UAB researchers receive prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Awards

The National Science Foundation has recognized the outstanding work of two assistant professors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham by awarding them its prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Program’s CAREER awards. Abdollah Mirbozorgi, Ph.D., from the School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Hui-Ting Lee, Ph.D., from the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, have both been honored with these awards.

Mirbozorgi’s project, titled “Heat Penetration Depth and Direction Control with Closed Loop Device for Precision Ablation,” focuses on refining the process of tumor precision ablation to limit damage to surrounding healthy tissues. His innovative research, funded with nearly $550,000 over five years, aims to develop a device that can improve the effectiveness of this surgical technique.

On the other hand, Lee’s project, “CAREER: Single-Molecule Study of Nucleic Acid Conformational Dynamics in Telomere,” delves into the study of telomere maintenance and the interactions of DNA and RNA. With a grant totaling $971,969, Lee will explore the biological function of telomeres and advance the understanding of RNA biology.

Both professors expressed their gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of their research in advancing their respective fields. The NSF’s support not only validates their hard work but also provides the necessary resources to continue pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. The awards not only benefit the professors but also enhance the reputation of their departments and contribute to the growth of science education at UAB.