MONET-Morehouse Partnership Advances Diversity in Polymer Science through NSF PREC Grant
MONET's groundbreaking partnership with Morehouse establishes a pioneering collaboration between a premier HBCU and our center's polymer science expertise. This partnership creates unprecedented research and training opportunities in hyaluronic acid innovation for underrepresented minority students, while strategically positioning both institutions for a comprehensive multi-million dollar PREC proposal to ensure long-term sustainability of this impactful collaboration.
The MONET-Morehouse partnership represents a strategic initiative to diversify polymer science research and education. Through a $200,000 NSF PREC planning grant, the collaboration focuses on advancing the understanding of hyaluronic acid and 3D printing technologies. The partnership includes developing new chemistry courses and technical workshops and establishing a broader network of HBCU researchers in macromolecular chemistry.
Led by Professor Juana Mendenhall at Morehouse and MONET researchers, this collaboration aims to develop innovative approaches to improving hydrogel properties through three main research thrusts: developing mechanically robust hydrogels, improving 3D-printed scaffold chemistries, and synthesizing interpenetrating double-network composite hydrogels.
This partnership exemplifies MONET's commitment to broadening participation in polymer science research while advancing cutting-edge scientific discoveries. The collaboration leverages Morehouse's excellence in STEM education and MONET's research capabilities to create new opportunities for underrepresented students in chemistry.
