Dr. Aruna Weerasinghe, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund Recipient: Fall 2021
Project: “Development of Fluorescent Sensors for Nerve Gas Agents”
The goal of Dr. Weerasinghe’s project was to develop fluorescent sensors for nerve gas agents using novel fluorescent molecules. College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) funds were used to purchase supplies for this project. Weerasinghe and his team published their research findings in a manuscript, titled "Utilizing Experiment and Theory to Evaluate Rhodamine B ethylenediamine as a Fluorescent Sensor for G-type Nerve Agents," in the Journal of Fluorescence in February 2022.
Several students (Anna Rich, Zach Raynolds and Cody Griffins) contributed to the manuscript. In addition, several other students who are working in the same project benefited from the funds received.
“With the help of the money received via SAFE grant, we were able to design a new sensor for G- type nerve agents based on a novel coumarin derivative. This system provides better outcomes compared to the sensor system that we have discussed in our recent publication,” explained Weerasinghe.
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About the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors. Learn more at https://chemistry.appstate.edu.
About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at: https://cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
SAFE Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Aruna Weerasinghe
SAFE Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Aruna Weerasinghe