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MRSEC is a six-year program totaling $7.8 million funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Marek Urban is the Center’s director and facilitates the many programs supported by the Center. Drs. Sabine Heinhorst of chemistry and Dr. Charles Hoyle are IRG leaders. Dr. Sarah Morgan is the education director.
Research at the Center has focused on stimuli-responsive polymeric films and coatings with an increase in activity toward new inter-disciplinary areas. One of the natural extensions of the initial theme is the studies of bio-macromolecular interactions on surfaces and interfaces. The progression provides an unparalleled opportunity for bio-materials in genomics and protomics to other diversified applications.
In 2005, the Center’s educational outreach has included more than 500 elementary to college level students in the State of Mississippi. The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored 19 students from different universities and diverse academic and social backgrounds. Each student gained hands-on laboratory experience by working with faculty and graduate students.
Also, the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program was expanded to host four high school teachers from Mississippi. They performed research in synthesis and biopolymer coatings, and the results from their investigations were presented at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences in February of this year.
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