Main Menu
Contact: Leigh Flynn
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
8/25/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Dr. Martin Rudd, assistant professor of chemistry at Northwestern State University, spent his summer working in one of the country's premier research facilities in physical sciences and mathematics.
Rudd was a visiting scientist at the United States Department of Energy's Ames Lab research facility on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He was associated with the research group of distinguished professor of chemistry Robert J. Angelici.
While at Ames Lab, Rudd worked with 11 other scientists on a new project. The project involved designing and identifying new molecules for the extraction of radioactive cesium and strontium from low-level and middle-level radioactive wastes.
"It was a very interesting project to be involved with," he said. "It is a great opportunity for faculty to go to such a well-equipped research facility and interact with full-time researchers."
Ames Lab is one of the country's premier research facilities in the fields of physical sciences and mathematics and conducts investigations in the areas of alternative fuels, biosensors, catalysts and new materials. It recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The group of scientists with whom Rudd collaborated on the project included several graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and a visiting scientist from Mexico City.
Rudd was in Iowa from mid-May through the end of July. A presentation of the group's work was given at the annual Department of Energy's meeting in Chicago in July.
While in Iowa, Rudd also attended the Iowa Group Chemistry Network workshop. At the workshop, chemistry professors from community colleges and universities throughout Iowa discussed current topics in chemistry teaching and other chemistry teaching-related issues within the state.
"It was a great learning experience and something I would like to set up in this state," Rudd said. "Louisiana has a much larger number of campuses ... I think it would be valuable group to have."