Towamencin, Pennsylvania - October 23, 2018 -
Students from the North Penn High School Engineering Academy, Lansdale, PA, USA and the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Faversham, UK in collaboration with the University of Bristol, Bristol UK have begun to research the development of cellulose nanofibers from ionic liquid systems.  

In general, nanofibers and their applications in the biomedical, agricultural, healthcare, energy, environmental, and many other sectors have evolved over the years with research and development being performed in many leading universities and research groups throughout the world.  North Penn High School students began researching the electrospinning and polymer nanofiber development processes in 2005 in the Future is NEAR program (Nanotechnology Education And Research).  Since then, their research has advanced into many different sectors; including, energy, environment, healthcare, and more.

Cellulose nanofibers have never been researched at North Penn before.  This research endeavor is particularly interesting because cellulose has many inherent properties that could improve the function of nanofibers developed in these applications.  

Furthermore, this research endeavor has the potential to connect with other schools in Europe and beyond.  One of the ultimate goals of this endeavor is to develop an International Institute for Research in Schools Initiative to be included in the Institute for Research In Schools (IRIS) program in London.

US Team
North Penn High School  |  Engineering Academy  |  The Future Is N.E.A.R.
Mr.Michael Boyer - Technology and Engineering Educator (boyerma@npenn.org)
19 Senior Engineering Design and Development students

UK Team
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Dr. James Perkins - Head of Science faculty (jmp@queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk)
5 Students

University of Bristol
Dr. Marcus Johns - Research Associate in Materials Science Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS) (marcus.johns@bristol.ac.uk)

If you are interested in learning more about their research, the Engineering Academy or the Technology and Engineering Education Department, please visit their websites:
www.northpennengineering.org or www.thefutureisnear.org.