Jeffrey R. Alston
Dr. Jeffrey Alston holds a degree in Nanoscale Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he studied under Dr. Jordan Poler. It was during this time that he began his career studying the interfacial science of nanomaterials. After graduation he was recruited at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. There he engineered high pressure gear pumps to extrude polymers with high weight percent nanoparticle loading for on-demand 3D printing of tires. After several years in industry, Dr. Alston received the National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Air Force Research Lab - Rocket Lab in Edwards, CA, where he studied the effects of surface energy and nanoscale hierarchical textures on a variety of applications ranging from heat exchanger fouling release to oil-water separation to advanced high temperature interfacial science and surface interactions to enhance propellant and fuel delivery.
Dr. Alston is now an Assistant Professor at North Carolina A&T and the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. He leads ta research program focussing on the fundamental and applied aspects of nanomaterial surfaces and interfaces. As Dr. Alston puts it, "We functionalize nanoparticles for integration into interesting materials for cool applications." The group currently focuses on the development of three broad material platforms; functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles (f-BN), low-density multifunctional nanostructures, and ionic liquids (including a new class of paramagnetic ionic liquids). Within these broad materials categories, we work closely with NASA and the AFRL, several industry partners, and address various challenges aligned with DoD interests.
Researcher IDs:
Web of Science ResearcherID S-8736-2017
Graduate Research Assistsants
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Bolaji Sadiku
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Reginald Goodwin
Mr. Goodwin received his M.S. in Nanoengineering in 2019 studying liquid infused surfaces in microfluidics. Reggie has an extensive background in high-volume manufacturing with fifteen (15+) years in the semiconductor industry. His current dissertation proposal is Nanoengineering Education, and facilitating connections with industry partners.
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Adesewa Maselugbo
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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James Knoop
Mr. Knoop received an M.S. in Nanoscience in July 2019, and is currently a second-year doctoral student in the Nanoengineering program at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. He is a very sociable and enjoys playing Texas Hold’em, billiards, and currently ranked #26 in North Carolina State in air hockey. He is very interested in the field of sustainable chemistry and wants to make a career by developing new, disruptive technology that will quickly initiate a more green and sustainable future. James’ current research is focused on is the synthesis and characterization of novel imidazolium ionic liquids for carbon dioxide absorption in industrial applications.
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Shashwata Chakraborty
Mr. Chakraborty holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology and a M.S. in Nanoengineering from North Carolina A&T State University. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Nanoengineering at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. He has explored Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding for the fabrication of Glass and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites and has applied for a patent on composite repair.
Undergraduate and High School Research Associates
Chloe Emehel
NC A&T Undergraduate Student
Chloe is an honors biology student in the class of 2024 at North Carolina A&T State University. She appreciates the range of career paths available to her through studying biology and has engaged in hands-on work and research in a variety of fields from cancer psychology to nanoengineering.
Ms. Emehel’s research at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering observes the effects of ionic liquids on the conductivity of regenerating solvents along with related studies looking at the effects of regenerated scaffolds on cell proliferation. She hopes to continue her work on both topics and contribute her knowledge and experience to future applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Andrew Nguyen
High School Student
Andrew is a senior in High School and a Draelos Science Scholar, who spent the summer of 2021 working with us. His project was learning how to synthesis ionic liquids, “Synthesis of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride.” Andrew is passionate towards pursuing a career in science.
Taylor Davis
NC A&T Undergraduate Student
Taylor is an Honors Chemical Engineering student at North Carolina A&T State University. I am organized, resilient, and can easily adjust to new situations. Additionally, I am a part of the third cohort of Cheatham-White Scholars at NC A&T. I am currently seeking internship opportunities Chemical Engineering involving beauty, healthcare, petrochemicals, and energy. I enjoy work that puts people first and positively impacts others.
Research Group Alumni
Haley B. Harrison, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Nanoscience, UNCG
Dr. Harrison successfully defend her dissertation in 2021, and is is currently a postdoctoral researcher at RTI, International in Raleigh, NC.
As the first graduate student to join the group, Haley was instrumental in establishing our group’s expertise in boron nitride nanomaterials and materials chemistry. She has published impactful works on topics including, purification and analysis of BN nanoparticles, sonochemical functionalization of BN, and tailoring surface chemistry of nanoparticles for integration in polymers and ultra low density materials. Dr. Harrison has establish collaborations with government labs and industry, serving as a guest researcher at NASA Glenn and interning at BNNT, Llc.
Md. Intaqer Arafat, M.S.
M.S. Nanoengineering, NC A&T
Mr. Arafat