Advancing Technology and Training
Tomorrow’s Scientists
Advancing Technology and Training
Imagine a minute transistor so powerful that it can multiply present day computing capacity by thousands of times. Or a glucose sensor that fits in a single human cell of a diabetes patient. This is the promise of nanotechnology. More than 60 faculty members, along with their students, from various disciplines are working to unlock its power.
When New England Scholar William Kopcha ’08 ’13 arrived at UConn, he explored the diverse branches of chemistry he could pursue.
“A friend suggested I consider nanotechnology and that I contact Dr. Papadim,” Kopcha says. “An undergraduate research project in his lab made the difference for me.”
Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos (Dr. Papadim to his students), professor of chemistry and associate director of the Institute of Materials Science, is leading promising research with the potential to save lives through advancements in drug and gene delivery.
“Nanotechnology has the capacity to transform our lives,” says Papadimitrakopoulos, a foremost scientist in the field. “It can solve problems related to health care, computer technology, space travel, energy, the environment and so much more. It is hard to imagine the scope of its potential impact.”
A hallmark of UConn’s academic plan is expanding opportunities for undergraduate students to undertake research and creative projects. Kopcha was able to work alongside Papadimitrakopoulos on cutting-edge research. Kopcha found a way to separate nanotubes and increase their luminescence, and coauthored an article published in Science magazine about his discovery.
“The more I learn about nanotechnology, the more I like it,” Kopcha explains. “The opportunity to work with a well-respected scientist like Dr. Papadim helped solidify my future goals. It’s also why I returned to UConn to earn my Ph.D.”
