It is considered the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious junior faculty award program, and this year, Tulane University assistant professor Julie Albert is in the CAREER award's class of 2016.
Albert, the Robert and Gayle Longmire Early Career Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, is one of 160 recipients from 88 institutions across the United States. She will receive $500,000 to come up with an efficient manufacturing method for the production of tailor-made polymer thin films.
“Long term, these materials will contribute to next generation technologies like medical diagnostic devices that are more accurate and portable,” says Albert, “as well as electronic devices that are faster, smaller and capable of storing more information; and energy sources that are cleaner without sacrificing capacity or power.”
Albert says the work should provide many opportunities for undergraduates to carry out independent research projects and inspire some to pursue graduate studies.
In addition, she will have a STEM component to provide girls in grades 5-7 the opportunity to work with women role models in science, technology, engineering and math.
Begun in 1995, the CAREER program provides promising junior faculty the opportunity to pursue outstanding research, excellence in teaching and the integration of education and research.
This year’s Engineering CAREER awards total approximately $80 million, with each recipient receiving a minimum of $500,000 over five years.
“I feel very fortunate and honored to have received this award, and I am excited about implementing the research and education plans I proposed,” says Albert. “I have had several fantastic mentors both at Tulane and at other institutions whose advice has definitely contributed to my success.”
