Tennessee Technological University receives $1.3 million grant from U.S. Department of Energy
The grant comes via the Reaching a New Energy Workforce (RENEW) initiative of the DOE and will support radiochemistry students as they work on a research project.
Tennessee Technological University has received a $1.3 million New Energy Workforce (RENEW) grant from the US Department of Energy. The grant will support the university’s radiochemistry students as they work on a research project about the use of metal-organic frameworks to separate and purify Promethium-147.
According to an article on Tennessee Technological University’s website, David Dan, who is an associate professor of chemistry, applied for the grant and will be helping undergraduate and graduate students through the research project. He explained the research project and is quoted as saying, “Promethium-147 is notoriously difficult to separate from its parent isotope because of their similar chemical properties. By using metal-organic frameworks, we aim to develop a more efficient and scalable method for purification, which could have far-reaching implications beyond this project.” He added that Promethium-147 is applicable in space exploration.
The RENEW initiative aims to cultivate student interest in radiochemistry and nuclear science. Both fields have seen a decline in interest and participation, despite the continual critical role both play in energy and industry. Dan hopes that the students who are able to participate in the project and receive unique hands-on experiences in the fields will become inspired to ultimately pursue these fields as their careers.
He said, “The goal is to create a strong pipeline of future radiochemists and nuclear scientists. The experience this project will provide – especially through our collaboration with ORNL – will make them highly competitive for careers in industry, government labs and academia.”
The research project funded by the grant will run for three years. Sixteen students will be able to work on the project and will be able to take part in research rotations at Oak Ridge National Lab. Dr. Frankie White and Megan Simms of Oak Ridge National Lab will partner with Tennessee Technological University to provide students with access to lab settings and lend their expertise to the project.
Dan said, “We’re entering a second golden age of nuclear science, and it’s critical that we train the next generation to lead it.”
For more information about Tennessee Technological University, visit the school’s website.