Researchers at the University of Rhode Island are developing “smart” nanoparticles capable of self-assembly and direction. Because the potential benefits of this technology are so far-reaching, they building interdisciplinary partnerships with colleagues across the University.
In the medical field, intelligent particles can be used as a drug delivery system for cancer patients. The particles will attack only cancerous cells and bypass healthy ones. Nanoparticles made of specific metal molecules also can detect complex medical conditions by latching onto cells and acting as beacons as physicians test for disease.
Chemical engineering Professor Arijit Bose and Associate Professor Geoffrey Bothun are leading teams to develop safer alternatives to oil dispersants used after a spill. Nanoscience may also hold the key to detecting pollutants in our environment. URI Researchers are studying micro- and nanoplastics and how they behave in in coastal environments. They are also in the early stages of developing a new sensing approach for detecting PFASs and other substances. Assistant professor, Yi Zheng, is using nanoscience to contribute to renewable energy technology by looking at nanoscale thermal transport and its relationship to solar energy harvesting and radiative cooling.Our mission is to grow scientific knowledge and translate that into information, products or processes that benefit society. This can only be done through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Associate Professor, Geoffrey Bothun
URI engineering professor awarded Office of Naval Research grant to study heat transfer - The Office of Naval Research has awarded a three-year, $418,300 grant to University of Rhode Island mechanical engineering assistant professor Ashutosh Giri
Technology for NASA’s Next-Generation Telescope - University of Rhode Island Professor Sungho Kim is developing technology that could be part of NASA’s next-generation telescope that will allow the space agency to observe and study phenomena that occurred 13.7 billion years ago. 
Cross-Disciplinary URI Team Forms Neuro-Learning Center - A URI team featuring Engineering Professor Kunal Mankodiya will establish a Neuro-Learning Center that will include cutting-edge equipment to study the relationship between brain activity and behavior, brain mapping, and neuroplasticity.
Faculty
