Case Western Reserve Researchers Find Mixing Different Metals in a Catalyst
Can Help Determine Structure, Function
Nanoscopic tubes made of a lattice of carbon just a single atom deep hold promise for delivering medicines directly to a tumor, sensors so keen they detect the arrival or departure of a single electron, a replacement for costly platinum in fuel cells or as energy-saving transistors and wires.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes, made of a cheap and abundant material, have so much potential because their function changes when their atomic-level structure, referred to as chirality, changes.
But for all their promise, building tubes with the right structure has proven a challenge.
A pair of Case Western Reserve University researchers mixed metals commonly used to grow nanotubes and found that the composition of the catalyst can control the chirality.
R. Mohan Sankaran, assistant professor of chemical engineering, and Wei-Hung Chiang, who received his doctorate degree in chemical engineering in May, describe their findings in an online edition of Nature Materials. Read more.
Campus News
The 2009 Annual Security Report is now available online to all students, faculty and staff.
The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women will observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in a variety of ways, including its "Ending Domestic Violence: One Flower at a Time" carnation sale. Campus members are invited to help the cause and purchase flowers in time for Sweetest Day. The sale will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, in Leutner Commons, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, in Nord Hall. Carnations are $2 each, with proceeds to benefit the Domestic Violence Center of Cleveland. Pre-orders also will be accepted online.
The Brothers of Beta Theta Pi invite the campus community to the 25th Annual Steven P. Arnold Walkathon for Diabetes, Saturday, Oct. 10. Proceeds benefit the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, in memory of Steven P. Arnold, a Beta Theta Pi brother who passed away from diabetes complications. The walk begins at 1 p.m. at Leutner Pavilion. Register online.
For Faculty and Staff
Faculty members of all colleges and schools are invited to apply to become University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE) Learning Fellows during the Spring 2010 semester. The fellowships support faculty who want to meet with other faculty from across the university to explore ideas on how people learn, and apply those ideas in the classroom to improve teaching. The structure of the program is similar to that of a semester-long, seminar-type course in which faculty discuss the research literature on learning, and how that knowledge can be translated into practical strategies to enhance student learning. Applications (electronic or hard copy) should be received at the UCITE office by Monday, Oct. 26.
The Department of Human Resources and the University Career Center recently created the Career Development Series: Effectively Managing Your Career at Case. Those seeking to grow in their current role or to explore other opportunities at the university are invited to attend this series focusing on career decision-making skills. Participants will take the Myers Briggs-Type Indicator and learn to apply proven career development and relationship building techniques. The first session, "Exploring the Self," is from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, in the Toepfer Room. Register online.
For Students
The university's Undergraduate Student Government invites all students to attend the State of the University Address at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Ford Auditorium. President Barbara R. Snyder will offer updates on achievements to date and opportunities ahead. She'll also answer questions and address students' concerns. Light refreshments will be provided.
The Society of Women Engineers invites all students to participate in an ice cream social and informal panel discussion at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at Wade Fireside Lounge. The panelists are LaShanda Korley, professor of macromolecular science and engineering; Heidi Martin, professor of chemical engineering; and Clare Rimnac, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. In addition, current graduate students will discuss the master's degree in engineering management program
Events
The university's Social Justice Alliance and Institute Leadership Group will host an information session from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence. The session is designed for campus community members who'd like to contribute to the university's ongoing commitment to social justice on campus and beyond. The group is chaired by Rhonda Williams, associate professor of history. Pizza and beverages will be available.
The Murdough Family Center for Psoriasis at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals is sponsoring a scientific symposium, Common Macrophage Biology and Inflammatory Mechanisms in Psoriasis and Atherosclerosis, October 15 and 16. Go online for information.
The views and opinions of those invited to speak on campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.
