COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Dr. Jaime Grunlan, researcher in the Polymer Technology Center of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, has received a 3M Nontenured Faculty Grant for his nanomaterials research project, "Transparent, Electrically Conductive Nanocomposite Thin Films." The award, given by 3M, recognizes outstanding new faculty for the quality and pertinence of research and is intended to help young faculty achieve tenure, remain in their teaching positions and conduct research. The unrestricted award provides up to $15,000 a year and may be renewed until tenure is achieved, up to a maximum of three years. The funds may be used for any purpose in the performance of basic research. Earlier this year, Grunlan received a 2007 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award for his research into controlling the microstructure of high aspect ratio nanoparticles (e.g., carbon nanotubes) using stimuli-responsive polymers. He has developed a way to control the behavior of nanoparticles, which could lead to new classes of lightweight engineering composites for applications such as microwave antenna substrates; sensing and actuation transducers for biomedical applications; and highly conductive, flexible microelectronic materials. Grunlan joined TEES and the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University in 2004. He is an assistant professor on the mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering faculties. His Polymer Nano Composites Lab is currently developing thick and thin film polymer nanocomposites for a variety of applications that include EMI shielding, gas permeation control and sensors. Grunlan received a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. TEES is the engineering research agency of the State of Texas and a member of The Texas A&M University System.
