TAMIU Chemistry Professor Awarded A&M System Equipment Grant for Research Collaboration
A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) faculty member has been named a recipient of a Texas A&M University System TAMUS-REF Equipment Grant.
Dr. Alfred K. Addo-Mensah, professor of Chemistry, was awarded the grant for his research proposal, “Acquisition of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer for Research and Teaching at TAMIU, TAMU-CC, and WTAMU.”
The collaborative research endeavor sought funds to acquire an ICP-OES, a piece of equipment used to detect trace elements in a wide range of chemical samples.
"An ICP-OES is the instrument of choice for trace element analysis because it is sophisticated, advanced, robust, easy to operate, cost-effective, highly selective, sensitive, reproducible and relatively inexpensive to run and maintain," Addo-Mensah said.
Faculty and students supporting this research will help address questions in broad areas of analytical chemistry, environmental science, petroleum engineering, materials science, civil engineering and environmental microbiology, Addo-Mensah said.
TAMIU faculty members aiding in this research are Dr. Maya Bhatt, assistant professor of chemistry; Dr. Mohammed Davachi, associate professor of chemistry; Dr. Kameron Jorgensen, associate professor of chemistry; Dr. Monica O. Mendez, associate professor of biology; and Dr. Fatick Nath, associate professor of petroleum engineering. The research efforts also count on the support of A&M University System faculty members, including Dr. Erick Butler, professor of environmental engineering at West Texas A&M University, as well as Dr. Mark Olson, associate professor of chemistry, and Dr. Benson Karimi, assistant professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, respectively.
The multidisciplinary proposal focuses on expanding the intellectual creativity of faculty and students on the team, creating future opportunities for external grant applications, and serving as a learning tool for University students, Addo-Mensah emphasized.
“Undergraduate and graduate students will be trained to use the ICP-OES, which will allow them to undertake more advanced research projects as well as be more competitive for employment and admission to graduate and professional schools. Overall, we will enhance the education experience of students by expanding their participation in research and scholarly activities,” said Addo-Mensah.
For additional information, contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects at grants@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.3026, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, rooms 426 and 429.
A proud member of The Texas A&M University System, TAMIU provides a world-class educational experience to students from throughout South Texas, Northern Mexico, and beyond.
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