Researchers

Additional Reference Information

Wireless Nanosensor Technology

The Wireless Nanosensor technology will be led by Dr. Vijay Varadan Distinguished Professor of Engineering of the University of Arkansas , assisted by Dr. Seshadri Mohan, Chair of Systems Engineering of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Dr. Malathi Srivatsan, a molecular Neuroscience professor for Arkansas State University . They will collaborate to create specialized, yet low-cost, nanosensors that can be integrated with wireless systems for applications that vary from medicine and health to environment and structural engineering.

For example, researchers will develop wearable chemical and biological hazard nanosensors for firefighters, police and security personnel. Researchers have already developed and tested two similar but slightly different biosensors that can measure important physiological signs. Integrated into "smart" fabrics - garments with wireless technology - these sensors can monitor vital signs in real time and thus provide individualized health monitoring in real time for emergency situations.

Another example is environmental monitoring. Integrated wireless nanosensors could have made a huge difference for the city of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck or prevented the human disaster related to the Minneapolis interstate bridge collapse. Nanosensors monitoring the structural health of levees or bridges can warn authorities well in advance of any problem and, when networked properly, can provide information for intelligent decision making.

Plant-based Bioproduction

The second research theme of ASSET is plant-based bioproduction research which will be led by Dr. Carole Cramer, Director of Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University , in collaboration with Dr. Ken Korth, professor of plant pathology in the University of Arkansas , and Dr. Steve Grace, a professor of Biology at University of Arkansas at Little Rock . This three campus collaborative project focuses on plant research at the interface of agriculture, medicine and the environment.

Additionally, the project will further develop a select group of emerging faculty who are targeting plant-based bioproduction research which may lead to new commercial applications in strategic areas of economic importance for the state. The Plant Powered Production Center will target research that will enhance and exploit the capability of plants to produce novel, high-value applications and products from Arkansas 's agricultural medical, industrial and biofuel applications base.

As the UALR principal investigator, Dr. Seshadri Mohan, chair of Systems Engineering, will coordinate research activities to achieve a systems approach to integrating wireless, nano, info, and bio sensors and gain new insights into wireless protocols and networking. Dr. Srini Ramaswamy, UALR chair of Computer Science, will be responsible for the computation aspects as the project's program manager.

UALR's College of Science and Mathematics and Graduate Institute of Technology will collaborate on recent advances in systems biology, genomics, and metabolic engineering that will make it possible to use plants as bioproduction factories for medicines, materials, agrochemicals and unique biomolecules.

Additional Quotations

"We are proud to be part of such a significant project in collaboration with fine research scientists and engineers from around the state; and, in addition, ASSET has the potential to change the lives of Arkansans for the better, not only for this generation but for generations to come,"

- Dr. John Ahlen, President

"Nothing speaks to this project as much as its name - ASSET. It will be a tremendous asset to our state as we increase our focus on education and economic development. Ingrained into this program are partnership and entrepreneurship."

- Dr. Gail McClure, Vice President Research

Campus Quotes

"Arkansas State University-Jonesboro is very excited to participate in this statewide cutting-edge research effort. We are deeply grateful to Governor Beebe and the State of Arkansas for their initial and ongoing support of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and its facility located on our campus. This support has truly enabled ASU to become a strong contributor to this EPSCoR grant. This competitively-awarded grant will allow Arkansas State University to build its research infrastructure through funding for instrumentation and human resources in our focused research areas. We value the opportunity to have interactive collaboration with the other grantees as we build Arkansas 's research reputation in the Wireless Nano-Bio Sensors and Plant-Based Bioproduction areas. Special thanks are due to Dr. Gail McClure and ASTA for orchestrating the statewide efforts, to Drs. Carole Cramer, Executive Director of ASU's Bioscience Institute, and Elizabeth Hood, ASU's Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, for leading ASU's involvement in EPSCoR, and to the Governor and Accelerate Arkansas for providing the matching funds critical to bringing EPSCoR funding from the National Science Foundation to Arkansas."

-Robert L. Potts, Chancellor, Arkansas State University-Jonesboro

"UALR is grateful to Governor Beebe, Accelerate Arkansas , and the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority for recognizing the benefit of collaborative research. Not only will the state benefit economically from building stronger programs in nanotechnology and engineering, but also faculty and students from all three universities will benefit from working together in a cooperative spirit on cutting-edge research."

- Joel Anderson, Chancellor, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

"We are delighted to be joining our colleagues from Little Rock and Jonesboro in this initiative. Because of these funds, we will be able to support faculty, graduate and undergraduate students in their efforts to compete for federal funding for cutting-edge research. The impact of this grant will be felt across the state, ultimately improving the lives of all Arkansans through the creation of jobs and the improvement of health care and food quality."

- John A White, Chancellor, University of Arkansas , Fayetteville