In FY 2003 the NSF provided 211 awards totaling approximately $48 million to 27 institutions in the state of Tennessee.
Institutions in Tennessee that received NSF support in FY 2002 include Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis, Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Nashville State Technical Institute, eSpin Technologies, Accurate Automation Corp., and the Shelby County Schools.
C-RUI: Development and Applications of a Novel Biosensor — The goal of this multidisciplinary collaborative project at Middle Tennessee State University is to develop optical sensors for the detection of chemical and biological samples. Applications include detection of organisms/toxins in wastewater or environmental samples, airborne hazards, as well as unique genetic sequences. These devices are expected to be inexpensive and robust with sensitivities exceeding that of conventional surface plasmon resonance sensors. The sensor design relies on a new surface wave technique that utilizes surface wave resonance in photonic ban gap materials. Advances in nanotechnology have made complex biosensing devices possible; however, there is an increasing need for improved detector sensitivity and specificity. The approach of this project is to involve students to address the fundamental science of biosensors, develop proof of principle sensors for specific applications, and capitalize upon collaboration among disciplines.
The Math and Science Teacher Education Resource Program (MASTER) — Supported by an NSF Advanced Technological Education award, Pellissippi State Technical Community College is creating MASTER hubs at its main campus and a branch campus. These MASTER hubs are innovative learning environments surrounding pre-service and in-service teachers with fun and interesting mathematics, science, and technology materials and experiences. The purpose of the hubs is to recruit, train, and support prospective teachers in a project that is a collaboration among Pellissippi State, K-12 students and teachers, four-year universities, and local mathematics and science resources. Mentoring teams provide collegial support among pre-service and in-service teachers. These teams also collaborate on curriculum development and applications that contain hands-on, discovery-based
pedagogy infused with technology applications.
Novel Conductive Oxide Coatings on Metallic Interconnect for Intermediate-Temperature SOFC Applications — An NSF CAREER award to Tennessee Technological University supports research addressing the critical issues related to metallic interconnects for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. Ferric steels are promoted as the candidate materials for this application due to their low cost and ease of manufacture; however, under long-term stack operation, the increase of contact resistance due to the formation of surface oxide layers and Cr migration to other cell components from the interconnects pose serious issues for these otherwise promising materials. This project investigates novel conductive spinel phases as potential coatings to mitigate the current limitations of ferritic steels. Another objective is to explore alloy design to develop new-generation ferritic alloys capable of forming the desired spinel layer upon proper thermal treatment. The research will enhance undergraduate and graduate curricula by familiarizing the students with processing and characterization of both bulk materials and thin films and coatings.