Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Shobha Bhatia and Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Department Chair Shikha Nangia have been awarded a new collaborative National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant to study biopolymer–mineral interactions through a complementary blend of experimental and computational approaches. Biopolymers are polymers produced by living organisms, which are naturally occurring, biodegradable, and environmentally benign materials.

This interdisciplinary project, totaling $750,000 over three years, is being conducted in collaboration with University of Tennessee Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Angel Palomino. Together, the research team aims to advance environmentally responsible alternatives to synthetic polymers currently used in geotechnical construction and mining.

To understand how biopolymers function, the team will integrate laboratory experiments with molecular-level computer simulations. Their goal is to identify which biopolymers perform best under varied environmental conditions—such as changes in acidity or salt levels—commonly encountered in mining operations.

Beyond research, the project will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and support the development of new classroom materials. The long-term aim is to foster safer, more sustainable solutions for construction and mining—while training the next generation of scientists and engineers to lead this transition.

“Driven by recent mine tailings failures, we are pursuing innovative solutions, and I am eager to work with my collaborators on a cutting-edge experimental–molecular modeling approach,” said Bhatia.

“This is about designing smarter materials that are better for the planet—and it starts with understanding how they work from the molecule up,” added Nangia.