One of our new assistant professors of chemistry, Dr. Cyren Rico, is on a roll.

In addition to sharpening his teaching skills, he recently published two papers:

• Cerium oxide nanoparticles transformation at the root-soil interface of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

• Shifts in N and δ15N n wheat and barley exposed to cerium oxide nanoparticles

Both publications focus on how plants react to engineered nanomaterials.

When different plants are exposed to the nanomaterials, they react differently. These differences are yet to be analyzed, but that could mean different plants release different chemicals or promote growth of organisms that cause reactions.

With new advancements, we always have to wonder how it will affect us. Will engineered nanomaterials have toxicological or ecological effects?

Since environmental nanotechnology is a newer field, Rico’s research could help us learn how the nanomaterials affect the world around us.

Rico loves finding creative solutions to challenges that he faces working on this new research. He also likes the equipment and people he gets to work with.

“It was exciting to apply and get opportunities to work at federal research labs and multi-million-dollar government facilities,” Rico said. “I also liked meeting research scientists from different institutions.”