$2 million awarded to Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City

Saint Peter’s College President Eugene Cornacchia, left, and Dr. Brenden Godfrey of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, unveil a check for more than $1.9 million. The money will help fund the formal establishment of the College’s Center for Microplasma Science and Technology. (Photo by Dylan Wilson, The Jersey Journal)

Jersey City, N.J. – It may not be easy to define microplasma, but officials from Saint Peter’s College and the U.S. Department of Defense surely had no problem explaining the benefits of the $2 million awarded to the school to establish the Center for Microplasma Science and Technology Friday at the Jersey City college.

Microsplasma is a recent phenomena and its uses — such as creating large quantities of ozone — are still being explored. The physical, electrical and optical properties have also been applied to technologies such as water purification.

“An exciting new era in science and technology has dawned at Saint Peter’s College,” college President Eugene J. Cornacchia said. “We are so excited and grateful the federal government has chosen to invest in the sciences at Saint Peter’s.”

Research conducted at the Center for Microplasma Science and Technology (CMST) — the first scientific and educational center in the nation devoted to the emerging field — is expected to help the Department of Defense refine their use of microplasmas for defense-related projects.

Officials also said microplasma technology would aid in aerospace research.

“Through the Center, the College will be able to enrich and expand course offerings and enhance student opportunities for research internships,” said Marylou Yam, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the College. “Our students will be exposed to national and international research in the area, and will work with faculty and professional scientists on cutting edge research on microplasmas. We look forward to the exciting future that it promises.”

The CMST at Saint Peter’s College is expected to become a hub for all laboratories across the country currently studying microplasmas; and will organize research efforts and host scientific meetings, workshops and conferences.

“I think it’s particularly appropriate that the Center will be part of your new Department of Applied Science and Technology because the applications that will flow will have a great impact not only academically and for the Department of Defense, but for businesses in New Jersey and elsewhere,” said Brendan B. Godfrey, director of the Department of Defense’s Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

The Jersey Journal article link – https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/04/2_million_awarded_to_saint_pet.html