Revolutionary Research Insider | Issue IX
University of Massachusetts Amherst | Research
Research that propels change.
#DidYouKnow In FY21, the University of Massachusetts Amherst had $240 million in research awards, 61 invention disclosures, and 26 patents issued?
UMass is a hub of innovation, proudly committed to translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact. Read on to learn about some of the research promising to propel society forward.
A unique and serendipitous collaboration between a microbiologist and an electrical engineer at UMass Amherst has resulted in discoveries powering a new generation of truly green electronics.
Derek Lovley in the College of Natural Sciences at UMass Amherst and Jun Yao in the College of Engineering, UMass Amherst are developing cutting-edge, biologically produced electronics from tiny electrically conducive nanowires created by the microbe Geobacter. Their inventions range from the Air-gen, a device that creates electricity from humidity in the air, to the basis for highly sensitive biomedical sensors.
“If we can scale up the Air-gen—which I think is fundamentally feasible—I envision this technology could really be deployed anywhere. It could be painted on the walls of your home or underneath your desk. It could even be in forests, where current renewable energy technologies like solar panels don’t work because the sun is blocked. I dream that one day, this really could revolutionize society.” —Jun Yao
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Cyta Therapeutics, a UMass Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS)-based early-stage life sciences company, recently was named the Judges’ Choice Best Startup at the 16th annual Massachusetts Life Sciences Innovation (MALSI) Day in Boston.
Cyta is developing proprietary products to treat obesity and related metabolic conditions. These products are built on a novel class of polymer-based nanogels, called IntelliGels, developed in the laboratory of S. Thai Thayumanavan, distinguished professor of chemistry and biomedical engineering department head. Thayumanavan is also director of the Center for Bioactive Delivery in IALS.
UMass was well represented at the MALSI Day event, with four startup teams developing technology based on faculty research.
Earlier this summer, an interdisciplinary team of UMass Amherst engineers received the 2023 Armstrong Fund for Science Award. Cathal Kearney, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, and Govind Srimathveeravalli, assistant professor in mechanical and industrial engineering, will work together to develop a new approach to speed the healing process in hard-to-heal wounds.
Benefactors John and Elizabeth Armstrong established their Fund for Science in 2006 to identify and support UMass Amherst researchers with promising, bold projects that may challenge conventions in their field. Early-career faculty who are women or members of groups that are underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.
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