Louisiana Tech University's
College of Engineering and Science, a nationally recognized leader in educational
innovation whose goal is to become "the best college in the world at integrating
engineering and science in education and research, has been awarded a $1.4 million
grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), while Dr. Long Que, an assistant
professor of electrical engineering, has received a $400,000 National Science
Foundation (NSF) CAREER award.
The DOE grant will equip and support research in engineered systems to meet
U.S. energy needs, using bio- , nano-, and geo-derived technologies, enabling
Louisiana Tech to support several applied and fundamental research projects
during 2009-10.
DOE funds will also be used to support faculty, students, operating expenses,
and new equipment for related research. Projects to be funded will contribute
to carbon capture, nuclear energy, renewable fuels, electrical energy storage,
and energy harvesting.
"The proposed research projects will support the Department of Energy's
overarching mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of
the United States, and to promote scientific and technological innovation in
support of that mission," says Dr. Stan Napper, dean of Louisiana Tech's
College of Engineering and Science.
"In particular, the projects at Louisiana Tech will assist DOE in its
strategic goals of providing energy security, scientific discovery and innovation,
and environmental responsibility."
Que's NSF CAREER grant funds a project titled "Biomolecular Nanophotonic
Fabry-Perot Interferometry (BioNanoFPI)." This project will result in devices
with nanostructures integrated with micro and nano networks to provide real-time,
point-of-care monitoring. These devices will require only very small volumes
of sample fluids, offering a significant contribution for high throughput drug
screening and pathogen detection for the pharmaceutical industry.
The CAREER award is NSF's most prestigious, supporting junior faculty who exemplify
the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education
and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission
of their organizations.
Que joined Louisiana Tech University in 2007, after a career in industry, including
two years as a project and task leader at the G.E. Global Research Center.
The CAREER award will help to fund research involving students in the fabrication,
characterization and testing of these devices, using laboratory facilities at
Louisiana Tech's Institute for Micromanufacturing.
Posted August 13th, 2009
