Category: News

The Office of Research Safety announced the addition of Samuel Forrest as hazardous materials specialist and Laura (Yan) Ye as health and safety specialist.

For the past 6 years, Sam served as a Health and Safety Specialist at the Innovation Campus and Technology Park in Anderson and other assigned Upstate facilities, providing support in laboratory and non-laboratory safety as well as management of hazardous and biological waste management.

Sam is now assigned to main campus. Sam’s new duties consist of assisting the hazardous materials manager in hazardous and biological waste as well as hazardous materials transportation and shipping for all Clemson University facilities statewide.

Laura succeeds Sam at the Innovation Campus and Technology Park. She previously held the position of health and safety specialist on main campus where her duties included safety inspections in both labs and non-lab areas, fume hood certifications, working with facilities to make sure hood repairs were completed as well as preparing health and safety fact sheets and other duties as assigned.

The first recipients of R-Initiative grants administered by the Division of Research in 2017 have secured an additional $2.5 million in external funding, have two book proposals in press and six manuscripts under review, have written four peer-reviewed journal articles and eight book chapters, have submitted 17 conference papers and presentations, and have held one juried art exhibition.

These are just the early results of R-Initiative programs launched in 2017. The Division of Research has awarded more than $3 million in R-Initiative funding for research projects involving 172 faculty members across all colleges over the past two years. Programs provide funds for equipment purchases, for hiring research faculty, for initiating or completing research projects, and for competing for high-value external research funding.

In January, the Division awarded SEED grants to 11 faculty members from nine different departments and five colleges. These funds help faculty members initiate new research or complete scholarly products, such as books or book chapters, peer-reviewed publications, or visual and performing arts showings.

Applications are being accepted now for grants under the Major Research Instrumentation and Core Incentivized Access programs:

The Major Research Instrumentation program provides funds to purchase, replace or upgrade major research equipment. The submission deadline is March 27. Awards will be announced May 1. MORE DETAILS.

The Core Incentivized Access program (CU-CIA) provides access to Clemson’s core research facilities, at no cost, to help Clemson University faculty build research data that will supplement a new grant proposal. These facilities offer cutting-edge technologies, high-end instrumentation, technical support and educational services. The submission deadline is April 8. Awards will be announced May 6.  MORE DETAILS.

Clemson University is adding new advanced equipment to three of its high-tech research facilities – the Electron Microscopy Facility, the Light Imaging Facility and the Micro Fabrication Facility.

The news tools will be used by Clemson researchers from numerous fields, as well as private industry, to fuel innovation for the advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, digital, energy and environmental sectors, among many others.

The Electron Microscopy Facility (EMF) at the Advanced Materials Research Lab in Anderson is adding three products:

• Hitachi’s SU9000 Ultra-High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope with Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) capability is the highest resolution scanning electron microscope in the world and the only advanced microscope of its kind in the United States. This microscope will be ideal for catalysis, biological and pharmaceutical research, polymer and fiber analysis, life sciences and medicine, electronics, and advanced nanotechnology materials.
• The Hitachi H7830 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is the latest and most advanced tunable energy 120 kV TEM, featuring dual-mode objective lens technology that allows users to image their specimens in a variety of conditions, such as low magnification, wide-field high contrast, high resolution, and more — all in one microscope. This advanced TEM will allow users to study their material at the nanometer scale. Users from academia and industry from a variety of disciplines are expected to benefit from this advanced TEM.
• Hitachi’s SU5000 Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (VP-SEM) allows for samples to be analyzed for a long duration with a stable and finely tuned electron beam. This microscope comes with a large chamber that is highly useful for irregularly shaped specimens. These types of microscopes are the work horse microscopes and provide steady and stable usage for extended period of time.

These additions make EMF one of the premiere electron microscopy labs in the country. This equipment is expected to be available for use by the end of the summer. Visit the EMF webpage for contact information and details on using equipment.

Meanwhile, the Clemson Light Imaging Facility (CLIF) is acquiring a new widefield imaging system, the Leica DMi8 TIRF HP with GSD Super-resolution. This powerful new live cell imaging tool offers traditional widefield imaging in X, Y, Z, T with multiple channels available for various fluorescent and transmitted light modes.  With the addition of the Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) module, users can now access four channels of TIRF imaging with Leica’s uniquely simple, one-click calibration, which provides highly repeatable penetration depths relative to the specimen’s refractive index without ever having laser light emitted into the room.  With the same four lasers, and Leica’s Laser Scanner, users can also now utilize the CLIF for photo-activation, photoconversion, optogenetics, and more, which may all be integrated into any of the imaging modes on the system.  The system is also capable of 2D GSD (Ground State Depletion) and dSTORM super-resolution. With the high performance stage and easy to use navigational software, users may now stitch large images, image multi-well plates, or image multi-positions within a dish, maximizing the data from every imaging run.

This equipment is expected to be delivered during the Spring semester. Visit the CLIF webpage for contact information and details on using the facility.

The Micro Fabrication Facility has added an EVG 501 wafer bonder, which can bond 4-inch diameter wafers  of similar or dissimilar materials together using heat and pressure. This capability allows researchers to take advantage of one material property while exploiting another.

In the 2nd quarter of 2019, the facility also will take delivery of a Raith EBPG5200 Series Direct Write Electron Beam Pattern Generator. This tool is state-of-the-art in E-beam direct writing, capable of producing sub 10nm structures with overlay accuracy of <5nm. With this new equipment, Clemson researchers will no longer need to travel to other institutions to produce nanotechnology-level devices.

Visit the Micro Fabrication Facility webpage for contact information and details on using the facility.

These are significant investments in Clemson’s research infrastructure. In 2019, the Division of Research again will offer faculty an opportunity to utilize these facilities, as well as the Godley-Snell Research Center, Aquatic Animal Research Lab, and High Performance Computing, through the Clemson University Core Incentivized Access program (CU-CIA). CU-CIA is one of six  R-Initiative programs created to spur research activity at Clemson and open new opportunities for faculty. In the last two years, the university has invested more than $3 million through its R-Initiative programs in projects involving 161 faculty members from 36 departments representing each college. Applications for the CU-CIA incentive will be due in April. More information on the CU-CIA program and other R-Initiatives is available online here. 

The Division of Research is now accepting applications for grants under the Faculty SUCCEEDS and Major Research Instrumentation programs.

These are two of six R-Initiative programs created to spur research activity at Clemson and open new opportunities for faculty. In the last two years, the university has invested more than $3 million through its R-Initiative programs in projects involving 161 faculty members from 36 departments representing each college.

The Clemson Faculty SUCCEEDS (Strategic University Challenge for Competitive Excellence and Expertise in Discovery and Scholarship) program provides seed grants that support leading-edge research and scholarship that capitalize on the existing intellectual capital at Clemson University. Recipients are expected to submit a major research proposal ($1.5 million or more) to federal agencies, foundations, corporate consortia or any other external sponsor. The deadline to apply is Feb. 27. Awards will be announced April 15. MORE DETAILS.

The Major Research Instrumentation program provides funds to purchase, replace or upgrade major research equipment. The submission deadline is March 27. Awards will be announced May 1. MORE DETAILS.

Next spring, the Division of Research will accept applications for the Core Incentivized Access program (CU-CIA), which provides access to Clemson’s core research facilities, at no cost, to help Clemson University faculty build research data that will supplement a new grant proposal. These facilities offer cutting-edge technologies, high-end instrumentation, technical support and educational services. The application period will open Jan. 21,  and the submission deadline will be April 8. Awards will be announced May 6.  MORE DETAILS.

Next summer, the Division of Research will accept applications for the Research Fellows program, which provides grants to assist regular faculty, academic departments, centers and institutes in the hiring and training of qualified research faculty and post-doctoral researchers. The application period will open May 15, and the submission deadline will be Sept. 13. Awards will be announced Nov. 18. MORE DETAILS.

The application period is now closed for the Clemson University SEED program, which provides funding for the initiation of a research project or the completion of a product, such as a book or piece of artwork. Awards will be announced on Jan. 28.

For questions on these R-Initiative programs, contact Diana Thrasher with the Division of Research at dianas@clemson.edu or 864-656-3908.

The Division of Research will accept applications in the fall and spring for funding under the Clemson R-Initiative programs. In the last two years, these programs have invested more than $3 million in projects involving 161 faculty members from 36 departments representing each college.

Submission dates have changed from previous years; additional details are below.

R-Initiative programs provide financial support to hire post-doctoral researchers, to compete for large research grants, to complete books or other scholarly projects, to upgrade or acquire equipment, or to initiate research.

The Division is currently accepting applications for the Clemson University SEED program, which provides funding for the initiation of a research project or the completion of a product, such as a book or piece of artwork. Applications are due Nov. 30 and awards will be announced Jan. 28. More details are available in the Call for Proposals online here.

The Division also will award funds under the following R-Initiative programs:

Clemson Faculty SUCCEEDS: The Strategic University Challenge for Competitive Excellence and Expertise in Discovery and Scholarship program (SUCCEEDS) positions interdisciplinary faculty teams to successfully compete for significant external funding (>$1.5 million). The application period opens Dec. 3, and the submission deadline is Feb. 27. Awards will be announced April 15. MORE DETAILS.

Major Research Instrumentation: The Clemson Major Research Instrumentation (CU-MRI) program provides funds to purchase, replace or upgrade major research equipment. The application period opens Dec. 3, and the submission deadline is March 27. Awards will be announced May 1. MORE DETAILS.

Research Fellows: Clemson Research Fellows provides grants to assist regular faculty, academic departments, centers and institutes in the hiring and training of qualified research faculty and post-doctoral researchers. The application period opens May 15, and the submission deadline is Sept. 13. Awards will be announced Nov. 18. MORE DETAILS.

For questions on these R-Initiative programs, contact Diana Thrasher with the Division of Research at dianas@clemson.eduor 864-656-3908.

ADDITIONAL REMINDER:

The Division of Research continues to accept applications under the new Clemson University Core Incentivized Access program (CU-CIA), which provides access to Clemson’s core research facilities, at no cost, to help Clemson University faculty build research data that will supplement a new grant proposal. These facilities offer cutting-edge technologies, high-end instrumentation, technical support and educational services. Applications are due Nov. 19. MORE DETAILS.

Mary Gray, senior researcher at Microsoft Research and fellow at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, talked to Clemson University students, faculty and staff on Sept. 14, 2018, about researchers’ responsibilities when using data collected from social media. Her presentation was part of the Responsible Conduct of Research training opportunities provided to Clemson faculty and was sponsored by the Clemson University Office of Research Compliance, the Robert J. Rutland Institute for Ethics and the Office of Inclusion and Equity.

Before her talk she answered a few specific questions from her unique perspective as one of the country’s leading experts in internet ethics.

The Office of the Vice President for Research and the Research Advisory Board proudly announce the creation of the Researcher of the Year award to recognize the accomplishments of our outstanding faculty members.

The Research Advisory Board will select one senior and one junior faculty member to receive this recognition annually. Recipients will receive a $5,000 award.

Each College should select one senior faculty member and one junior faculty member (<10 years after the completion of ther terminal degree) to nominate for the Researcher of the Year award.

Applications should be submitted by March 29, 2019. Awards will be announced at the annual Research Symposium on May 8, 2019.

Download the award packet below: 

Researcher of the Year Award Packet

The Office of Research Development (ORD) within the Division of Research will again be offering its CAREER Development Academy, which guides faculty participants step-by-step to construct a competitive NSF CAREER proposal. Spanning January to July 2019, the Academy comprises workshops presented by former NSF program officers, ORD personnel, CAREER awardees, and external consultants, complemented by small-group writing sessions, peer-review activities, and one-on-one coaching.

There will be  an information session on the Academy on Thursday, November 1, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in Room 118 of the Academic Success Center. The workshop will provide an overview of the NSF CAREER program and of the Academy. The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Chris Paredis, BMW Endowed Chair in Automotive Engineering; Dr. Delphine Dean, Gregg-Graniteville Associate Professor of Bioengineering; and Jane Jacobi, ORD staff.

Faculty interested in participating in this kick-off workshop should RSVP by October 25th by using the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/P62id9aQevGs1BO83.

For more information about the Academy, contact the Office of Research Development at vprord@clemson.edu or go tohttps://www.clemson.edu/research/development/faculty-development/career/index.html.

Office of Research Safety hires four employees

The Office of Research Safety has hired Laura He as lab safety specialist, Jeff Anthony as industrial hygienist, Chris Weber as chemical and lab safety manager, and Ayman Seliman as assistant radiation safety officer. 

Laura He earned a master’s degree in plant physiology from Shanxi Agricultural University in China and most recently worked as a lab specialist for the science department at Tricounty Technical College. She also has worked as a research associate at the Clemson University Department of Biological Sciences and as a research assistant for the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry.

Jeff Anthony is a graduate of Indiana University and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1998 to 2007. He currently serves as a chemical specialist, HAZMAT technician and unit safety officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He recently worked as an environmental analyst and explosive hazardous waste manager at Aerotek.

Chris Weber worked as senior scientist and chemical hygiene officer at Voxtel Inc. since 2015. He earned his master’s degree and PhD in chemistry from the University of Oregon, where he also worked as a postdoctoral researcher and laboratory safety officer. 

Ayman Seliman received a PhD in radiochemistry from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt in 2009 and returned to school to receive a master’s degree in environmental engineering and science from Clemson in 2016. He worked as a research associate with the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences since 2013.

The Office of Research Safety strives to promote a culture of safety, integrity and quality within the university research community. Along with the Office of Research Compliance, the Office of Research Safety works to facilitate university research, teaching and public service programs by providing oversight and coordination of research compliance and safety areas. 

Clemson University has installed state-of-the-art combined X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) equipment at the multi-user Electron Microscopy Facility (EMF) in the AMRL building at Clemson University Research Park.

This capability has been highly sought by Clemson researchers working on advanced materials, bio-materials, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, digital and information technology and environmental projects. XPS and AES will directly contribute to ongoing polymer, fiber and textile research, new catalysts developments, biological implants and biomedical research, geochemical research, alternative energy technology development and all aspects of surface science-based projects at Clemson University and regional educational institutions.

Clemson faculty can schedule time for this equipment by emailing Dayton Cash at ECASH@clemson.edu. Scheduling will be accommodated on a first-come-first-serve basis. XPS/AES usage rates are posted at EMF website.

Following are some of the features of the new XPS:

1. XPS Instrumentation with “scanning” monochromatic x-ray source, a motorized specimen stage, an electron energy analyzer and state-of-the-art associated electron optics.
2. Small spot (<10 µm ) scanning X-ray source and imaging capabilities designed on similar approach used for electron microscopy. The instrument will be capable of producing and displaying a secondary electron (SE) image generated by the raster scanned x-ray spot. Multiple regions for further spectral analysis within the field of view will be selectable from the captured image using the instrument software, without changing the position of the specimen or translating the specimen stage.
3. The instrument will be capable of <10um multi-point analysis within the FOV without moving the stage. Types of analysis include survey spectra, high-resolution spectra, and multi-point depth profiling.
4. The instrument will be equipped with a 180° hemispherical electron analyzer designed for small spot sensitivity for secondary electrons, photoelectrons, and auger electrons.
5. The instrument will have a charge neutralization capability that permits the analysis of electrically insulating materials. This will be based upon a dedicated adjustable low-energy electron source, which may be used in conjunction with a low-energy ion source.
6. The instrument will be equipped with a computer-controlled ion gun capable of removing material from specimens by bombarding with argon (Ar) ions. This is useful during sputter depth profile experiments.
7. The instrument will be equipped with a C60 cluster ion gun, adjustable up to 20 kV, aligned to sputter the specimen at the analysis point without translation of the specimen. The instrument will be capable of sputtering a mixture or alternating layers of inorganic and organic films.
8. The instrument will have an electron gun controlled by the same computer and operating software to capture Auger Electron Spectra. The electron source will be capable of producing spot size <100nm for AES imaging and spectra. Switching between XPS and AES will take less than 5 seconds.
9. The instrument will contain a precision five (5) axis (X, Y, Z, rotation, tilt) motorized stage. The stage will be capable of continuous motorized 360 deg. rotation during ion sputtering.
10. The instrument will have a sample heating stage. The sample stage will be capable of in-situ heating and cooling from -140 C to +600 C.
11. The instrument will be equipped with an automated bake out system capable of baking out the instrument. The instrument will allow the bake out time to be operator selectable, and will include automatic shutoff of the bake out system when done. The instrument will be equipped with interlocks to terminate the bake out in the event of pressure overload, ion pump failure, or excessive temperatures.
12. A strong multi-year support and training from manufacturer will be in place.

For more information on this equipment and other equipment at the Electron Microscope Facility, click here.