STEM

Devastating Consequences

With Hurricane Katrina’s intense destruction in 2005, government officials and private citizens can no longer take public infrastructure for granted. Through a series of research projects, The University of Alabama’s Aging Infrastructure Systems Center for Excellence is improving the productivity and resilience of aging assets in America.

Who Am I?

Thirteen years ago Dr. Marcus Brown, associate professor of computer science at The University of Alabama, and one of his now former graduate students were awarded a patent for their novel invention which identifies a person by how they type their name.

‘Actual Mileage May Vary’

As gas prices hover near the $3 a gallon mark, drivers are tempted to try and squeeze every inch of travel possible from each drop of gasoline.

Building a Better Plastic

An effort led by a University of Alabama chemist has demonstrated a new way to dissolve and use cellulose – found in the cell walls of trees and other plants – in producing environmentally friendly materials that UA researchers say have potential for the automotive, packaging and textile industries.

Aiming High… and Deep

A University of Alabama engineering professor and his student team are researching ways to improve projectiles’ ability to penetrate sand, soil and other targets in an effort to assist American troops.

Innovative Classes and Research Give UA Chemistry Professor Two Achievement Awards

A University of Alabama chemistry class will explore different bacteria, including ones that eat sulfur and rock, through funding supplied by a National Science Foundation Award. Dr. Kevin Redding, associate professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, recently was awarded the NSF CAREER Award and the Robin Hill Award for his groundbreaking photosynthesis research.

Math Learning Enters the Computer Age

In January 2003, Greensboro East High School became the first of three high schools in Alabama to begin teaching mathematics with computers and one-on-one tutoring when it opened its Math Technology Learning Center (MTLC), a facility modeled after UA’s own Math Technology Learning Center in Tutwiler Hall.

Improving Computer Chips, Unraveling Epilepsy Mysteries

The National Science Foundation has awarded two University of Alabama faculty with CAREER Awards, NSF’s most prestigious awards for top-performing scientists and engineers who are early in their careers.

Truck with Prototype Fuel Cell Visits UA

A heavy-duty highway tractor truck equipped with a first-of-its-kind fuel-cell auxiliary power unit (APU), which is designed to reduce diesel fuel consumption and emissions, recently made a stop at the UA College of Engineering.

UA Researchers Develop New Method to Stabilize Older Buildings

Dr. Andrew Graettinger, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Dr. Philip Johnson, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, have developed a method of drilling long, straight, small holes in typical building materials without compromising the strength of the structure. This new method will be used for building stabilization, especially in areas that are considered earthquake zones.