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The National Science Foundation has awarded Jackson State University a five-year $6 million grant to study bio-resource materials for sustainable food, energy and water resource development.
JSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is collaborating with the University of Delaware, University of Mississippi and the University of Wyoming in the research. The official name of the project is “EPSCoR Track II: Collaborative Research and Education on Synergized Transformational Solar Chemical Looping and Photo-Ultrasonic Renewable Biomass Refinery.”
This project is expected to significantly advance the understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena in chemical looping-based energy production system.
The three main tasks of this project are (1) the development of a transformational solar catalytic chemical looping biomass refinery technology for production of fuel and biochar from biomass; (2) enhancement of biochar quality and functionalization of biochar; and (3) applications of P&UCEB and functionalized P&UCEB in Coz-capture/clean-energy production, water treatment and food production.
Principal investigator Dr. Jerzy Leszczynski said this is a great opportunity for the JSU team.
“The obtained grant signifies the role of JSU as a leading HBCU institution in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) area. The JSU team will lead research performed by three research universities. … In addition to addressing the fundamental questions supported by the National Science Foundation, the proposed research also focuses on practical aspects related to the design and manufacturing of bio-resource materials that could be applied in many areas crucial to economic development. The proposed research and collaboration with three universities from various states will also provide an opportunity for JSU students to be involved in state-of-the-art projects and research exchange,” said Leszczynski, a professor of chemistry.
Not only will this project advance research, it will also develop STEM fields and workforce education. This project will focus on developing three levels of the program: (1) recruitment and development of junior faculty members and postdoctoral fellows in the energy, food, and water research fields; (2) recruitment and training of undergraduate and graduate students; and (3) public education for the general population and school systems.
JSU’s vice president for Research and Federal Relations, Dr. Loretta A. Moore, said the grant and project would positively affect the community, JSU and EPSCoR.
“EPSCoR funding is significant to the economic development of the state of Mississippi. The programs developed through this funding mechanism from the National Science Foundation help to stimulate sustainable improvements in research and development capacity and effectiveness. Also, the programs will advance science and engineering capabilities at JSU and across EPSCoR jurisdictions.”
The expected project end date is July 31, 2020.