MACON — Mercer University has been awarded $116,349 in federal funds through the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research equipment that will help advance material science research and teaching.
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Dorina Mihut said the grant “will also significantly expand faculty and students’ experimental participation to multiple research projects and training from mechanical, biomedical, environmental and civil engineering, broadening the participation of underrepresented groups.”
The grant will be used to acquire precision tools to conduct cutting-edge research, including an ultra-high accuracy digital microscope that will promote multidisciplinary research for developing antimicrobial-coated materials.
“The digital microscope will facilitate fundamental studies of erosion, abrasion and their effects on materials’ surfaces,” said Dr. Mihut. “Understanding and preventing erosion and abrasion is a serious concern for a variety of industries, including aerospace and the oil and gas industry.”
U.S. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., who represents Middle and Southwest Georgia, shared news of the NSF grant and said, “Mercer University faculty and students are part of our country’s best and brightest. I am glad to see the National Science Foundation helping support research that can have broad applications across several industries.”
