Scenes Around NSM
Destination: U.S. Space Force
Mitchell Montalvo, a computer science major graduating in May, and Christopher Williams, who graduated with a chemistry degree in December, were competitively selected to serve in the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Space Force. Both are lieutenants in the UH Air Force ROTC. The Space Force’s mission is to organize, train, recruit and equip space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint forces. Montalvo and Williams will reunite at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to begin basic training as space operations officers. Related Article
Video: STEM Interactive’s Impact
Last summer, the three weeks of virtual STEM education provided free to 6th-9th graders impacted both the young students and the NSM teachHOUSTON students who created, planned and implemented the virtual STEM lessons. Hear about their experiences and what they learned. Of the 3,000 young participants, 84% lived in Texas, 11% in other states and 5% in other countries. STEM Interactive will be back for two weeks in summer 2021 – June 14-25. Read More
Wellner Selected for Ocean Discovery Lecture Series
Julia Wellner, associate professor of geology, enjoys sharing the scientific discoveries from her 2019 expedition to the Amundsen Sea in west Antarctica and her enthusiasm for research. She’ll do just that while serving as a distinguished lecturer for the U.S. Science Support Program’s Ocean Discovery Lecture Series. Wellner will deliver eight lectures to a variety of institutions, including universities and museums, with five lectures sponsored by the International Ocean Discovery Program. Related Article
Video: New Confocal Microscope Funded for Biology & Biochemistry Imaging Core
The Biology and Biochemistry Imaging Core (BBIC) recently installed a new Olympus FV3000 laser-scanning inverted confocal microscope, funded through an NIH grant. The microscope’s features include live stage imaging, multiple laser lines, spectral detection, and extended depth of focus, critical to the NIH-funded research at UH. The BBIC provides affordable access to advanced microscopy instrumentation and training to use the instrumentation. Related Article
Nanotech Coating for Air Filters Coming to Campus Buildings
A new nanotech coating, called Capture Coating, is being installed in many buildings on campus. It was developed at the University of Houston Technology Bridge by Seamus Curran, professor of physics, and Curran Biotech. This coating will improve the ability of air filters to trap the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. In preparation for the Fall 2021 academic year, UH Facilities/Construction Management is installing this filter coating in all buildings that have less than MERV-13 rated filters. The MERV rating system reflects a filter’s ability to capture particles of varying sizes.