Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The minutes of the 2016 annual meeting were approved. Vince Bralts provided administrative update. NC 1194 was renewed in 2016, until 2021. Vince is in partial retirement. He will be identifying a candidate to replace him when he retires. To prepare for the renewal in year 2020, we need to gather information along the way. Station reports are critical.

 The officers for 2017-18 are as follows: Jenna Rickus, Chair (moves up from vice-chair); Jeremy Tzeng, Vice-Chair (moves up from Secretary), and Mengshi Lin was elected as Secretary.

 The group decided to hold the 2018 meeting in conjunction with Gordon Conference on Nano-Enabled Technologies to Improve Efficiency, Quality, and Health in Food and Agriculture held during June 3-8 at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA. The participants are encouraged to actively seek opportunities to present their work at this conference.

 The following are the brief highlights of the station reports:

• Alocilja (MSU): Is a part of a Global Alliance. The idea is to share the learning experience, i.e., peer-to-peer learning system. Have funding from the Philippines.
• Takhistov (NJ, Rutgers): Reported on a sensing technology in equine industrial (horses) and packaging materials integrated antimicrobial with sensors for automatic release.
• Li (AR): Received grants from Walmart to study supply chain. Three professors from three universities in China are participating in this study. The focus is on how to get biosensors breeder, farm, risk assessment (cannot shut down the farms based on one contaminant).
• Lin (MO): Developing sensors for detecting pesticide residues in fruits, fruit juice, milk etc. using gold nanorods and nanocomposites. The detection limit is 500-600 ppb. Cellulose nanosubstrate is used for the detection of pesticides on apple.
• Wamucho (KY): Studying the toxicity of nanoparticles (silver, titanium) using elegans.
• Ramasamy (GA): Developing Enzyme-nanocomposite based biosensors to detect stress-released chemical compounds in plants. Also interested in foodborne pathogens using impedance based biosensor.
• Frey (Cornel): Synthesizing surface functionalized nanofiber. Interested in detecting and removing pollutants in wastewater treatment facility.
• Tzeng (Clemson): Reported the work on detecting and monitoring implant infection with X-ray Excited luminescence chemical imaging.
• Gunasekaran (WI): Synthesizing various nanomaterials and developing biosensors for detecting microorganisms and heavy metals present in food and water.
• Horton (MS): Using a microfluidic device to study cardiovascular diseases. Also interested in using nanofiber.
• Yu and Claussen (IA) presented their work at the NIFA grantees session.
• Bralts, Alocilja, Bhalearo, and Claussen presented their research in the USDA Special Sessions on Nanobiomaterials in Food & Agriculture at the Nanotech 2017 meeting during May 14-17, just prior to the NC1194 meeting.

 Discussions, Suggestions, Recommendations:

Alocilja: How to pool the expertise of NC1194 together to better articulate a vision and mission for us to define the field. We should set some well-defined goals to improve our visible impacts. Perhaps focus on Listeria detection or water contamination, to focus our efforts so that NC 1194 members can work collaboratively.

 The following major problems (members who are interested in) were identified:

• Inline measurement processing (Yu*, Lin, Li, Ramasamy, and Takhistov)
• Matrix challenge (Alocilja*, Gunasekaran, Ramasamy, Frey, and Takhistov)
• False-positive and false-negatives (Ramasamy*, Alocilja, and Gunasekaran,)
• Live vs. dead cells detection (Tzeng*, Ramasamy*, Alocilja, and Wamucho (Tsyusko lab))

The lead member in each, identified with *, will follow-up with discussions and report at the 2018 meeting.

This is a report of accomplishment of NC1194 for the period October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 from participating institutions from different states. The findings have been disseminated to the scientific community via seminars, national/international conferences, manuscripts, and websites. The objectives of this project are:

1. Develop new technologies for characterizing fundamental nanoscale processes
2. Construct and characterize self-assembled nanostructures
3. Develop devices and systems incorporating microfabrication and nanotechnology
4. Develop a framework for economic, environmental and health risk assessment for nanotechnologies applied to food, agriculture and biological systems
5. Develop/improve education and outreach materials on nanofabrication, sensing, systems integration and application risk assessment
6. Improve academic-industry partnership to help move the developed technologies to commercialization phase

Station: Michigan State University

PI: Evangelyn Alocilja

Objective(s) Addressed: #3

Summary of Work:

• Our nano-biosensing technologies continue to be validated in clinical and biological samples (human, animal, and plant) for rapid disease and microbial-contaminant detection in our lab at MSU as well as with our collaborators around the
• We are developing new antimicrobial nanoparticles and antimicrobial films to help reduce foodborne
• Our technology on nanoparticle-based anti-counterfeiting devices is continually featured in the Science of Innovation educational program by the National Science Foundation, US Patent and Trademark Office, and NBC Learn as a national resource to encourage and recruit K-12 students to the science fields. The video is entitled "Science of Innovation: Anti- Counterfeiting Devices" and can be viewed at nbclearn.com/innovation/cuecard/62970. This material will impact thousands of K-12 students and teachers not only in the US but also around the world.
• My TEDMED talk on nano-biosensors continues to gain audiences from many sectors. The TED talk is featured in the following website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGauiO0Eev0.
• Our publications and conference presentations allowed the dissemination of our research work to a broader group of researchers and potential users both in the US and around the world.
• Technology transfer was our continuing activity. We received two US patents and filed several new invention disclosures while improving the technologies that are being reviewed by the US Patent and Trademark
• We have signed Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDA) with two private companies to explore commercialization of our
• We have trained 13 undergraduate students, 2 PhD students, 1 high school student, and 1 high school teacher on nanotechnology and biosensors. The students won three awards. We have also trained two scientists from the Philippines, two scientists from Peru, two scientists from Nepal, and one medical professional from India on the use of our technologies. These students and scientists will become the future research leaders in the emerging field of nano-biosensing for global health, biodefense, food safety, water quality, and product

Station: University of Arizona

PI: Jeong-Yeol Yoon

Objective(s) Addressed: #3

Summary of Work:

There is a growing need to develop a handheld, smartphone-based biosensor that can detect the type and concentration of pathogens from myriads of food (fresh produce and meat) and water (waste and irrigation) samples, as well as urine, blood, and tissue samples from animal and human subjects. These biosensors must be designed and manufactured to be easy-to-use, all-in-one, and extremely sensitive (down to single cell level or picogram protein level).

What has been done?

1. Smartphone detection system has further been improved, with sophisticated image processing algorithms and smartphone-based fluorescent microscope, for detecting pathogens and environmental toxicants.
2. Smartphone- and paper-based organ-on-a-chip system has newly been developed and used as a mimic for human kidney and liver, for quantifying the effects of environmental toxicants.
3. An angular photodiode array system was designed and fabricated to instantly analyze the bacterial infection on porcine skin, without using any chemicals or reagents.

Impacts:

• Our smartphone-based handheld biosensors can further be tested to detect virtually any types of water samples at much lower cost (<$10 per assay).
• Our smartphone-based organ-on-a-chip (OOC) device can be used for screening myriads of water samples. The same device can also be utilized for evaluating the toxicity of commercial drugs, which will significantly lower the time and labor necessary for a series of laboratory tests, animal tests, and human trials.
• Both devices can significantly save the cost, time, and effort necessary to conduct conventional assays. In addition, both devices can be used in field, greatly reducing the sample-to-answer time from a couple of days to less than 10 min, protecting the general public from potential health risks from water and environment.

Station: FL (University of Florida)

PI: Bin Gao

Objective(s) addressed: #1, #2

Summary of Work:

In addition to develop new technologies to characterize and understand fundamental nanoscale processes, we have also explored the environmental applications and implications of nanotechnology. The project has provided training and professional development opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students. The results have been published in several peer-reviewed journal articles and been presented in professional meetings and conferences. Furthermore, the findings from the research project was also integrated with education by training graduate and undergraduate students with a diverse array of backgrounds.

Outputs:

• H. Lyu, B. Gao, F. He, C. Ding, J.C. Tang, J.C. Crittenden. 2017. Ball-milled carbon nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 5 (11), 9568-9585.
• Wang, B. Gao, D.S. Tang, H.M. Sun, X.Q. Yin, C.R. Yu. 2017. Effects of temperature on graphene oxide deposition and transport in saturated porous media. J. of Hazardous Materials, 331, 28-35.
• Wang, B. Gao, Y. Li, A.E. Creamer, F. He. 2017. Adsorptive removal of arsenate from aqueous solutions by biochar supported zero-valent iron nanocomposite: Batch and continuous flow tests. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 322, 172-181.

Station: FL (University of Florida)

PI: Eric S. McLamore

Investigators/Participants: Bin Gao, Bruce Welt, John Schueller, Hitomi Yamaguchi, Bernard Hauser, Hal Knowles III, Ismail Ocsoy, Nicholas Cavallaro, Ishika Khondaker

Objective(s) Addressed: #2, #3, #4, #5, #6

Summary of Work:

Construct and characterize self-assembled nanostructures: We published two peer reviewed conference proceedings (including a platform presentation), and submitted one patent (in review) related to development of self-actuating nanobrush/aptamer hybrid materials for sensing [1-3].

Develop devices and systems incorporating microfabrication and nanotechnology. We developed value added nanotechnology products from agricultural waste for food packaging, solar cells, sensors [4-5], as well as new sensor systems for studying signaling in plant/mammalian systems [6-8].

Develop a framework for economic, environmental and health risk assessment for nanotechnologies applied to food, agriculture and biological systems. Together with indigenous communities, we used commercial sensors for studying mercury toxicity in rural Colombia [9] and we also developed new green synthesis methods for fabricating nanoparticles to be used in sensing applications within the agricultural/food industry [10-11]. Finally, we demonstrated a chemical-free nanoscale modification of pipes used to transport milk in a dairy farm based on mechanical abrasion [12]

Develop/improve education and outreach materials on nanofabrication, sensing, systems integration and application risk assessment. We held workshops and disseminated training manuals with high school teachers in the USA (Florida, Maryland) and also abroad (Colombia, China) for creating flexible graphene circuits [13-16].

Improve academic-industry partnership to help move the developed technologies to commercialization phase. Our group in Florida initiated academia-industry projects with AES Controls on Iot and cybersecurity for food safety monitoring, and also with BRIDG for establishing a work group to create a draft national nanotechnology roadmap for smart ag/food. In addition to these activities, we published an invited critical/comprehensive review of food safety sensors in the IFT journal, contributing to translation of nanoscale research into industry products [17] as well as a review article resulting from a NSF/USDA workshop on the food/energy/water nexus together with industry partners [18].

Outputs (Referenced in above text):

• Althawab, S., Oliveira, D. A., Smith, C., Cavallaro, N., McLamore, E.S., Gomes, C. (2017) Label-free, rapid Listeria monocytogenes biosensor based on a stimulus response nanobrush and nanometal hybrid electrode. Proceedings of the Tech Connect Nanotechnology Conference. vol. 3: pp. 279-282
• McLamore, E.S., I. Khondaker, C. Gomes, D. Alves De Oliveira (2017). Stimulus Response Biosensor for Determining Bacteria Viability Using Lectin-Glycoenzyme Nanobrushes. Proceedings of the Tech Connect Nanotechnology Conference. Vol. 3: 991-999.
• Khondaker, I., E.S. McLamore (2017). Determination of Bacteria Viability By Measuring Transient Biogenic Amine Production. Patent Filed on 06/06/17; T2315-22653US00
• Demirbas, A., K. Groszman, M. Pazmino, R. Nolan, D.C. Vanegas, B. Welt, J.C. Claussen, J. Hondred, E.S. McLamore (2018) Cryoconcentration of bioflavonoid extract for enhanced photovoltaics and pH sensitive thin films. Biotechnology Progress, in press
• Demirbas, A., Y. Yagiz, Z. Boz, B.A. Welt, E.S. McLamore, W. Pelletier, S. Amarat, M. Marshall (2017) Effect of red cabbage extract on minced Nile perch fish patties vacuum packaged in high and low oxygen barrier films. Journal of Applied Packaging Research. 9(2): 35-46.
• Chaturvedi, P., D.C. Vanegas, J. Foster, B.A. Hauser, M.S. Sepulveda, E.S. McLamore (2017) Microprofiling real time nitric oxide flux for field studies using a stratified nanohybrid carbon-metal electrode. Analytical Methods. 9: 6061-6072.
• Cannon, A.E., D.C. Vanegas, J. Wang, G. Clark, E.S. McLamore, S.J. Roux. Polarized Distribution of Extracellular Nucleotides Promotes Gravity-Directed Polarization of Development in Spores of Ceratopteris richardii. Plant Journal, In review
• Yan, S., S. Dong, E.S. McLamore, T. Zhang, N. Wang, H. Yao, Y. Shen (2017) Insect Herbivory Affects the Auxin Flux Along Root Apices in Arabidopsis thaliana. J. of Plant Growth Regulation. 1-9.
• Vélez-Torres, I., D. Vanegas , E.S. McLamore, D. Hurtado (2018). Unfolding the Impacts of Mercury Usage in Artisanal Gold Mining: Women’s perspective on Environmental Conflicts in Alto Cauca, Colombia. Journal of Environment and Development, In press
• Ocsoy, I., A. Demirbas, E.S. McLamore, B. Altinsoy4, N. Ildiz, A. Baldemir (2017). Green hydrothermal synthesis of silver nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 238: 263-269.
• Ocsoy, I., S. Yusufbeyoglu, V. Yilmaz, E.S. McLamore, N. Ildız, A. Ülgen (2017). DNA Aptamer Functionalized Gold Nanostructures for Molecular Recognition and Photothermal Inactivation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 159: 16-22.
• Ihara, I., E. Nakano, E.S. McLamore, J.K. Schueller, K. Toyoda, K. Umetsu, H. Yamaguchi (2017). Cleanability of Milk Deposits on Inner Stainless Steel Tubing Surfaces Prepared by Magnetic Abrasive Finishing. Engineering in Agriculture, Environment and Food, 10(1): 63-68
• McLamore, E.S. (2017) Nanobiosensor training workshop: creating flexible graphene circuits with a low cost laser system. Gainesville, Florida. No. of participants = 56
• McLamore, E.S. (2017) Nanobiosensor training workshop: creating flexible graphene circuits with a low cost laser system. Baltimore, Maryland. No. of participants = 18
• McLamore, E.S. (2017) Nanobiosensor training workshop: creating flexible graphene circuits with a low cost laser system. Cali, Colombia. No. of participants = 14
• McLamore, E.S. (2017) Nanobiosensor training workshop: creating flexible graphene circuits with a low cost laser system. Beijing, China. No. of participants = 22
• Vanegas, D.C. J.C. Claussen, C. Gomes, E.S. McLamore (2017) Emerging technologies for rapid monitoring of bacteria and bacterial biomarkers in food. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 16(6): 1188–1205.
• Castell-Perez, E., C. Gomes, J. Tahtouh, R. Moreira, E.S. McLamore, H. Knowles III (2017). Food Processing and Waste within the Nexus Framework. Current Sustainable Renewable Energy Reports, 4(3): 99-108.

Station: Hawaii (University of Hawaii)

PI: Daniel M. Jenkins

Objective(s) Addressed: #6

Summary of Work:

To support other research by collaborators in other states, we have also developed an open-source, potentiostat device. The device was designed to be affordable, handheld, and wireless (Bluetooth and WiFi) to facilitate adoption for diagnostic technologies in the field or on-line in processing environments, but with performance to support high quality, sensitive measurements. The hardware is capable of any standard voltammetric or amperometric technique (i.e., cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry), and to the knowledge of the authors it is the smallest and definitely the most affordable

instrument capable of conducting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We are currently working on a new iteration of the prototype to enable EIS between 100 Hz and 1 kHz (by incorporation of an external slower clock for the built in network analyzer, and/or use of a faster Analog to Digital Converter for to extend the frequency range at the lower end of the spectrum. We are also working on upgrades to the firmware to improve signal to noise ratio (i.e. by disabling the WiFi during analytical steps, or taking a consensus approach to measurement to reject spurious noise). The hardware is interfaced to a customized Android app available freely on Android Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.diagenetix.abestat&hl=en).

As a service to the profession to facilitate custom hardware development and testing by other groups, we have also developed a published Android app that can be used to easily control and collect data wirelessly from bluetooth enable hardware  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uhmbe.DAQCTRL&hl=en). This app allows a user to connect to a remote hardware device through a Bluetooth modem. Once connected the app notifies the remote device of the connection so it can populate and configure the interface through coded commands. Available elements for the interface include 16 generic data fields which can be plotted on an interactive graph in real time, 8 configurable buttons, 4 radio groups that can each be configured with 4 radio buttons, and 8 controls to send numerical input to the remote device. User interaction with the elements in the app result in coded information sent back to the remote device (i.e. so it can recognize button presses / selections, and receive numerical input). Numerical and textual data sent to the application can be saved to a comma delimited (.csv) file, and shared by e-mail.

 Outputs:

• Jenkins, D. M., J. Reyes-de-Corcuera. 2017. Open-source Android app for facilitating customized data acquisition, visualization, and control. Presentation 1701479 at 2017 International Meeting of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Spokane, WA.
• Jenkins, D. M. and J. Reyes-de-Corcuera. 2017. Handheld, open-source potentiostat for high-performance electrochemical analysis in the field. Presentation 1701478 at 2017 International Meeting of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Spokane, WA.

 Station: IA (Iowa State University)

PI: Chenxu Yu

Investigators: Yu, CH; Claussen, JO.

Objective(s) Addressed: #1, #2, #3

Summary of Work:

Food and biosafety is one of the key national interests. Rapid threat response relies on on-site analysis that recognizes potential hazards at the earliest possible time with high fidelity. Nanotechnology plays a key role in the development of modern sensing methodologies that support rapid response yet miniaturized sensors for quick deployment. The focus of this multistate project is to incorporate nanotechnology research and biosensor development to yield novel technological breakthroughs that will facilitate the advance of technology for in-field foodborne pathogen detection.

Impacts:

• Evaluated production and presence of carbon nanoparticles in foods, and their fluorescence and bioluminescence properties. It furthered our understanding of naturally occurring nanoscale processes in food matrix which may lead to better utilization of these nano-phenomena.
• Continue to develop nano-vaccines using self-assembled nanostructures as carriers.
• Continue to work on microfluidic Raman biosensors which integrated microfluidic device with SERS imaging to achieve single-cell level detection of pathogens in water with sub-strain level specificity. We also investigate the potential of using portable Raman imaging to diagnose Chronic Downing disease in deer.

Station: IL (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

PI: Kaustubh D. Bhalerao,

Objective(s) Addressed: #1, #6

Summary of Work:

Adaptable lab scale experimental platform of complex anaerobic microbial communities developed as model, self-contained ecosystem which was perturbed with controlled addition of a) carbon sources b) nanoparticles (silver, titanium, quantum dots, gold, iron oxide) c) antibiotics to create diverse colony structures and demonstrated that it is possible to quantitatively discriminate between divergent microbiomes using both genomic and single-cell phenotyping approaches with later having advantage in terms of speed, throughput, cost with comparable accuracy. The tool was integrated into CFML (Cytometric Fingerprinting & Machine Learning) package which attracted federal funding in analyzing animal fluids of economic importance (milk, semen, manure) and collaboration with US Army Center for Environmental Health Research (USACEHR) for analyzing gut microbiomes. A large, curated database of unique cytometric fingerprints of 10 Holstein healthy & 10 sick cows was created using CFML which will be key in solving $2B sub-clinical bovine mastitis problem in the US.

Motivating farmers in the use of data driven and monitoring-based approaches for the proper and judicious use of antibiotics in animal agriculture. Encouraging highly qualified students primarily from traditionally under-served ethnic minority groups and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue career in science. Attracting undergraduate researchers from various educational backgrounds to get exposure and hands-on experience in the problems of economic importance though the cutting-edge research tools in Biological Engineering.

Outcomes:

A label-free, high throughput technique, which is sensitive to spatial and temporal changes in the structure and function of microbiomes which got incorporated into the courses taught by the PI on Biological Nanotechnology and Biological Principles. A learning module scheduled to be packaged into 4-6 hours workshop that will include hands on tools to be offered in Summer 2018 for the benefit to wider research community. The publication in Bioresource Technology, one under review in Water Research and a few in preparation in addition to two collaborative publications. Numerous invited talks, seminars and colloquia at both the national and international level. Motivated talented high school students from underrepresented minorities under RAP and REU programs.

Station: WI (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

PI: Sundaram Gunasekaran

Objective(s) Addressed: #2, #3

Summary of Work:

We synthesize various nanoscale materials, characterize, and employ them in biosensors for the detection of various analytes (e.g., microorganisms, heavy metals) in food and water samples. Sensing modality include taking advantage of surface plasmon resonance, a widely used nanoscale phenomenon and electrochemical biosensing, both via immunogenic and non-immunogenic methodologies.

Outputs:

1. Gong S, Chen H, Zhou X, Gunasekaran S. 2017. Synthesis and applications of MANs/poly(MMA-co-BA) nanocomposite latex by miniemulsion polymerization. R. Soc. Open Sci. 4: 170844.
2. Hahn J, Kim E, You YS, Gunasekaran S, Lim S, Choi YJ. 2017. A switchable linker-based immunoassay for ultrasensitive visible detection of Salmonella in tomatoes. J. of Food Sci. (10):2321–2328.
3. Wang YC, Lu L, Gunasekaran S. 2017. Bioplymer/gold nanoparticles composite plasmonic thermal history indicator to monitor quality and safety of perishable bioproducts. Biosensors & Bioelectronics 92:109-116.
4. Sadak O, Sundramoorthy AK, S Gunasekaran. 2017. Highly selective colorimetric and electrochemical sensing of iron (iii) using Nile red functionalized graphene film. Biosensors & Bioelectronics 89:430-4436

 Station: MO (University of Missouri, Columbia)

PI: Mengshi Lin

Objective(s) Addressed: #1, #2, #3, #4

Summary of Work:

 In this reporting period, we used new technologies to develop nanostructures and nanosubstrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications. This study aimed to use cellulose nanofibers (CNF) to develop novel CNF-based nanocomposite as a SERS substrate. CNF were cationized with ammonium ions and then interacted with citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via electrostatic attraction to form uniform nanocomposites. The CNF-based nanostructures were loaded with AuNPs that were firmly adhered on the CNF surfaces, providing a three-dimensional plasmonic SERS platform. A Raman-active probe molecule, 4-aminothiophenol, was selected to evaluate the sensitivity and reproducibility of CNF-based SERS substrate. The intensity of SERS spectra obtained from CNF/AuNP nanocomposite was 20 times higher than that from the filter paper/AuNP substrate. The SERS intensity map demonstrates good uniformity of the CNF/AuNP substrate. CNF/AuNP nanocomposites were used in rapid detection of thiram in apple juice by SERS and a limit of detection of 52 ppb of thiram was achieved. These results demonstrate that CNF/AuNP nanocomposite can be used for rapid and sensitive detection of pesticides in food products.

 We also developed CNF-based substrate for rapid detection of melamine in milk by SERS. CNF served as a highly porous platform to load with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can be used as a flexible SERS substrate with nanoscale roughness to generate strong electromagnetic field in SERS measurement. The CNF/AuNP substrate was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Milk samples contaminated by different concentrations of melamine were measured by SERS coupled with CNF/AuNP substrate. The spectral data analysis was conducted by multivariate statistical analysis (i.e. partial least squares (PLS)). Satisfactory PLS result for quantification of melamine in milk was obtained (R = 0.94). The detection limit for melamine extracted from liquid milk by SERS is 1 ppm, which meets the World Health Organization’s requirement of melamine in liquid milk. These results demonstrate that CNF/AuNP substrate has improved homogeneity and can be used in SERS analysis to for food safety applications.

 This project has provided training for two doctoral students and two Master's students. We have disseminated the results to the industry and scientific communities at professional conferences such as IFT, ACS, and IAFP. 

Publications are included in the summary of Accomplishments.