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.