This section of the website is devoted to helping you learn about our scientists.

Our scientists study at various universities. They attend North Carolina State University (NCSU), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), University of Texas at Austin (UT-A) and Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech). More information about these universities can be found on our links page. You can also check out each university's lab by clicking on the "Lab Photos" link to the left.

Our scientists try to improve manufacturing processes by making them more environmentally friendly. For example, one process that is currently under study is the manufacturing of microchips (for computers). The current process used requires lots of water and generates a lot of waste. Another process being studied is the recycling of plastic bottles (specifically of PET, or number 1 plastic). Currently the recycling process takes a very long time and uses a lot of water. When the new process is completed, a step that used to take hours will take less than a minute. This means that the process will require a lot less energy and money. Our scientists often use carbon dioxide and their knowledge of polymers to create these improvements. Activities on both topics can be found in our "Activities" section.

What does it mean for a process to be "environmentally friendly"? This question is at the heart of green chemistry. Green chemistry is the idea that you can do chemistry without generating a lot of hazardous waste. You can find out more about green chemistry and what it means for a process to be "environmentally friendly" by choosing "Green Chemistry" from the menu.

It is important to us that you get to know our scientists, not just their work. "Focus on a Scientist" is an electronic newsletter that is sent several times a year. Each issue contains both a picture of and an interview with one of our scientists. In addition, there is a classroom activity related to that scientist's research. Choose "Focus on a Scientist" to find out more about the newsletter and how to sign up.

There are other ways for you to meet our scientists. You can submit questions to them but be sure to check out the FAQ page first. Also, you can arrange to have a scientist come to your classroom or to visit scientists here! You can learn more about these free visits by choosing "Class Visits". For more information about CERSP and specifics about our scientists' research, visit the CERSP home page at www.nsfstc.unc.edu.