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| Chemistry and Geochemistry assistant professor Brian Trewyn |
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| Chemistry and Geochemistry assistant professor Jenifer Braley |
GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 12, 2016 – Chemistry and Geochemistry assistant professors Brian Trewyn and Jenifer Braley were awarded a $750,000 grant from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) that will support their research on post-detonation nuclear forensics efforts. They will develop radiation resistant porous materials for the rapid and robust separation of f-elements for the analysis of post-detonation debris.
"This research could potentially make a significant leap forward in the area of rare earth elemental separations and capitalize on advancements in the field of material science," Trewyn said. “It will further our understanding of the interactions of rare earths with functionalized mesoporous materials.”
Materials developed in this research will help provide information about a given nuclear detonation, particularly the type of device (atomic bomb vs. hydrogen bomb) that was used.
DTRA is an agency within the US Department of Defense and is the official Combat Support Agency for countering weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high explosives). DTRA's main functions are threat reduction, threat control, combat support and technology development.
Contact:
Kathleen Morton, Digital Media and Communications Manager, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3088 | kmorton@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3541 | kgilbert@mines.edu
