The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded nearly $750,000 to Min Zou, a Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering at the U of A to develop bioinspired surface textures that repel lunar dust. Member of the University of Arkansas Power Group and associate professor of mechanical engineering at the U of A, Xiangbo Meng, serves as a co-principal investigator on the project. Lunar dust, a fine, glassy material that can accumulate several inches deep on the Moon’s surface, is known for its abrasiveness and electrostatic charge. It adheres to surfaces, penetrates seals, clogs mechanisms, and causes material degradation—challenges that threaten the longevity and functionality of spacecraft, habitats, and equipment. Meng’s expertise will be critical in developing solutions to mitigate these issues.
$1 Million Awarded to Boost Semiconductor Workforce Development
The University of Arkansas received a $1 million grant from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to expand workforce training in electronics and semiconductors. This program will equip students with foundational skills for careers in the semiconductor industry,...
