivery. Advanced Materials (2019). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201901103.

2. Tanner, E. E. L. et al. The Influence of Water on Choline-based Ionic Liquids. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2019). 5 (7), 3645-3653.

3. Tanner, E. E. L., Ibsen, K. N. & Mitragotri, S. Transdermal insulin delivery using choline-based ionic liquids (CAGE). Journal of Controlled Release. 286, 137–144 (2018).

4. Ibsen, K. N. et al. Mechanism of Antibacterial Activity of Choline-Based Ionic Liquids (CAGE). ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2018). 4 (7), 2370-2379

Electrochemistry of DNA Capped Nanoparticles (Oxford)

1. Tanner, E. E. L., Sokolov, S. V., Young, N., Batchelor-McAuley, C. & Compton, R. G. Fluorescence Electrochemical Microscopy: Capping Agent Effects with Ethidium Bromide/DNA Capped Silver Nanoparticles. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. doi:10.1002/anie.201707809 (2017).

2. Tanner, E. E. L., Sokolov, S. V., Young, N. P. & Compton, R. G. DNA Capping Agent Control of Electron Transfer from Silver Nanoparticles. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.19, 9733–9738 (2017).

Nanoparticles in Ionic Liquids (Oxford)

1. Tanner, E. E. L., Sokolov, S. V., Ngamchuea, K., Palgrave, R. G. & Compton, R. G. Quantifying the Polymeric Capping of Nanoparticles with X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. ChemPhysChem. (2018).

2. Tanner, E. E. L.,Batchelor-McAuley, C. & Compton, R. G. Nanoparticle Capping Agent Controlled Electron-Transfer Dynamics in Ionic Liquids. Chem. Eur. J. 22, 5976–5981 (2016).

3. Tanner, E. E. L.,Batchelor-McAuley, C. & Compton, R. G. Single Nanoparticle Detection in Ionic Liquids. J. Phys. Chem. C. 120, 1959–1965 (2016).

4. Kätelhön, E., Tanner, E. E. L., Batchelor-McAuley, C. & Compton, R. G. Destructive nano-Impacts: What information can be extracted from spike shapes? Electrochem. Acta 199, 297 –304 (2016).

Theories of Electron Transfer in Ionic Liquids (Oxford)

1. Tanner, E. E. L., Batchelor-McAuley, C. & Compton, R. G. Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids: The Effect of the Choice of Electrode Material, Cation, and Anion. J. Phys. Chem. C120, 26442–26447 (2016).

2. Tanner, E. E. L.et al. Application of Asymmetric Marcus–Hush Theory to Voltammetry in Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. J. Phys. Chem. C119, 7360–7370 (2015).

3. Tanner, E. E. L. et al. Nanoparticle Capping Agent Dynamics and Electron Transfer: Polymer-Gated Oxidation of Silver Nanoparticles. J. Phys. Chem. C119, 18808–18815 (2015).

4. Tanner, E. E. L., Barnes, E. O., Goodrich, P., Hardacre, C. & Compton, R. G. One-Electron Reduction of 2-Nitrotoluene, Nitrocyclopentane, and 1-Nitrobutane in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids: A Comparative Study of Butler-Volmer and Symmetric Marcus-Hush Theories Using Microdisk Electrodes. J. Phys. Chem. C119, 3634–3647 (2015).

5. Tanner, E. E. L., Xiong, L., Barnes, E. O. & Compton, R. G. One Electron Oxygen Reduction in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids: A Comparative Study of Butler-Volmer and Symmetric Marcus-Hush Theories Using Microdisc Electrodes. J. Electroanal. Chem. 727, 59–68 (Aug. 2014).

Organic Reaction Processes in Ionic Liquids (University of New South Wales)

1. Tanner, E. E. L.,Yau, H. M., Hawker, R. R., Croft, A. K. & Harper, J. B. Does the Cation Really Matter? The Effect of Modifying an Ionic Liquid Cation on an SN2 Process. Org. Biomol. Chem.11, 6170–5 (2013).

2. Tanner, E. E. L., Hawker, R. R., Yau, H. M., Croft, A. K. & Harper, J. B. Probing the Importance of Ionic Liquid Structure: A General Ionic Liquid Effect on an SN Ar process. Org. Biomol. Chem.11, 7516–21 (2013).

3. Yau, H. M. et al. Towards Solvent-Controlled Reactivity in Ionic Liquids. Pure Appl. Chem.85, 1979–1990 (2013).

Collaborations

1. Tambornino, F., Tanner, E. E. L. et al. Electrochemical Oxidation of the Phospha-and Arsaethynolate Anions, PCO–and AsCO–. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry (2019).*Joint first-author

2. Tanner, E. E. L. et al. The Corannulene Reduction Mechanism in Ionic Liquids is Con- trolled by Ion Pairing. J. Phys. Chem. C 120, 8405–8410 (2016).

Reviews and Perspectives

1. Agatemor, C., Ibsen, K. N., Tanner, E. E. L. & Mitragotri, S. Ionic Liquids for Addressing Unmet Needs in Healthcare. Bioeng. Transl. Med. (2018).

2. Tanner, E. E. L. & Compton, R. G. How can Electrode Surface Modification Benefit Electroanalysis? Electroanalysis (2018).

3. Suherman, A. L., Tanner, E. E. L. & Compton, R. G. Recent Developments in Inorganic Hg2+ Detection by Voltammetry. TrAC Tr. Anal. Chem. 94, 161–172 (2017).

Work with student advisees

1. Cai, X. et al. The mechanism of electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide on silver nanoparticles. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics(2018).

2. Chen, L., Tanner, E. E. L., Lin, C. & Compton, R. G. Impact electrochemistry reveals that graphene nanoplatelets catalyse the oxidation of dopamine via adsorption. Chem. Sci. (2018).

3. Lin, C., Chen, L., Tanner, E. E. L. & Compton, R. G. Electroanalytical study of dopamine oxidation on carbon electrodes: from the macro-to the micro-scale. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 20, 148–157 (2018).

4. Suherman, A. L. et al. Understanding gold nanoparticle dissolution in cyanide-containing solution via impact-chemistry. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 20, 28300–28307 (2018).

5. Suherman, A. L. et al. Voltammetric determination of aluminium (III) at tannic acid capped-gold nanoparticle modified electrodes. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical265, 682–690 (2018).

6. Suherman, A. L., Kuss, S., Tanner, E. E. L.,Young, N. P. & Compton, R. G. Electrochemical Hg2+ detection at tannic acid-gold nanoparticle modified electrodes by square wave voltammetry. Analyst (2018).

7. Chen, L., Tanner, E. E. L. & Compton, R. G. Adsorption on Graphene: Flat to Edge to End Transitions of Phenyl Hydroquinone. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 19, 17521–17525 (2017).

8. Chen, L., Li, X., Tanner, E. E. L. & Compton, R. G. Catechol adsorption on graphene nanoplatelets: isotherm, flat to vertical phase transition and desorption kinetics. Chem. Sci.(2017).

9. Jiao, X., Sokolov, S. V., Tanner, E. E. L., Young, N. P. & Compton, R. G. Exploring nanoparticle porosity using nano-impacts: platinum nanoparticle aggregates. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.19, 64–68 (1 2017).

10. Jiao, X., Sokolov, S. V., Tanner, E. E. L.,Young, N. P. & Compton, R. G. Exploring Nanoparticle Porosity using Nano-impacts: Platinum Nanoparticle Aggregates. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.19, 64–68 (2017).

11. Jiao, X. et al. Understanding Nanoparticle Porosity via Nanoimpacts and XPS: Electro- Oxidation of Platinum Nanoparticle Aggregates. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.19, 13547– 13552 (2017).

12. Suherman, A. L. et al. Electrochemical Detection of Ultra-Trace (pico-molar) Levels of Hg2+ Using a Silver Nanoparticle-modified Glassy Carbon Electrode. Anal. Chem.(2017).

13. Kraikaew, P. et al. Nanoparticle Surface Coverage Controls the Speciation of Electro-chemically Generated Chlorine. ChemElectroChem 3, 1794–1798 (11 2016).

Professor Cizdziel publishes Book on Forensic Chemistry

Posted on: December 10th, 2018 by nhammer

OXFORD, Miss. – Congratulations to Dr. Cizdziel and graduate student Oscar Black on their new book titled “Forensic Analysis of Gunshot Residue, 3D-Printed Firearms, and Gunshot Injuries: Current Research and Future Perspective”. As technology continues to march forward it is crucial that the forensic disciplines maintain their lead over the criminal element. The field of firearm analysis is one such area that has experienced rapid developments, spurred on by recent technological advancements. With the invention of high resolution 3D-printing and new improvements in instrumental techniques such as Raman Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry, entirely new fields of study have evolved. This book takes an in-depth look at the current state of gunshot residue analysis and wound ballistics, and showcases groundbreaking research in these crucial areas. The ramifications of the availability of 3D-printed firearms are also discussed, with evaluations of new and existing forensic methods on trace analysis of GSR and fingerprinting, as well as potential protocol adaptations to better address the unique challenges of 3D-printed firearms.

Congratulations Chemistry Majors for Inductions into Phi Kappa Phi!

Posted on: October 30th, 2018 by nhammer

Undergraduates Click Here for Research Opportunities

Posted on: September 26th, 2018 by nhammer

Undergraduate students should click here for available undergraduate research opportunities in chemistry and biochemistry.

Chemistry Majors Named Stamps and McDonnell-Barksdale Scholars

Posted on: September 26th, 2018 by nhammer

Seven members of the 2018 freshman class at the University of Mississippi have the distinction of being Stamps Foundation Scholarship recipients. The Stamps Scholarships at Ole Miss are the most comprehensive, full scholarship packages for in-state and out-of-state students. This year’s cohort is: Shahbaz W. Gul and Qihang “Jeffrey” Wang, of Oxford; Gregory Vance, of Jackson; Melvin “Richard” Springer IV, of Biloxi; Grace Louise Dragna, of Mandeville, Louisiana; Grace Elizabeth Marion, of Levittown, Pennsylvania; and Valerie Quach, of Austin, Texas. “This gifted class of UM Stamps Scholars contributes to our exceptional track record of attracting and retaining the best students from around the state and the nation,” Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter said. “We’re very grateful for the generosity of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation. Our partnership with them provides nationally competitive scholarships and enables extraordinary enrichment opportunities for high-achieving students.” Wang said he sees the Stamps Scholarship at Ole Miss as the perfect balance between a fantastic, focused education and a big public school experience. “The Stamps Scholarship Program provides big opportunities for networking with other student scholars,” said the biochemistry major and a member of the Honors College, Global Ambassadors and the American Chemical Society. “The Stamps family is very kind, courteous and professional, and I am very appreciative for all they’ve done.” Wang’s goals include doing research in both analytical chemistry and environmental sciences. Launched in 2006 by Georgia native Roe Stamps and his wife, Penny, the program has grown to include nearly 40 partner schools throughout the country.

The 2018 cohort of Stamps Scholars at UM is: (front row, from left) Grace Dragna, Grace Marion and Valerie Quach, and (back row) Shahbaz Gul, Jeffrey Wang, Gregory Vance and Richard Springer. Photo by Bill Dabney/UM Foundation

Two chemistry majors received the prestigious McDonnell-Barksdale Scholarships this year. These are Qing Yun Li of Oxford and Kayci Bearden Kimmons of Batesville. Li is a graduate of Oxford High School, where she was concert master of the OHS Orchestra, which she played in for four years, and received awards in AP chemistry, geography, and anatomy and physiology while being named to the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Anchor Club and LOU Orchestra. She also made the Principal’s List Honor Roll all four years and was a volunteer with the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, Oxford-Lafayette County Library and Memory Makers. A graduate of Mississippi School for Math and Science, Kimmons was a Regional Science Fair finalist; member of the marching band, Student Council, National Honor Society, Student Government Association and Technology Student Association (regional/state winner); and earned awards in Spanish, regional spelling bee, Honor Roll-All A’s, Beta Club (regional/state winner) and second-highest average. She also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club and the Convoy of Hope and was a chemistry tutor.

Douglass Sullivan-Gonzalez (right), dean of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, meets with Honors scholars (from left) Autumn Fortenberry, Brithney Ngo, Ella Endorf, Ivy Li, deYampert Brame Garner II, Kayci Kimmons, Ajah Singleton, Emily Wright, Samuel Starr, Arabella Hamm, Kaden Spellmann, Hayden Williamson and Andrew Gardner.

State of Mississippi Awarded $20 Million to Establish Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics (CEMOS)

Posted on: September 26th, 2018 by nhammer

State of Mississippi Awarded $20 Million to Establish Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics (CEMOS)

A $20 million, five-year grant from the National Science Foundation will spur creative discovery and economic opportunities through Mississippi’s research universities. The University of Mississippi will receive about $5.5 Million in funding. Profs. Tschumper, Hammer, Delcamp, Watkins, and Jurss in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

With the grant funding, the state of Mississippi will establish the Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics, an inter-disciplinary, multi-institution materials research program. Mississippi State University (MSU) will serve as the project’s administrative lead, and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will serve as the science lead. Along with MSU and USM, Jackson State University (JSU) and the University of Mississippi (UM) will be a part of the new center, which will facilitate the development of research capabilities and educational opportunities in the growing optoelectronic, energy and biotechnology research fields.

Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics (CEMOs)

The NSF grant comes through the organization’s EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) program, which enhances the research competitiveness of states and jurisdictions by strengthening STEM capacity and capability.

“This initiative will be a tremendous benefit to the people of Mississippi and to our research universities,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “Increasing our university research capabilities makes our state and our institutions more competitive, increases educational opportunities and keeps us at the forefront of emerging technologies. This new center and its focus on organic semiconductors will make existing Mississippi industries more competitive and help the state attract new companies. I am proud that MSU is playing a lead role in this endeavor.”

MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw is the principal investigator and project director for the grant. Sarah Morgan of USM is the science director. Co-principal investigators include Jason Azoulay from USM, Jared Delcamp from UM and Glake Hill from JSU.

“I am so pleased that the National Science Foundation selected our faculty as the science lead for this important project,” said University of Southern Mississippi President Rodney D. Bennett. “With USM’s Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices serving as the mission center for this grant, our internationally-renowned polymer science and engineering experts look forward to partnering with Mississippi’s other research institutions as they examine far more complicated processes than ever before. I am confident their work will impact our communities positively for many years to come.”

Prof. Jared Delcamp is co-PI on the $20 Million NSF grant to create the new Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics (CEMOS)

The Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics will develop new, unified research methodologies on organic semiconductors, an area that is vital to the advancement of diverse areas such as technology, electronics and biomedicine. To facilitate the research, the center will establish state-of-the-art research instrumentation for common use across the state and support collaborative research among institutions. The new scientific infrastructure will fill a void for the state and facilitate advanced basic and applied research.

“The University of Mississippi is pleased to be a member of this dynamic, multi-institutional team for the Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics and help develop pivotal research capabilities that will be benefit Mississippi, our nation and the world,” said UM Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter. “This initiative will bolster collaborative research efforts and continue pioneering STEM workforce development, which is critical for attracting high tech industry to the state.”

New optoelectronic functionality developed by center research will support the basic knowledge necessary to bring new technologies to reality, resulting in new intellectual property and potential job creation.

Profs. Nathan Hammer and Davita Watkins Receive Research Awards

Profs. Nathan Hammer and Davita Watkins are participants in the new Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics (CEMOS)

“Jackson State University is elated to be a partner of this groundbreaking venture for the state of Mississippi and Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Dr. William B. Bynum Jr., president of Jackson State. “It is my hope that we continue to expand on these opportunities to spur economic growth for Mississippi and enhance educational opportunities for our students.”

The new center will benefit from connections to national laboratories, NSF Top 100 research universities, state development officials and representatives from industry. The grant will also fund K-14 outreach efforts aimed at creating a stronger, more diverse pipeline of STEM students.

“The grant from the National Science Foundation demonstrates the incredible capabilities housed within our research universities,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “Working together, these capabilities are amplified. The research conducted through this grant will put Mississippi on the forefront of emerging technologies.”