UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts National Science Foundation visit
UTSA Physics Professor Discusses His Nanoparticle Research Utilizing Lasers During a recent NSF site visit.
The UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy recently hosted representatives from the National Science Foundation and visiting university professors to learn more about the department’s participation as a member of the Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM).
The two-day visit included research and poster presentations by physics faculty members and students as well as tours of UTSA physics laboratories.
UTSA Physics Department Chair Miguel Yacaman introduced the group to “Helenita”, one of the world’s most powerful electron microscopes. The microscope was purchased in January 2010 through the generous support of a $1.2 million gift from the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation.
The JEOL transmission electron microscope is assisting in the development of new cancer therapies and disease treatments by allowing nanotechnology researchers to see samples magnified 20 million times their original size.
Yacaman says the microscope is being used significantly by UTSA faculty and students on campus during the week and on weekends. Additionally, the microscope is being used by faculty members outside the university and researchers in the private sector, for an hourly rate.
While on campus, PREM site visitors also had the opportunity to tour the laboratory of UTSA Physics Professor Dhiraj Sardar who uses lasers for his nanotechnology research.
Sardar was the principal investigator who helped the department acquire a five-year $2.7 million grant in 2009 from the NSF. The grant is designed to help increase the participation of underrepresented minorities and advance the understanding of the fundamental science of nanomaterials. Additonally, the grant enhances the educational outreach programs for high school and junior college students.
The departments’ investments in sophisticated world class high technology equipment and nanotechnology research has been paying dividends as the interest in physics continues to grow.
Since the UTSA doctoral degree program was established in 2005, eight students have earned their Ph.D’s in Physics. Currently 63 students are enrolled in the program, ranking it the fifth largest in Texas.
