NSF NRT Diana

An Interdisciplinary Training Program to Accelerate Fundamental Science Translation

The US National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Oklahoma a $3M grant to support the interdisciplinary program in materials Science and Engineering. The name of the program is NRT Diana, inspired by the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana. The NRT program stands on three main pillars:

(1) interdisciplinary graduate education, spanning engineering and basic sciences, business acumen and advanced communication skills;

(2) cutting-edge group-based research, focused on controlling the transport of complex molecules across structured interfaces such as the brain-blood barrier;

(3) translation of fundamental research to commercial advancements via partnerships with industry, internships, support of startups.

The NRT Diana organizes the Advanced Materials Workshop in November and the Diana Summer School in August. These events are open to the whole OU family and are held at the OU Norman campus. The NRT program is supported by engaged industrial partners that are part of the Independent Advisory Board (IAB). Annual assessments from the IAB and from the formal assessor are used to continuously improve the program.

The NRT Diana research team include:

❖Striolo, Breen, Bumm, Noh, and Razavi (co-PIs), Zgurskaya, Grady, Klier, Papavassiliou, and Rybenkov (senior Investigators).

❖Prof. Tsetsura is the Communication Lead of the program.

❖Prof. Connelly of ICAST is the formal Assessor of the program.

❖Dr. Francesco Gerali is the Program Coordinator.

The NSF NRT Diana trains scientists via a transdisciplinary approach to enable both the discovery of fundamental mechanisms that control the selective transport of various compounds across complex interfaces, and the translation of discoveries to benefit local and regional economies.

❖Fundamental knowledge across relevant disciplines

❖Research translation training opportunities

❖Working in interdisciplinary research teams

❖Group training and individual development plans

❖Summer Special Topics / Annual Symposia / Seminar Series/ Industrial Internship

Earn a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering with NSF NRT Diana Support

Demand

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Oklahoma’s economic development requires 3,000 new engineers annually.
OK Institutions of Higher Education produce ~1,800 per year, half of which leave the state upon graduation
There is demand of 2,100 high-paying jobs across the state of Oklahoma per year for the foreseeable future

Challenges in Oklahoma

Selectively extract heavy metal ions from contaminated waters – ENERGY
Prevent degradation of metal / composite substrates – AEROSPACE
Effectively deliver new pharmaceuticals – HEALTH

Relevant Research

Research will occur in collaborative groups, leveraging the skills of each individual student to create impactful research.
Research will address grand challenges in the energy, aerospace, and health sectors, critical for the heartland.
Results will be disseminated via multiple channels, thus developing advanced communication skills.
NRT Diana seeks to positively impact rural, urban and suburban communities across Oklahoma.

Interdisciplinary Training

Students will learn fundamental aspects of the core disciplines in this program (Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Physics and Soft Matter, Chemical and Materials Engineering).
Opportunities for commercial translation will be explored, developing business & commercial acumen.
Frequent interactions with industry are planned, including opportunities for internships.

Opportunity

Oklahoma sits at the convergence of energy availability, manufacturing growth, and balanced population growth

Strong Support throughout the Program

Students’ wellbeing and success will be monitored throughout the program of studies to maximize success.
Students admitted to the NRT Diana cohort will receive a stipend in year 1 of $37,000 per annum.
For more information, contact Sonya Norman at norman.sonya@ou.edu and click to apply.

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More about NSF NRT Diana

For more information about NSF NRT Diana, please contact the Program Coordinator Dr. Gerali at fgerali@ou.edu.