Education at the border: In addition to the above technology provided by MCI, it is necessary for a healthy border region to have a strong base of educated people participating in solving problems of national interest and sharing in the general welfare. UTEP already has a track record in training such students in the DOE BES funded UTEP/SSRL "Gateway" program, which has been successfully training border students in the use of national synchrotron facilities. The SWFCA is applying a similar approach to training border students in fuel cell technology. New Mexico State University has joined the SWFCA to helping train students and raise the level of fuel cell technology at the United States/Mexican border. Read More...

The paint and pigment industry in the United States consumes annually large amounts of heavy metals, which are strategically important and environmentally "unfriendly". Organic pigments are often unstable and blue pigments can be toxic. Modern painting techniques involve powder paint systems that can produce dangerous powder mists. Many states have introduced legislation that prohibits the use of heavy metals from paints. The Materials Chemical Group will continue to study the properties of Maya Blue and related pigments to reach a deep understanding of its structure and properties.

Today, petroleum refining capacity in North America is stretched to its maximum limits. Demand for clean transportation fuels is steadily increasing. Additional refining capacity must be deployed now, but what will these new refineries be capable of, and where will we find new sources of hydrocarbons to feed them. Refinery Science Corp. has joined the competition to build the next generation of flexible - clean - North American refineries. More...