Six graduate students participating in UMD-Trento research exchange

Six graduate students, three each from the University of Maryland and the University of Trento (Italy), are participating in a unique international research exchange program. The program is part of a broad partnership facilitated by ISR and cemented in 2011 that also includes the University System of Maryland, the State of Maryland, the Autonomous Province of Trento, the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, and Fondazione Bruno Kessler.

Maryland students at Trento

Kimberly Ferlin, a student of Professor John Fisher [BioE], worked with Dr. Simona Cassarosa at the University of Trento in the fall of 2013. The project involved tissue engineering and cell replacement strategy. Ferlin investigated how neural progenitors produced by stem cells mature within 3D hydrogel systems.

Amy Marquardt, a student of Professor Ray Phaneuf (MSE), currently is working with Dr. Massimo Bersani of the Fondazione Bruno Kessler. The research involves SIMS characterization for the development of a kinetics model for the corrosion and tarnishing of cultural heritage metal objects and optimization of atomic layer deposited diffusion barrier films.

Andrew Berkovich, a student of Associate Professor Pamela Abshire (ECE/ISR) currently is working with Dr. Massimo Gottardi of the Fondazione Bruno Kessler on the development of a novel demonstration of a vision sensor.

Trento students at Maryland

Roberta Lentini, a student of Dr. Sheref Mansy at the University of Trento, worked with Bill Bentley, chair of the Fischell Department of Bioengineering, in the fall and winter of 2013-14. Her research focused on building artificial cells that control natural cells through chemical communication.

Maria Secchi, a University of Trento student advised by Dr. Massimo Bersani of Fondazione Bruno Kessler, currently is working with Professor Ray Phaneuf (MSE). The project involves atomic layer deposition of nanometric films for the control of ion implantation induced nano-voids in germanium and for their functionalization.

Alice Tomaselli, a student of Dr. Emanuella Bozzini at the University of Trento, currently is working with Professor Reginal Harrel (Environmental Science & Technology). She is studying seed-saving practices, specifically how agricultural tradition-economic interest-knowledge (biotech industries and seed banks ) can influence the attitude of the different stakeholders.

Management and implementation of the agreement is provided by a permanent joint management group with two representatives from the Autonomous Province of Trento—Mariano Anderle, director of international relations for the province, and Alberto Lui, deputy director of international relations for the province; and two from the University of Maryland—ISR Director Reza Ghodssi (ECE/ISR) and Jeff Coriale, ISR’s director of external relations.

Details about the partnership between the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy, and the University of Maryland are available online at: http://www.isr.umd.edu/news/news_story.php?id=6102.

Published January 20, 2014