{"id":1021,"date":"2013-10-11T15:23:18","date_gmt":"2013-10-11T15:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/?p=1021"},"modified":"2013-11-04T21:34:21","modified_gmt":"2013-11-04T21:34:21","slug":"nsf-career-awards-support-diverse-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/nsf-career-awards-support-diverse-research\/","title":{"rendered":"<h1>NSF CAREER Awards<\/h1> <h2>Support Diverse Research<\/h2>"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>UNL researchers are developing novel ideas to harness the sun, cure genetic diseases and prevent software glitches with support from National Science Foundation CAREER awards.<\/p>\n<p>These five-year awards support research by junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholar through outstanding research, teaching and the integration of education and research. Recent UNL winners are tackling diverse projects.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>Harnessing the Sun<\/h2>\n<p>Jinsong Huang thinks solar energy devices will become so inexpensive and pliable that nearly any surface \u2013 from windows to clothing \u2013 will harness the sun. Scientists are working to replace today\u2019s silicon-based solar cells with organic polymers, or plastics, which are cheaper and more flexible, but less energy efficient.<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/nsf-career-awards-support-diverse-research\/121211_huang_010-nsf\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1026\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1026\" alt=\"121211_Huang_010-nsf\" src=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/121211_Huang_010-nsf-450x300.jpg\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/121211_Huang_010-nsf-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/121211_Huang_010-nsf-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/121211_Huang_010-nsf.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mU--5lEm_1Q?rel=0\" height=\"300\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>With a $400,000 <a href=\"http:\/\/newsroom.unl.edu\/releases\/2012\/12\/19\/NSF+award+aids+UNL+engineer%27s+efforts+to+build+better+solar+cell\" target=\"_blank\">CAREER award<\/a>, Huang, assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering, is improving the polymer\u2019s efficiency as a semiconductor. By inserting ultra-thin layers of ferroelectric polymers, inexpensive materials that hold large permanent electrical polarizations on each side, he\u2019s able to increase a solar cell\u2019s internal electric field. That, in turn, generates more electrical current.<\/p>\n<p>Organic polymer solar cells\u2019 low cost and increased pliability will lead to new applications and greatly expand the ability to capture the sun\u2019s energy.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Tackling Software Glitches<\/h2>\n<p>Developing today\u2019s complex computer software involves thousands of people working \u2013 sometimes at cross purposes \u2013 in numerous countries. Resolving inevitable glitches is expensive and Time-consuming. A $500,000 <a href=\"http:\/\/newsroom.unl.edu\/releases\/2013\/04\/02\/NSF+award+helps+UNL+researcher+debug+software+development\" target=\"_blank\">CAREER award<\/a> supports Anita Sarma\u2019s work to develop software to help programmers work more efficiently, which will reduce costs and software defects.<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/nsf-career-awards-support-diverse-research\/130329_sarma_015_sm\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1028\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1028\" alt=\"130329_Sarma_015_SM\" src=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130329_Sarma_015_SM-450x300.jpg\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130329_Sarma_015_SM-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130329_Sarma_015_SM-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TkuSjkRZCaY?rel=0\" height=\"300\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sarma, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, uses data-mining techniques to analyze the effects various tasks and file changes had on previous programming efforts. That information allows her to make predictions about future programming. She\u2019ll use these predictions to develop software that can analyze, in real time, the current development situation and identify the best next task. So when a programmer finishes a task, the program analyzes what is happening and suggests tasks that avoid conflicting with others.<\/p>\n<p>Sarma\u2019s solution will be available as a plug-in for Eclipse, a software development program.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Unraveling Clues to Prevent Restenosis<\/h2>\n<p>Linxia Gu uses powerful computers to better understand the biological mechanism of restenosis, a debilitating and sometimes fatal complication of a common treatment for coronary heart disease and other conditions. Propping open clogged arteries using tiny mesh tubes called stents sometimes leads to strokes or heart attacks when vascular cells react by making new cells that restrict blood flow.<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/nsf-career-awards-support-diverse-research\/130304_gu_009_sm\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1027\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1027\" alt=\"130304_Gu_009_SM\" src=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130304_Gu_009_SM-450x300.jpg\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130304_Gu_009_SM-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130304_Gu_009_SM-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/F5yFdFY2pdY?rel=0\" height=\"300\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>With a $406,248 <a href=\"http:\/\/newsroom.unl.edu\/releases\/2013\/03\/07\/UNL+engineer+aims+to+reduce+blood+vessel+stent+complications\" target=\"_blank\">CAREER award<\/a>, Gu, assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering and a member of UNL\u2019s Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, is building computer models to understand the changes cells undergo and how those changes relate to alterations in arterial tissue structures.<\/p>\n<p>This knowledge will help researchers improve prevention and treatment options, and help manufacturers design better stents. The technique also could be used to interpret other clinical observations, such as aortic aneurysms and traumatic brain injuries.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Devising Gene Delivery Tools<\/h2>\n<p>Gene therapy holds tremendous potential, but it requires an effective, safe method of delivering genes to cells.<\/p>\n<p>Angela Pannier, associate professor of biological systems engineering and a member of the Center for Nanohybrid Functional Materials, earned a $419,051 <a href=\"http:\/\/newsroom.unl.edu\/announce\/todayatunl\/2427\/13486\" target=\"_blank\">CAREER award<\/a> to develop 3-D nanostructured surfaces to use as gene delivery tools. The surfaces have columns, and the spaces between columns can be loaded with DNA, similar to a toothbrush holding toothpaste. Touching the nanostructure to the cell unloads the DNA. She\u2019s also designing nanostructured surfaces that alter cells to make them more receptive to receiving genes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\"><a href=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/nsf-career-awards-support-diverse-research\/130501_pannier_027_sm\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1029\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1029\" alt=\"130501_Pannier_027_SM\" src=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130501_Pannier_027_SM-450x300.jpg\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130501_Pannier_027_SM-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/130501_Pannier_027_SM-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mwWjw-wB4F8?rel=0\" height=\"300\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>This method allows cells to use genes without incorporating them into their chromosomes. Potential uses include reducing post-surgery inflammation, promoting bone integration after a hip implant and treating genetic diseases.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>\u00a0Studying Coenzyme Q<\/h2>\n<p>Gilles Basset, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, studies coenzyme Q, an elusive micronutrient found in nearly all organisms, including humans. This vital compound is so fragile that conventional research approaches can\u2019t reveal many aspects of its production.<\/p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1025\" alt=\"111028_Biochemistry_0439_SM\" src=\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/111028_Biochemistry_0439_SM-900x600.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/111028_Biochemistry_0439_SM-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/111028_Biochemistry_0439_SM-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>With a $784,820 <a href=\"http:\/\/newsroom.unl.edu\/announce\/todayatunl\/1899\/10611\" target=\"_blank\">CAREER award<\/a>, Basset, a member of UNL\u2019s Center for Plant Science Innovation, is harnessing computer power to identify the genes involved in coenzyme Q synthesis. Using bioinformatic techniques, such as comparative genomic data mining, he looks for associations within the entire genetic makeup of different types of organisms. Organisms that synthesize coenzyme Q should have genes in common that are missing in those that don\u2019t. Additional techniques further narrow the list of gene candidates by identifying similarities in how genes are expressed.<\/p>\n<p>Basset\u2019s research may lead to improving plant-based foods and human health.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UNL researchers are developing novel ideas to harness the sun, cure genetic diseases and prevent software glitches with support from National Science Foundation CAREER awards. These five-year awards support research by junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholar through &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/nsf-career-awards-support-diverse-research\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1022,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[601,596,43,602,605,604,597,600,603,594,598,40,33,595,599],"class_list":["post-1021","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-angela-pannier","tag-anita-sarma","tag-career-award","tag-center-for-nanohybrid-functional-materials","tag-center-for-plant-science-innovation","tag-coenzyme-q","tag-data-mining","tag-gene-therapy","tag-gilles-basset","tag-jinsong-huang","tag-linxia-gu","tag-national-science-foundation","tag-nebraska-center-for-materials-and-nanoscience","tag-organic-polymer-solar-cells","tag-restenosis"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1021","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1021"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1021\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1459,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1021\/revisions\/1459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2013\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}