Tuskegee University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) known for its very rich history and contributions to African American education and research. Founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, the university has played a crucial role in the advancement of higher education for African Americans. Tuskegee is renowned for its programs in engineering, the sciences, architecture, and veterinary medicine, as well as for its historical significance in producing notable alumni and leaders in various fields.
In 2018, Tuskegee was awarded a 6-year, $3.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Division of Materials Research through the Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program. This grant aims to enhance the research capabilities of minority-serving institutions (MSIs) like Tuskegee by fostering partnerships with leading research facilities across the US.
TU partnered with the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Material Research Science and Engineering Center to develop a collaborative research program focused on creating a new class of nanocomposite materials. These materials, combining polymers with multiferroic nanomaterials, have potential applications in data storage, spin valves, spintronics, memories, sensors, and microelectronic devices.
Over the years, the partnership has successfully sought to increase the number of undergraduate and graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who pursue research careers in materials science and engineering.
This initiative aligns with NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science, advance national health, prosperity, and welfare, and integrate research with education to train the next generation of top scientists and engineers.
The grant has supported several students through full scholarships and high-class education while enabling them to conduct cutting-edge research, mentor others, publish and present their work, and complete their studies at TU and UNL. One of the few grants that we have evaluated that has yielded over a combined 50+ publications, patents, posters, book/chapter contributions, and other dissemination mechanisms.
Having completed the final year of the evaluation, we are happy to have been a part of this impactful initiative with a prestigious university.
Kudos to Vijay Rangari and his very talented team at both TU and UNL.
