Researcher receives grant to explore nanotechnology sensors in NRL.
Dr. Braden C. Giordano, a research chemist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), has been honored with the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator Grant. The grant, totaling $650,000, aims to support the team led by the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University, St. Louis, in their ongoing research involving the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology in developing sensors capable of detecting explosive volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The team, which has been dedicated to this research for nearly twenty years, is focused on emulating the exceptional olfactory abilities of insects to create sensors that can detect explosives efficiently, among other applications. Professor Barani Raman, leading the team from Washington University, received the grant to further enhance this sensor technology. Dr. Giordano, who holds the position of Associate Superintendent of the Chemistry Division at NRL, will spearhead the test and evaluation procedures.
Over the past decade, the team has concentrated on refining techniques for generating and validating trace explosives vapors to aid researchers in assessing their sensors effectively. Dr. Giordano expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to this innovative project. Leveraging their expertise in trace explosive vapor generation and validation, NRL's role in the program is pivotal in supporting the comprehensive evaluation of chemical sensor arrays being developed. The detection of trace chemicals, particularly explosives, is of paramount importance to the Department of Defense, making NRL's contribution critical in enhancing sensor performance metrics.
Building on the knowledge acquired from their bio-inspired sensor development research, the team plans to design an AI-enabled, nanoparticle-based 'electronic nose' device. This device aims to amalgamate a large nanostructured chemical sensor array with diverse functionalities and the sensing and AI principles inspired by the olfactory system of locusts. Through this portable proof-of-concept device, the team aims to compile a library of known signatures for various explosive vapors at different concentration levels.
The NSF Convergence Accelerator program, initiated in 2019, focuses on addressing national-scale societal challenges through convergence research. By transitioning basic research and discoveries into practical solutions, the program aims to tackle specific research themes, including real-world chemical sensing applications. This initiative has allocated over $10 million to 16 teams, aiming to develop innovative technologies and solutions to combat issues posed by hazardous chemicals.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) functions as a scientific and engineering command aimed at propelling innovative advancements for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps across various domains, from the seafloor to space and in the information realm. With major field sites in locations such as Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; and Monterey, California, NRL employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers, and support staff.
In conclusion, Dr. Braden C. Giordano's recognition with the NSF Convergence Accelerator Grant underscores the NRL's commitment to advancing cutting-edge research at the intersection of nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and chemical sensing. This project holds promise for revolutionizing the field of sensor technology, particularly in the crucial area of explosive detection, with potential applications in defense and security sectors.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036813
The team, which has been dedicated to this research for nearly twenty years, is focused on emulating the exceptional olfactory abilities of insects to create sensors that can detect explosives efficiently, among other applications. Professor Barani Raman, leading the team from Washington University, received the grant to further enhance this sensor technology. Dr. Giordano, who holds the position of Associate Superintendent of the Chemistry Division at NRL, will spearhead the test and evaluation procedures.
Over the past decade, the team has concentrated on refining techniques for generating and validating trace explosives vapors to aid researchers in assessing their sensors effectively. Dr. Giordano expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to this innovative project. Leveraging their expertise in trace explosive vapor generation and validation, NRL's role in the program is pivotal in supporting the comprehensive evaluation of chemical sensor arrays being developed. The detection of trace chemicals, particularly explosives, is of paramount importance to the Department of Defense, making NRL's contribution critical in enhancing sensor performance metrics.
Building on the knowledge acquired from their bio-inspired sensor development research, the team plans to design an AI-enabled, nanoparticle-based 'electronic nose' device. This device aims to amalgamate a large nanostructured chemical sensor array with diverse functionalities and the sensing and AI principles inspired by the olfactory system of locusts. Through this portable proof-of-concept device, the team aims to compile a library of known signatures for various explosive vapors at different concentration levels.
The NSF Convergence Accelerator program, initiated in 2019, focuses on addressing national-scale societal challenges through convergence research. By transitioning basic research and discoveries into practical solutions, the program aims to tackle specific research themes, including real-world chemical sensing applications. This initiative has allocated over $10 million to 16 teams, aiming to develop innovative technologies and solutions to combat issues posed by hazardous chemicals.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) functions as a scientific and engineering command aimed at propelling innovative advancements for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps across various domains, from the seafloor to space and in the information realm. With major field sites in locations such as Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; and Monterey, California, NRL employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers, and support staff.
In conclusion, Dr. Braden C. Giordano's recognition with the NSF Convergence Accelerator Grant underscores the NRL's commitment to advancing cutting-edge research at the intersection of nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and chemical sensing. This project holds promise for revolutionizing the field of sensor technology, particularly in the crucial area of explosive detection, with potential applications in defense and security sectors.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036813
Comments
Post a Comment