New Materials Institute Faculty Recognized with UGA Research Awards for 2026
Three members of the University of Georgia New Materials Institute faculty received honors at the 2026 UGA Research Awards, held annually during Honors Week.
UGA researchers lead scientific effort in eXXpedition’s global study tracking plastic pollution from sea to source
An all-women sailing crew led by eXXpedition is undertaking a global study to map ocean plastic pollution to its sources on land. Their research—to be collected by 10 crews over 10 legs in 5 ocean basins, through 2027— will be guided by the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) developed by Jenna Jambeck, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Georgia, and by scientists in Jambeck’s Circularity Informatics Lab (CIL), which is serving as the Science & Research Lead for the upcoming voyages.
Study finds indigo is an effective nucleating agent for PHB-co-HHx
In addition to being a colorant, indigo is an effective nucleating agent for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), or PHB-co-HHx, and at significantly lower loads than orotic acid, according to a study from the Locklin Group at the University of Georgia New Materials Institute.
Student Profile: Taylor Theobald
Taylor Theobald recently began her master’s degree program in mechanical engineering under the mentorship of Kenan Song, PhD, an associate professor in the UGA College of Engineering who is faculty member in the UGA New Materials Institute. Song’s Advanced Materials Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory (AMAML), where Theobald conducts her research, focuses on creating advanced materials and manufacturing processes that are sustainable and renewable.
Kenan Song among University of Georgia faculty to receive Moore Foundation support for postdoctoral training
Congratulations to Kenan Song on being one of eight faculty members from the University of Georgia to receive funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to support postdoctoral training in the natural sciences.
Branson W. Ritchie to be inducted into the National Academy of Inventors
Dr. Branson W. Ritchie, co-director of the UGA New Materials Institute and director of the Infectious Diseases Laboratory, is one of six researchers from the University of Georgia to be inducted into the National Academy of Inventors in recognition of his innovations and success in commercializing his discoveries.
Report: Shifting U.S. waste management policies could significantly reduce plastic waste, pollution
By 2040, the cost to U.S. taxpayers for managing plastic municipal solid waste is projected to surge by 30% to $37 billion per year, according to a new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts that includes input from waste management experts in the University of Georgia New Materials Institute.
Student Profile: Adaeze Osakwe
Adaeze Osakwe is pursuing a PhD in chemistry under the mentorship of Jason Locklin, PhD, who is co-founder and director of the UGA New Materials Institute. (Dr. Locklin is also a professor and head of the Department of Chemistry in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, and is jointly appointed to the UGA College of Engineering.)
Yajun Yan elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
Yajun Yan, of the UGA New Materials Institute, was recently elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. It is the seventh consecutive year the University of Georgia has had faculty elected. Election to NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction accorded to academic inventors. Fellows are recognized for prolific innovation that has had tangible impacts on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.
Using glass fibers to upcycle fibers from decommissioned wind turbine blades
UGA researchers developed a novel process to recycle glass fiber-reinforced polymer waste from decommissioned wind turbine blades into high-performance fiber materials.