NASA center for aerospace device research and education at north carolina central university the objective of the proposed NASA university center for aerospace devices research and education at nccu…

NASA center for aerospace device research and education at north carolina central university the objective of the proposed NASA university center for aerospace devices research and education at nccu is to provide a framework for broadly based, competitive, multi-disciplinary science and engineering research that will advance NASA science mission directorate programs. The center, located in the college of science and technology at nccu, will foster synergy between (i) design and fabrication of new materials and devices, (II) fundamental and applied theoretical and experimental research, and (III) computational simulation, modeling and design of astrophysical processes, new materials, and devices. The proposed center will provide an interdisciplinary environment that allows investigators to carry out collaborative research of a scope and complexity that is not possible through traditional funding modes. Our overall mission is to leverage our strong theoretical and experimental programs to advance the frontiers of fundamental and applied research while educating a new cadre of stem students. Intra-and inter-institutional collaborations (NASA ames, NASA glenn, NASA goddard, duke and cornell university) advanced by the center will further develop a research infrastructure able to address some of the most important questions in modern astronomy, physics and materials science. The research will focus on the following projects: 1) development of nanoscale materials for advanced optoelectronics devices (high efficiency photovoltaic cells and infrared photodetectors); 2) development of a new type of polarimeter for high-energy gamma-RAY astrophysics; 3) development of a novel neutrino detector; 4) development of an original highly sensitive and selective type of biochemical sensor; 5) cooperative autonomous intelligent mobile robotic systems; and 6) seed projects; a)modification of solar cell materials by laser irradiation; and b) use of metallic nanostructures to control light. The center will also establish novel cross-disciplinary undergraduate and graduate educational training programs at nccu, enhancing the participation of minority students in NASA-related stem fields and preparing them for future aerospace careers.