Major Research Projects
National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center (ERC)
for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials
The ERC is conducting research in biomedical engineering and nanobio applications. Its goal is to generate revolutionary advances in cardiovascular, orthopedic and craniofacial medicine through the development of biocompatible and biodegradable implants for reconstruction and regeneration. The award totals $18 million over five years with a possible five-year extension. North Carolina A&T is the ERC’s lead institution; partners include the University of Pittsburgh, University of Cincinnati, and Hannover Medical School in Germany.
NSF CREST Bioenergy Center
The Bioenergy Center conducts fundamental research toward the development of advanced thermochemical biomass conversion technology for the efficient, economic production of liquid transportation fuels and hydrogen. The center’s goal is to make biomass a more viable source of renewable energy by developing the basic science and technology that will make energy conversions more efficient and costs more affordable.
Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies
The center’s research adds value to agricultural commodities by finding new ways to make food safer, extend shelf life and preserve health promoting nutrients. It is located at the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis and is working with academic partners there to expand into diverse areas such as nutrigenomics and metabolomics. A&T is one of eight universities with facilities at the NCRC, a $1 billion, 350-acre biotechnology research park.
BEACON: A National Science Foundation Science & Technology
Center for the Study of Evolution in Action
BEACON’s goal is to gain a better understanding of evolutionary dynamics through interdisciplinary research between evolutionary theorists, evolutionary biologists, and evolutionary practitioners (engineers and computer scientists working in the field of Genetic & Evolutionary Computing). Researchers will transfer discoveries from evolutionary biology into computer science and engineering design, while using novel computational methods and systems to address complex biological questions that are difficult or impossible to study with natural organisms. North Carolina A&T is a member of a consortium led by Michigan State University.
Center for Advanced Studies in Identity Sciences
The Center performs research in a variety of identity security issues (biometrics, face recognition, age progression, age estimation, and ocular recognition), while increasing the pool of professionals in the biometric workforce. North Carolina A&T is the lead institution; partners are Clemson University, the University of North Carolina Charlotte, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Funded by an $8.93 million, five-year grant to create the first Director of National Intelligence Science and Technology Center of Academic Excellence.
