Building a stronger nation with soft materials

NTU's collaboration with Harvard in materials research and science education allows New Mexico students to pursue research that addresses real-world needs

By Wafa Hozien
April, 2024

In 2017 Navajo Technical University (NTU) and Harvard University's Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) established a Partnership in Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program, providing students in New Mexico with opportunities to pursue advanced degrees in science and engineering. Led by NTU Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Thiagarajan Soundappan, the collaboration addresses critical issues by supporting groundbreaking research in health, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

The collaboration's foundation was generously provided by the National Science Foundation seed funding of $650,000 in 2018, which evolved into a $4.04 million funded proposal in 2021. The three thrust areas—microfluidic systems, electrochemical materials, energy storage, and dynamic soft materials—showcase the depth of research conducted through this impactful partnership.

According to Harvard SEAS Dr. Kathryn Hollar, Director of Community Engagement, the partnership is designed to create pathways for NTU students by combining Harvard's expertise in research techniques with a focus on reinforcing the community in New Mexico.

Hollar said the collaboration addresses legacy issues caused by mining and health disparities, offering students the opportunity to bridge their elders' teachings with their academic studies at NTU, and advancing their community through science. Students explore applications such as soft robotics, electrochemical sensor techniques and microfluidics, which address critical issues like groundwater and soil contamination from mining.

For instance, under the guidance of Harvard researchers, an electrochemistry research team at NTU known as the Nanoelectrochemical Analysis and Energy Storages (NEST) Lab, has innovated paper-based electrochemical sensors capable of swiftly detecting heavy metals. These flexible and twistable sensors offer simplicity, affordability, and portability, making them applicable across various sectors, including environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, food safety testing, and point-of-care diagnostics. The development of these sensors holds promise for monitoring heavy contaminants from abandoned mines, and plays a critical role in advancing healthcare diagnostic devices like glucose sensors, which contributes significantly to the economic development of the community.

According to Dr. Jennifer Lewis, Director of the Harvard MRSEC and a member of Harvard's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, the focus on research, teaching, and community building has created a unique space for students to explore cutting-edge research while building strong relationships between NTU and Harvard faculty and students.

"This collaboration extends beyond the laboratory providing NTU students with a unique urban experience in Boston," Lewis said. "Through our joint efforts, we're not only fostering research skills, but also empowering students to bring valuable knowledge back to their communities, contributing to the growth of NTU as a technology hub."

Dr. Soundappan's incorporation of traditional Navajo materials science into scientific research adds a unique dimension to the collaboration. Through the involvement of Dr. Franklin Sage in Diné Studies, students engage in traditional Navajo dye extraction. The extracted materials are then characterized using spectroscopic properties, showcasing the integration of cultural heritage with cutting-edge scientific research.

The collaboration between NTU and the Harvard University MRSEC is making a profound impact on students in New Mexico—including Robinson Tom, NTU's first biology program graduate, PREM & MRSEC participant, and military veteran. Admitted as the first Ph.D. student from NTU to Harvard, Tom's research on microfluidic techniques for developing targeted bio-insecticides demonstrates the program's real-world applications, especially in the agricultural industry.

The program's success is evident in the work of other students, as well:

• Wayant Billey, NTU's first chemistry major, explores biofuel cells and automotive studies, aiming to revolutionize car fueling using biofuels and electric motors. Billey's chemistry and environmental consciousness is evident as he envisions using paper-based electrodes to address health hazards related to coal mining and uranium mines across various communities in New Mexico. Wayant aspires to pursue a doctorate degree in chemistry, and apply awareness and modern solutions to his community.
• Zabari-Obyoni Bell, an NTU graduate majoring in biology.
• Jonathan Chinana, an NTU graduate majoring in electrical engineering, and currently a graduate student at Harvard, worked alongside Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists in 2024 on how hydrogen fuel cells work, and developed an affordable Kibble balance based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• Drealle Estrada, an NTU undergraduate majoring in biology, conducted electrochemistry microfluidic encapsulation research with Navajo tea and the measurement of antibacterial properties. Drealle has aspirations to pursue a career in healthcare.
• Ethan Mann, an NTU undergraduate majoring in Additive Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
• Hunter Reidhead, an NTU electrical engineering undergraduate. He has researched the antimicrobial effects of tea/herbs.
• Bianca Todacheenie, an NTU undergraduate double major for an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor in Biology. She aims to earn her MD/Ph.D., and become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to experience and gain knowledge about being an RN in the Emergency Room.
• Dallen Plummer, a prospective chemistry major who is currently an electrical engineering senior, is learning the ropes of electrochemical chemistry with a focus on paper electrodes. His work involves testing water samples on the Navajo Nation for hard metals, contributing to the larger goal of ensuring safe drinking water for both communities and livestock. Plummer hopes to graduate in electrical engineering, bringing his expertise to further NTU's impact.
• Joshua Platero, an NTU graduate conducted electrochemistry research at the NEST Lab, emphasized its importance for community health, focusing on fabricating paper-based electrochemical sensors to target biomolecules like glucose for improved patient monitoring, and has aspirations to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry for further research and development.
• Tionna Tapaha, an NTU undergraduate majoring in biology, is currently at the New Mexico State University.
• Davina Spencer, a senior in Environmental Science and Natural Resources, conducts chemistry research to understand the elements in the Navajo Nation's water and their health impact, driven to educate and improve lives by showcasing the importance of research in daily life, particularly in Indigenous communities.
• Katelyn Wilson, an NTU research assistant with a BS in biology from NTU, plays a crucial role in guiding interns, teaching them about research, and presenting their work at national conferences like the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Her dedication to biomolecular sensing research extends globally with NTU earning recognition in competitions worldwide, notably through collaboration with Harvard.

These students exemplify the transformative influence of the Harvard-NTU collaboration, empowering them to bridge traditional knowledge with cutting-edge research, creating solutions for their communities, and envisioning a future where science serves as a catalyst for positive change.

The project had to overcome barriers, particularly during the pandemic. Setting up local area networks on NTU's campus and adapting to virtual engagement allowed for continued progress, Hollar said. From these challenges, a stronger partnership was forged.

"In the collaborative journey with NTU, we've witnessed the intertwining knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research," she said. "Our students are not only learning about materials science, but are becoming ambassadors, connecting their Navajo heritage with the forefront of scientific discovery."

Dr. Jennifer Lewis concurs, noting that the emphasis on research at NTU is crucial, contributing to the university's growth as a technology hub. The unique aspect of this collaboration lies in its commitment to empowering students to conduct meaningful research in their home environment. The growth of NTU from a small college to a thriving university is a remarkable outcome of this collaborative effort.

Looking ahead, Dr. Soundappan envisions the use of 3D printing to automate the fabrication of electrochemical sensors. This advancement would streamline the sensor production process and empower students with the latest technology in materials science.

The partnership between NTU and Harvard in materials research and science education stands as a model of success, blending academic excellence, cultural richness, and technological innovation. The shared vision for future advancements in materials research and science education at NTU reflects the enduring impact of this collaboration.

Authorship, funding, disclosures

The Harvard University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), and Harvard-NTU Partnership in Research Education in Materials (PREM) are supported through the auspices of the National Science Foundation (MRSEC DMR-2011754 and PREM DMR-2122195).