From Labs to Lives

Investments from agencies like NSF, USDA and NASA enable Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Zhaodan Kong to develop technologies that work with humans, such as wildfire-detection drones that support firefighters. Without funding, testing and getting technologies into the hands of people who need them becomes much harder.

In one of her research projects, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Cristina Davis and her team are developing wearable sensors to monitor increasing exposures that could harm our health, such as chemicals released by wildfires. Without federal support, the nation risks decades of stalling scientific progress on such projects.

Assistant Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Md Shamim Ahamed develops solutions to help grow food more efficiently in greenhouses and indoor farms. His team has developed systems that can cut energy and water use by up to 50 percent, helping to lower food costs and help farmers produce food year-round.

Professor of Biomedical Engineering Laura Marcu researches technology that detects harmful tissues, such as cancerous tumors and artery plaques, in real time. Her research directly improves patient care by helping doctors make faster, safer and more precise decisions in the operating room.

Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Jonathon Schofield brings together engineering and medicine to create and test new prosthetic devices that function like a natural part of the body, helping individuals return to work, school and daily life with confidence.

Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Marina Radulaski builds quantum devices with support from the National Science Foundation. “Without federal funding support, we would be limited to only theoretical studies instead of building tangible quantum technologies,” Radulaski said.

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Jason DeJong studies how earth materials behave to better inform the design of durable bridges and buildings. Without the National Science Foundation’s support, the impact of DeJong’s effort will be greatly reduced, leaving communities vulnerable to disaster.

Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Vinod Narayanan directed the development of a new design and manufacturing process for a device aimed at increasing energy efficiency, which was funded by the Department of Energy. The next phase, scaling up, was about to begin when funding was pulled, putting the U.S. at a loss in energy security.

With its increased image clarity and low radiation doses, the total-body PET scanner has transformed how doctors diagnose and treat conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. It was co-developed by Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering Simon Cherry.

Professor of Biomedical Engineering Kent Leach's NIH-funded lab develops biomaterials to help the body heal damaged bone, crucial innovations for the 1 in 2 American adults with a musculoskeletal disorder. In 2034, when seniors will outnumber children in the U.S., these breakthroughs will have significant implications for the national economy.