The federal government will spend nearly $1.5 billion on nanotechnology projects in 2008 as estimated based on data from Federal agencies. However, only $58.6 million is devoted to the research that studies potential environmental, health and safety consequences of nanomaterials. We believe that the best way of protecting society against new catastrophes is to avoid them. The history of asbestos disaster taught us to first thoroughly test new materials before their industrial applications. The recent public outrage on the news that there are traces of drugs in drinking water will lead to the enforcement of stricter rules for the disposal of chemicals. Nanoparticles are among the compounds that could easily pollute the environment due to their very small size. Among federal agencies NSF has significantly invested in advances of nanoscience, so understanding the consequences of developing it to the mass production level and bringing tons of nanomaterials into the environment should be one of the areas of its mission.

Therefore, we enhanced the research capabilities of the Jackson State University by the establishment of the Nanotoxicity CREST Center that efficiently integrates experimental and computational research with undergraduate and graduate education and training of minority students. The Center develops new approaches to enhance knowledge related to nanomaterials, their practical applications and environmental effects and implement an integrated education and research program in the area of nanotoxicity It is anticipated that the implementation of the above-stated studies would provide new insights into the mechanisms of the toxic action of nanomaterials, as well as relevant scientific information for making informed decisions regarding the cost-effective management of nanomaterials. It will also provide an excellent opportunity to train undergraduate and graduate students in the emerging area of nanotoxicology. Perofessor Jerzy Leszczynski directs center from its establishing.

J.A. Poples new Science building

A major activity of the Center is focused on graduate students entering the Ph.D. program in chemistry and on lectures, workshops, seminar series, editing a book series and international scientific journals in the area of computational chemistry and summer research programs for undergraduate students. Training includes mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.