Chemist Lands $650,000 NSF Career Development Grant

From left to right: Vijay Jupally, Nuwan Kothalawala, Dave Crasto, Chanaka Kumara, Asantha Dharmaratne, and Amala Dass. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications

From University Communications

OXFORD, Miss. – Amala Dass, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Mississippi, has been awarded a $650,000 Faculty Early Career Development Program grant from the National Science Foundation.

The prestigious five-year grant allows Dass and his students to continue research in the study of gold alloy nanomolecules, and to launch and sustain a signature outreach research programs for K-12 students.

“Dr. Dass is synthesizing and studying interesting nanomaterials that are made from microscopic gold particles and sulfur compounds, called thiols, that have unusual architectures and interesting electronic properties,” said Charles L. Hussey, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “These gold nanoparticles may have applications in everything from microelectronics to drug delivery systems.”

Dass, who joined the UM faculty in 2009, said the award represents a true team effort.

“Besides God’s goodness, the credit goes to my graduate students, then my mentors and the overwhelming support from the chemistry department and the university, he said. “I enjoy working with students and preparing them to compete with the best nationally and to make a difference locally. This grant makes it possible to do more, but none of this would be possible without my graduate student team: Chanaka Kumara, Vijay Jupally, David Crasto, Praneeth Nimmalla, Nuwan Kothalawala and Asantha Dharmaratne.”

Faculty Early Career Development Program grants are given to junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding peer-reviewed research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organization.

“The granting of such an award is special recognition by the NSF of Dr. Dass’s potential to become a nationally recognized teacher-scholar, and it illustrates this department’s strong efforts to hire faculty who show excellence in both teaching and research,” Hussey said.

Dass said it is NSF’s teacher-scholar emphasis that makes the CAREER grant “so prestigious and challenging to win.”

“The granting organization expects excellence in both research and outreach; thus, we proposed two specific outreach activities. One is a high school research program, where high school students participate in cutting edge research at the university. The other is outreach activities at North Panola High School, which would not have been possible without assistance from Cass Dodgen and Hanna Olivier.”

Dodgen is director of pre-college programs for the UM Division of Outreach and Continuing Education and Olivier is a chemistry teacher at North Panola High School in Batesville.

Because of the grant, Dass and his graduate schools were able to immediately establish a summer research program for high school students. A fall outreach program is being developed for K-12 students at North Panola schools, including North Panola High School, North Panola Junior High School and Green Hill Elementary.

“This grant provides not only the means for Dr. Dass to establish a firm footing for his own career in science; it also provides the opportunity for Mississippi high school students to walk a few weeks in the shoes and lab coat of a scientist,” said Dr. Alice Clark, UM Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs.

“Hopefully, many will like how the laboratory feels and be inspired to make their own academic and professional careers in science. For those who choose other paths, this experience will allow them to navigate those paths with greater appreciation for the role of science in the world and in their own lives.” –– DEBORAH A. PURNELL