East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute in Japan for FY 2012

Donius Amalie E, Alfred Station NY

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds Amalie Donius of Drexel University to conduct a research project, entitled "Modifying Nanofibers for Porous Biomaterials" during the summer of 2012 at Kyoto University in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The host scientist is Professor Hiroyuki Yano. The Intellectual Merit of the research project lies in the fabrication of porous degradable and resorbable biomaterials from environmentally benign and biocompatible materials. In addition to the macroporosity of the porous material, a second level of porosity and greater functionality is being achieved by creating pore walls from biopolymer nanofibers. Such materials have great potential for applications in filtration and tissue engineering. Broader Impacts of an EAPSI fellowship include providing the Fellow a first-hand research experience outside the U.S.; an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and an orientation to the society, culture and language. These activities meet the NSF goal to educate for international collaborations early in the career of its scientists, engineers, and educators, thus ensuring a globally aware U.S. scientific workforce.