Category: Natural Sciences & Mathematics

BeAM Design Innovation Hub: Where UNC’s boldest ideas take shape
The BeAM Design Innovation Hub bridges the gap between research and practical application, from creating devices for medical studies to designing engaging museum exhibits.

Building Living Machines
Ronit Freeman uses nature’s building blocks to create innovative technologies, from synthetic cells to treatments that could transform health care.

Researchers Identify Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Treatment of Threatened Sea Lion
A recent study co-authored by a UNC-Chapel Hill chemistry professor identified biomarkers that could change the diagnosis and treatment of domoic acid toxicosis (DAT), a condition caused by a neurotoxin … Read more

Bruno Lab research extends from Galapagos to NC
Led by biologist John Bruno, lab members study species unique to the archipelago but with relevance to the larger ecosystem.

Presidential Early Career Award goes to 4 Carolina researchers
Three of the four winners are in the College of Arts and Sciences. The U.S. government honor is the highest given to scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential.

New AI Tool Enhances Image Quality in Virtual and Augmented Reality
In the realm of virtual reality and augmented reality, the quality and realism of images are crucial for creating immersive experiences.

Greg Forest wins 2024 Jefferson Award
The applied mathematics professor in the College of Arts and Sciences stressed the importance of community in accepting the honor Dec. 13.

Carolina ranks 9th among all top U.S. research institutions
UNC-Chapel Hill has grown research activity by $190M, pushing the University into the top 10 research institutions in the U.S. by volume and annual expenditures.

Service is his passion
Ramon Ortega, an exercise and sport science major and active-duty Marine, will be the first in his family to graduate from college at Winter Commencement.

Coding meets creativity for December graduate Ajay Gandecha
The computer science major has brought a keen eye for design, accessibility and user experience to his student teaching and app creation.

New Material Could Change the Way Electronic Devices Interface with Living Tissues
A new material called OXene could change the way electronic devices interface with living tissues, according to the PNAS paper “Symmetry Engineering in 2D Bioelectronics Facilitating Augmented Biosensing Interfaces.”

Jeff Ayers overcame big challenges to earn his doctorate
Battling through cancer, the doctoral candidate in mathematics had to play catch-up to earn his degree on time. A Summer Research Fellowship gave him the boost he needed.

Defects in a semiconductor material open new pathways for renewable energy innovation
A puzzling phenomenon — the role of shallow traps in perovskite solar cells — has sparked curiosity and debate among scientists. A recent department of applied physical sciences study, published … Read more

32 Carolina faculty named ‘highly cited researchers’
Clarivate’s 2024 international list of trailblazers among peers includes scholars from across the University, including the College of Arts and Sciences.

UNC startup redefining mental health treatment with eye-tracking technology
The heart of the project is its potential clinical impact — empowering clinicians and patients with tools to understand mental health in ways previously unimaginable.

Graduate student discovers youngest transiting planet ever
Identified by Carolina astronomer Madyson Barber, the “baby” planet is 3 million years old and roughly the size of Jupiter.

December graduate pauses studies for hurricane relief
Jessica Bowling’s National Guard duties took her to western North Carolina to help with Helene recovery in October.

New approach boosting polymer conductivity holds immense potential for organic electronics
Researchers in the Department of Chemistry have introduced a new conjugated polymer, called POET-T2-COOH, that achieves electrical conductivities 100,000 times greater than comparable polymers.

Robotics work heralds ‘discovery factories’
Carolina scientists define lab automation and create AI that enables a robot to work beside humans.

Creative collaborators: This is not your parents’ math class
Mathematics faculty member Linda Green teamed up with graduate research consultant Connor Menzel to teach an interdisciplinary data analysis class.