University faculty member awarded $70,000 grant for research project

Matthew Liberatore, chair of the McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, said he will spend the funding on materials, supplies and stipends for himself and Trine student assistants. The release states the grant will also cover travel expenses for students to present at regional and national conferences.

In his statement, Liberatore said: "Students will gain experience using industry tools like rheometers and will develop skills that come with independent, laboratory-based projects. Undergraduate research experiences are essential for inspiring students to tackle challenging science and engineering problems."

The research is aimed at developing gels to make underground oil extraction more effective and efficient. The release states that gels are used to control fluid movement and push oil out of rocky formations.

The release states that the materials are typically made using polymer chains and salts that help molecules stay together like a net. These substances are usually required in large quantities.

The Trine research team is working to develop highly effective gels that are cheaper, easier to produce and have less environmental impact, according to the release.

The release notes that this work could also be applicable to the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, as their products make use of water-based gels.