GOLDEN, Colo., Dec. 18, 2014 – Ning Wu, Colorado School of Mines Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering assistant professor, has received a 2015 NSF CAREER Award for his research “In- and Out-of-Equilibrium Behavior of Colloidal Clusters with Broken Symmetries.”

“Colloidal dispersions play an important role in materials processing for industries ranging from electronics to pharmaceuticals. When colloidal particles are organized into arrays and other structures, the resulting materials can exhibit optical and electrical properties that are not found in natural materials. Therefore, colloids serve as building blocks for fabricating advanced functional materials,” Wu’s abstract states.

Results from the project will provide fundamental knowledge that scientists and engineers can use to develop materials and devices, such as new sensors or new coatings with controlled optical properties.

In addition, the project team will develop a summer research program in colloidal science targeted to high school students in the Denver area and especially to students from underrepresented groups. A multi-disciplinary course titled "Engineering of Soft Materials" will be developed to engage undergraduate students in colloidal science and train them for careers in the materials industry.

To read the full abstract, see the NSF website.

The NSF CAREER award is the most prestigious award in support of 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.

Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3541 | kgilbert@mines.edu
Kathleen Morton, Communications Coordinator, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3088 | kmorton@mines.edu