UNIVERSITY PARK – Flexible and printed electronics, chemical linguistic analysis and green building projects are targeted to receive $1.3 million in research grants from the Dow Chemical Co.
Penn State was one of only 11 universities nationwide to receive this funding to strengthen research in scientific fields of strategic importance to Dow and the chemical industry.
The company’s investment recognizes Penn State’s longtime record of successfully partnering with private industry, according to University Vice President for Research Henry C. Foley.
“Penn State typically ranks among America’s top universities each year in total research support from private industry,” Foley said. “Companies such as Dow realize that we have the faculty expertise, infrastructure and willingness to work with them in creating a critical mass of resources that can be used to solve problems in areas as diverse as energy, climate change, water, food, transportation, health and housing.”
Thomas N. Jackson, Kirby Chair Professor of Electrical Engineering, received $1,049,826 for a research project in flexible and printed electronics. Lee Giles, professor of information sciences and technology, received a $200,000 grant for chemical linguistic analysis with ChemXSeer. Bohumil Kasal, the Bernard and Henrietta Hankin Chair of Residential Building Construction, received a grant of $48,126 for a life-cycle cost assessment of building enclosure systems with respect to hygrothermal and wind pressure loads.
“As a major employer of scientific and engineering talent, Dow is committed to the development of the 21st century workforce, which will work to solve society’s most pressing challenges while cultivating a more competitive U.S. marketplace,” said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Excellence in scientific education and the development of innovative solutions go hand-in-hand.”
The funds will support faculty, students and infrastructure and is part of Dow’s 10-year commitment to expand its partnership with the nation’s top scientific and engineering talent and research institutes, as well as invest and re-energize the nation’s manufacturing.
Matthew Swayne, Penn State University