Air Force-funded scientists earn DOD fellowships

  • Published
  • By Maria Callier
  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFPN) --  The Department of Defense officials have selected four Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded professors to be among the first class of six scientists with the National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship program. 

DOD officials launched the fellowship program last year to allow for an engineering portfolio that will attract distinguished scientists, engineers and students.

The four AFOSR researchers and their fields of expertise are: 

-- Dr. Stephen Mayo from the California Institute of Technology and the University of Southern California will research theoretical, computational and experimental aspects of proteins.

-- Dr. Barbara Shinn-Cunningham from Boston University will explore electrophysiological correlates of auditory attention and auditory scene analysis. She will look for non-invasive methods to determine a listener's behavioral goals and mental state.

-- Dr. Diana Huffaker from the University of California at Los Angeles will study nanomaterials and optoelectronic devices including solar cells and photonics.

-- Dr. Chad Mirkin from Northwestern University will develop a technique he invented called "On-Wire Lithography," a new and powerful chemistry-based approach for generating one-dimensional nanowire structures with complex and useful morphologies.

Each individual will receive up to $3 million in long-term grant support, or $600,000 per year for up to five-consecutive years, to conduct basic research for the DOD.

The scientists are required to be active in all National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship activities, provide annual reports of research progress and financial accountability to the DOD. They will also personally inform leadership about research progress at least once a year.

DOD officials say they hope that over time the fellowships will help professors form meaningful working relationships with some of the best minds in the country and enable the Pentagon to recruit these scientists for advisory groups and study commissions.

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