Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The overarching goal of this project is to increase the number of underrepresented students graduating with a baccalaureate or higher degree in a multidisciplinary science education (science and engineering) through the development of a science based mentoring program that utilizes sustainable agricultural materials and processes. To achieve this goal, FMMP's target audience was the undergraduate students from the City College of New York (CCNY) and from Bronx Community College (BCC) in partnership with USDA Regional Laboratories in Pennsylvania (ERRC) and California (WRRC), USDA-HSINP, Rich's Products Corporation, NY, BakerCogs, Inc, Kansas and Grupo Bimbo, Mexico to focus on the following objectives: 1) develop a mentoring program where teams of 5-6 students (5 undergraduates and 1 graduate student) can work collaboratively on sustainable materials research for food processing, vegetable oil structuring, food safety and healthy living; 2) provide financial assistance for 2-3 students per year for completing the mentoring program; 3) acquire and utilize state of the art instrumentation in the research projects; 4) foster as a feeder program for educated and well prepared students from Community college to Senior college and further to USDA/Industry; and 5) strengthen underrepresented student recruitment and retention in the agricultural programs in a urban environment. The project directly addresses the need to enhance the food quality and safety using naturally derived materials (GRAS) and their nanoscale processing protocols by producing graduates that understand the importance of healthy life style and quality foods, especially who are living in the urban cities like NY. The products of this project will include a science-based research mentoring model, a state of the art interdisciplinary chemistry/food materials laboratory in a urban environment and a research and teaching facility, faculty and student exchange program, internship for the undergraduates at government, industry to well prepare them for the future career in food/agriculture arena. The primary objective of the project is to empower hispanic and other minority students (including women) towards employment in USDA/Agriculture related topics by enriching their education and engaging them in research. This should serve to enable them to obtain gainful employment in the food safety and materials sectors after completion of a comprehensive mentoring program. In this regard, the project has attracted and educated students from New York City's diverse Hispanic and Minority (african american, hispanic and females) communities by brining mentees from across the five boroughs to technological hubs at the CUNY schools. This project has particularly brought the attention of students pursuing Bachelors and Associate degrees with Professors/Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students as mentors. Last year, 6 undergraduate students and a master student have been involved in various aspects of the developmental studies on vegetable oil structuring, food processing, and healthy life style, and are being primed for employment in the food sector. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided the platform for the young aspiring students to work and share knowledge with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and scientists. This in turn has facilitated to expand their intellectual horizons in the field of science. The gained knowledge and working skills may provoke them to establish their careers as scientists. The program is built on three pillars, namely that of teaching, assessment, and curriculum design. Students in the program are given tools and materials to develop research skills in addition to completing classwork, and this focuses on developing a broad understanding of how to tackle difficult research problems, and more generally how to learn on one's own. Assessments come in the form of written and oral tasks, leading student mentees to practice technical writing, and presentation skills. The students are always encouraged to join the group meetings, presentations and discussions. They all learned how to use SciFinder, Chem Draw and several other scientific tools to explore science related articles, drawing, report preparations etc. Furthermore, the students always had the opportunity to prepare and present at group meetings, local and national scientific meetings. We are quite pleased with the outcome, our undergraduate students won multiple prizes for the Honors Research Symposium in the department, as well as a first prize and Gold medal at the Cosmetic Society meeting, and AOCS poster presentations. We have offered every opportunity in hands-on training to the students in the lab and encourage them to pursue their careers in science and education. Unfortunately, the laboratory research was disrupted in the spring 2020 semester; though we have conducted regular Zoom sessions to discuss their progress on reading assignments and report preparations. The peer mentors (trained senior undergraduate students) were regularly assessed their growth and productivity in research and classroom efficacy, tackling problems that arise in research, and continuing to build upon the skills necessary for employment in the food security sector as specified by the strategic partners. As part of the CUNY FMMP, our BEST accomplishments are the postive feedback received from students who were actively in the program. Selected examples are below: STUDENT ONE: Comments from undergraduate research students associated with FMMP project: "Undergraduate research can provide students many benefits. For instance, undergraduate research allows students to better understand published work, determine area of interest, have direct hands-on experience while acquiring valuable bench research skills and it helps students to start their careers as researchers. As an undergraduate student, participating in this research program has given me the opportunity to work with professionals, put into practice the concepts that I have learned in my science courses and, most importantly, I have gained experience and skills in the field that will be helpful for my future career as a professional researcher. I have also had the opportunity to develop deep understanding of the principles and behaviors of amphiphiles and gelators. Additionally, I have had the chance to work with other students on the finding alternative solutions to replace trans-fat in food products like butter. Since butter is very used by people to cook different things (such as cake, cookies, pasta), finding alternative solutions to reduce trans-fat in butter can positively improve people's health." Comment by a participant on why an undergraduate should seek research opportunities and how they can be FMMP ambassadors in the campus: "Having the opportunity to be part of the improvement of the food that we daily eat has be an amazing experience for me. This research opportunity has helped me to understand better the complexity of trans fats, how bad it can be for humans' health and the innovative research that experts have done to reduce trans-fat in the food products that we buy in the supermarkets and to improve the quality of those products. I think that participating in research programs in a lab like this one is a unique experience that all the students in the STEM field should experience because they can gain the same or even more knowledge and skills that I have acquired through this experience." STUDENT TWO: Comments from undergraduate research students associated with FMMP project: "Having the opportunity to conduct research on oleogels has broadened my perspective on the importance of food chemistry and how research improves the academic experience. Without this research lab, I would not have met the mentors that have guided me on my future path of pursuing a career in chemistry. These benefits include having a network of people to help you throughout your project, and address the issues you run into, as well as give valuable life advice on how to pursue a career in chemistry. Through my research experience, I have come to better understand the chemistry behind molecular gels, and the widespread applications it has for our society. I wholly recommend joining this research lab, not only for the immense opportunity for mentorship, but also for the experience of being a part of a research family." Comment by a participant on why an undergraduate should seek research opportunities and how they can be FMMP ambassodors in the campus: "The lab is a place where one's ideas are always open for discussion. Unlike solely being in the classroom, the lab allows for thorough discussion with your peers about the theory behind the experiments but also provides a more relaxed environment for learning about the various aspects of the laboratory. Unlike the classroom, the lab is a great escape from the often stressful world of tests and instead is a wonderful place for learning about difficult concepts a comfortable pace. The opportunity to be in this lab will better prepare students for futures in chemistry because of the chance to conduct real research and learn from incredibly smart individuals." Several participants happily acknowledged and wrote very positive similar comments above. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students and faculty members from the collaborating institute Bronx Community College (BCC) visited PIs lab at the City College of New York (CCNY) and participated research activities and discussions. We were actively interacted with our collaborator Prof. Vicki Flaris regularly, till her unfortunate sudden passing in the early spring 2019. Several students joined with our program. Later students from Bronx community college moved to the senior campus CCNY to complete their Bachelors degree. One of the current undergraduate research students Ms. Montero is a true example of the FMMP collaborative efforts; a senior is looking forward to complete her Bachelors degree with research experience working for FMMP research. Over the years, during these workshops, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and professors explain their research work, train the students in laboratory on simple organic synthesis, handling of lab equipment and discuss about the future perspectives of the research. In addition to these, the work done by the ongoing students will also be showcased to gain interest in the other students of the same or different community. Interestingly, the current undergraduate students were the real ambassadors for our program (Peer-ARM). One of the most popular honors research presentations of Science Division of CCNY in the fall 2019 was from an FMMP participant who was an active undergraduate researcher trained via FMMP program on "Biocatalytically Derived Trehalose-based Molecular Gels as Nutraceuticals". It was well received by her peers and faculty alike. As a result, several students contacted us and joined to our laboratory. This work has been presented at the SCC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting and Technology Showcase 2019 and awarded first prize and gold medal. Based on the positive feedback from their peer mentors (as above), we were able to recruit outstanding students from the common pool otherwise it is quite hard to attract best students in the normal recruiting process. We strongly believe that the Peer-Lead mentoring program made the FMMP program a unique success. Several students clearly demonstrated and acknowledged that joining to the laboratory research through HSI program to the laboratory research brought them focus, dreams and outlook for the future. Several undergraduates specifically acknowledged that their average GPA has been improved consistently over the semesters after joining the lab. Especially when they happened to be around successful peers, seniors and mentors all year around. Belonging to lab brought confidence, and instill a sense of duty and being a part of a lab/family provides a positive outlook for them, and follows the steps of the past members of the laboratory. Unfortunately, there was an abrupt turn to the daily operation as everyone the research has been interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we successfully completed the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 engaging multiple undergraduate students online. They were working remotely - reading articles, writing reports and often Zoom presentations/meetings and discussions updating the progress of their research. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The primary objective of the project is to empower Hispanic and minority students (including women) towards employment in USDA/Agriculture related topics by enriching their education and engaging them in research. This should serve to enable them to obtain gainful employment in the food safety and materials sectors after completion of a comprehensive mentoring program. In this regard, the project has attracted and educated students from New York City's diverse Hispanic and Minority (african american, hispanic and females) communities by bringing mentees from across the five boroughs to technological hubs at the CUNY schools. This project has particularly brought the attention of students pursuing Bachelors and Associate degrees with professor, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students as mentors. Five undergraduate students, one Master student and a Ph.D. student have been involved in various aspects of the developmental studies on vegetable oil structuring, food processing, and healthy life style, and are being primed for employment in the food sector. The students dedicated their efforts to investigate the gelation properties of simple sugar alkanoates in vegetable oils as a potential multifunctional structuring agent. The students were quite excited with their experience in watching the transformation of an oil into a solid substance by simple addition of minute amounts of sugar amphiphiles (synthetic glycolipids). The molecules proved to be successful gelators of liquid oils, their implementation to the food industry will follow as alternative ways to the structuring of vegetable oils, to replace the current trans fat. In the past year, the students have received mentoring, tutoring, and educational enrichment towards their goals of completing their degrees, as well as preparation for the job market. Though they balance a busy schedule, these students (each with their own dedicated mentor) have been succeeding not only in their coursework, but also in research as well. FMMP program help the students to join for Honors research/Independent study and completing 3 semesters of research brought to them to graduate with a HONORS degree, otherwise impossible for them to achieve. Examples of FMMP student participation Honors Research and their research titles are listed in the 'products' below. This would not happen, without the support of HSI grant through USDA-NIFA. Students specifically acknowledged the support in their Honors Research Reports. We had a very productive year in terms of undergraduate student training and research output. One Master student completed her thesis research under FMMP research opportunities on oleogel technologies and successfully defended and graduated. In the last year only two undergraduate students completed their Honors research as a part of the FMMP program. Other undergraduate students completed their independent research study along with the honors research students. The list of publications and products we have generated last year are provided in the earlier section. Furthermore, this year was an award-winning year for our undergraduates and graduate student. We have garnered total FIVE prestigious awards, including a first prize and gold medal for a poster presentation at the annual meeting of the cosmetic research society and others from the school and outside by the undergraduates and the graduate students together. All of them were actively participating in FMMP-CUNY for the current reporting period. It is certainly an impressive feat for us. A Brief Summary of Accomplishments from CUNY FMMP program (2015-2020) listed below: Number of Personnel Trained/Participated: Undergraduates: 26; Graduate: 2 (number of years of participation- 5); Postdoctoral: 1 (number of years of participation-3); Faculty/Scientist: 1 (total number of years participation-5). Publications/Conferences/Research: Total Number of Journal Publications: 3; Book Chapters: 3; Number of Conferences: 38; Honors Research Report: 19; Honors Research Symposium: 5; Number of Research Thesis: 2 (1 Master, 1 PhD). Major Equipment: Fluorescence Microscope Leica DM2000 LED.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
The Challenges and Opportunities of Formulating with Naturals, Venetian (546 River Drive), Garfield, New Jersey
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tsupko, P.; Samateh, M.; John, G. Wax Free Lip Balms: Trehalose based Molecular Gels as an Alternative to Waxes in Cosmetic Formulations (Poster)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Second New York Area CryoEM Meeting, CUNY ASRC Auditorium, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tuning aesthetic and mechanical properties of oleogels via formulation of enzyme?enabled stereoisomeric molecular gelators, Nanotechnology Applications for Food & Agriculture, Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting in San Diego, CA, Tuesday, August 27, 2019, San Diego Convention Center, CA.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Balachandran, V. S.; Kizhmuri, D. P. ; Samateh, M. ; Sagiri, S. S. ; Satapathy, S. ; Pradhan, P. ; Raghavan, S. R. ; Rakesh, L. ; Sellers, M. M. ; Karna, S. P.; John, G., Soft Matter, 2019, 15, 6263-6268.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Bio-derived molecular materials: Ability to adapt, clean, energy storage and therapeutic, Chemistry & Utilization of Agro-Based Materials, Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting in San Diego, CA, Tuesday, August 27, 2019, San Diego Convention Center, CA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Fat for the future: Designing multifunctional molecular oleogels as trans fat alternative, Sustainability & Security Session, Food Innovation & Engineering Conference (FOODIE), hosted by AIChEs Food, Pharmaceutical & Bioengineering Division, DoubleTree by Hilton, Philadelphia City, December 8-10, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Functional Self-Assembled Amphiphilic Systems Derived from Renewable Resources, Gordon Research Conferences, Biomass to Biobased Chemicals and Materials. Jordan Hotel at Sunday River in Newry, ME. July 14-19, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Wax Free Lip Balms: Trehalose-based Molecular Gelators as an Alternative to Waxes in Cosmetic Formulations, SCC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting and Technology Showcase, Sheraton New York Times Square, New York, NY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tsupko, P.; John, G. Biocatalytically Derived Trehalose-based Molecular Gels as Controlled Release Devices, 67th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, Queens College, Flushing, NY. Dec. 2019
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Malick Samateh, PROBING THE GELATION PHENOMENA IN MOLECULAR AND SEED-BASED GELS
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Polina Tsupko: Spring 2020 (MS Thesis): Sugar-Derived Oleogels in Cosmetics and Food Applications: a Case Study of Trehalose- and Mannitol-Based Gelators. Submitted to Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Fall 2019 (Undergraduate Honors Research Report): Sugar Alcohol Derived Diesters as an Alternative to Vegetable Oil Structuring Agents Submitted to Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Spring 2020 (Undergraduate Honors Research Report): Sugar Alcohol Derived Diesters as an Alternative to Vegetable Oil Structuring Agents Submitted to Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Undergraduate Honors Research Symposium (Presentation): Spring 2020?Title- Sugar-derived Diesters as an alternative to vegetable Oil structuring agents
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Spring 2020 (Undergraduate Honors Research Report): Synthesis and characterization of medium chain sugar amphiphile as low molecular weight gelators, Submitted to Department of Biology, City College of New York, New York
|
Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The main goal of this project is to increase the number of underrepresented students graduating with a baccalaureate or higher degree in a multidisciplinary science education (science and engineering) through the development of a science based mentoring program that utilizes sustainable agricultural materials and processes. To achieve this goal, FMMMP's target audience was the undergraduate students from the City College of New York (CCNY) and from Bronx Community College (BCC) in partnership with USDA Regional Laboratories in Pennsylvania (ERRC) and California (WRRC), USDA- HSINP, Rich's Products Corporation, NY, BakerCogs, Inc, Kansas and Grupo Bimbo, Mexico to focus on the following objectives: 1) develop a mentoring program where teams of 7-9 students (6-8 undergraduates and 1 graduate student) can work collaboratively on sustainable materials research for food processing, vegetable oil structuring, food safety and healthy living; 2) provide financial assistance for 2-3 students per year for completing the mentoring program; 3) acquire and utilize state of the art instrumentation in the research projects; 4) foster as a feeder program for educated and well prepared students from Community college to Senior college and further to USDA/Industry; and 5) strengthen underrepresented student recruitment and retention in the agricultural programs in a urban environment. The project directly addresses the need to enhance the food quality and safety using naturally derived materials (GRAS) and their nanoscale processing protocols by producing graduates that understand the importance of healthy life style and quality foods, especially who are living in the urban cities like NY. The products of this project will include a science-based research mentoring model, a state of the art interdisciplinary chemistry/food materials laboratory in a urban environment and a research and teaching facility, faculty and student exchange program, internship for the undergraduates at government, industry to well prepare them for the future career in food/agriculture arena. In the past year the students participated in FMMP research have received mentoring, tutoring, and educational enrichment towards their goals of completing their degrees, as well as preparation for the job market. Though they balance a busy schedule, these students (each with their own dedicated mentor) have been succeeding not only in their coursework, but also in research as well. FMMP program help the students to join for Honors research/Independent study and completing 3 semesters of research brought to them to graduate with a Honors degree, otherwise an impossible feat to achieve. Examples of FMMP student participation Honors Research and their research titles are listed below. This would not happen, without the support of HSI grant through USDA-NIFA. Students specifically acknowledged the support in their Honors Research Reports. Changes/Problems:For the Spring 2020 semester we had 6 undergraduates and one Master student (5 of them are Hispanic ethnicity) were working in our laboratory. Unfortunately, since the pandemic, students entirely missed the opportunity to be in the lab (spring semester and in the summer), the excitements in hands own experience with reactions, characterization and in person discussions and mentoring. However, we tried our best to compensate the missing parts by frequent zoom meetings, reading assignments and reports. Among them, four students (along with additional new ones) will continue their research in the fall semester. I am happy to share with you a representative quote from one student for your information: "unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the middle of the semester, our research program in the lab was eliminated. So, I am really looking forward for the reopening of the labs for the Fall 2020 to continue our hands-on lab experiments and to keep improving my knowledge on gel preparations and characterization that we missed from the middle of spring semester. Additionally, I would also like to gain more experience in laboratory setting, meet more peer mentors and other students from my field and, of course, familiarize more with scientific literature. But most importantly, I would like to keep being part of this family where we all are working towards the same goal, which is trying to discover new things and improving the quality of food products". Description A Turbiscan purchase is in progress and will be completed soon. This is an instrument to study the size, stability and utility of new family of structured emulsions, which may find unique set of applications in encapsulation and delivery of active agents in food/cosmetics and personal care soft materials. Furthermore, the students will be trained on this equipment to add on new skill set to what they have learned already through FMMP and be better prepared for their professional careers in the future. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided the platform for the young aspiring students to work and share knowledge with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and scientists. This in turn has facilitated to expand their intellectual horizons in the field of science. The gained knowledge and working skills may provoke them to establish their careers as scientists. The program is built on three pillars, namely that of teaching, assessment, and curriculum design. Students in the program are given tools and materials to develop research skills in addition to completing classwork, and this focuses on developing a broad understanding of how to tackle difficult research problems, and more generally how to learn on one's own. Assessments come in the form of written and oral tasks, leading student mentees to practice technical writing, and presentation skills. The students are always encouraged to join the group meetings, presentations and discussions. They all learned how to use SciFinder, Chem Draw and several other scientific tools to explore science related articles, drawing, report preparations etc. Furthermore, the students always had the opportunity to prepare and present at group meetings, local and national scientific meetings. We are quite pleased with the results, our undergraduate students won first prize for the Honors Research Symposium in the department, as well as a first prize and Gold medal at the Cosmetic Society meeting, and AOCS poster presentations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students and faculty members from the collaborating institute Bronx Community College (BCC) visited PIs lab at the City College of New York (CCNY) and participated research activities and discussions. We were actively interacted with our collaborator Prof. Vicki Flaris regularly, till her unfortunate sudden passing in the early spring 2019. Several students joined with our program. Later students from Bronx community college moved to the senior campus CCNY to complete their Bachelors degree. One of the current undergraduate research students Ms. Montero is a true example of the FMMP collaborative efforts; a senior is looking forward to complete her Bachelors degree with research experience working for FMMP research. Over the years, during these workshops, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and professors explain their research work, train the students in laboratory on simple organic synthesis, handling of lab equipment and discuss about the future perspectives of the research. In addition to these, the work done by the ongoing students will also be showcased to gain interest in the other students of the same or different community. Interestingly, the current undergraduate students are the real ambassadors for our program (Peer-ARM). One popular honors research presentations of Science Division of CCNY undergraduate symposium in the fall semester 2019 was from an FMMP participant who was an active undergraduate researcher trained via FMMP program on "Biocatalytically Derived Trehalose-based Molecular Gels as Nutraceuticals". It was well received by her peers and faculty alike. As a result, several students contacted us and eventually joined to our laboratory. This work has been presented at the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting and Technology Showcase 2019 and won the First prize and Gold Medal. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will provide opportunities in more hands-on training to the current students and encourage them to pursue their careers in science and education. Unfortunately, the laboratory research was disrupted in the spring 2020 semester; though we have conducted regular zoom sessions to discuss their progress on reading assignments and report preparations. In the fall 2020, we are planning to conduct workshops for the dissemination of gained knowledge and to attract new aspiring students. The peer mentors (trained senior undergraduate students) will continue to assess their growth and productivity, tackling problems that arise in research, and continuing to build upon the skills necessary for employment in the food security sector as specified by the strategic partners. In addition to the current research environment, we have acquired a fluorescence microscope (support by HSI grant) for the analysis of oleogel based emulsion materials. All students will have opportunity to learn, train and use this instrument. In addition, we are in the process of acquiring a Turbiscan instrument for the complete analysis of emulsion materials and training purposes. The instrument was supposed to install in the spring 20 semester; unfortunately it was postponed due to the pandemic. It is expected to arrive in the early fall of 2020. FMMP will be committed to offer additional training opportunities in wet lab chemistry, textural analysis, Zetasizer measurements and rheology techniques to the graduate students, master students and undergraduate research students. Visits to food companies and further collaborative efforts with industry will be actively pursued on trans fat free bakery items, mayonnaise and other products with our oleogel technology. This will bring new avenues for students to meet and interact with professionals and professional organizations (National Registry for Food Safety Professionals) and attended conferences where they can meet peers and future employers. For example, recently the FMMP participants were I encourged to attend the virtualVIRTUAL AOCS meeting from June 30-July 3, 2020. It provides an opportunity to listen and learn from experts in the filed, especially an international conference for free and no travel.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The major objective of the project is to empower Hispanic and minority students (including women) towards employment in USDA/Agriculture related topics by enriching their education and engaging them in research. This should serve to enable them to obtain gainful employment in the food safety and materials sectors after completion of a comprehensive mentoring program. In this regard, the project has attracted and educated students from New York City's diverse Hispanic and Minority (african american, hispanic and females) communities by bringing mentees from across the five boroughs to technological hubs at the CUNY schools. This project has particularly brought the attention of students pursuing Bachelors and Associate degrees with professor, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students as mentors. Five undergraduate students, one Master student and a Ph.D. student have been involved in various aspects of the developmental studies on vegetable oil structuring, food processing, and healthy life style, and are being primed for employment in the food sector. Currently, the undergraduate researchers focuses on investigating the gel formation abilities of sugar acyl esters in multiple solvent systems varied from water, organic solvents, vegetable oils and mineral oils under the tutelage of Master and graduate students. Several of the sugar amphiphiles positively gels in a variety of oils. The molecules proved to be successful gelators of liquid oils, their implementation to the food industry will follow as alternative ways to the structuring of vegetable oils, to replace the current trans fat. We had a very productive year in terms of undergraduate student training and research output. One Master student completed her thesis research under FMMP research opportunities on oleogel technologies and successfully defended her thesis, and graduated. Two undergraduate students completed their Honors research as a part of the FMMP program. Other undergraduate students completed their independent research study along with the honors research students. The list of publications and products we have generated last year are provided in the earlier section. Furthermore, this year was an award-winning year for our undergraduates and graduate student. We have garnered total FIVE prestigious awards, including a first prize and gold medal for a poster presentation at the annual meeting of the cosmetic research society and others from the school and outside by the undergraduates and the graduate students together. All of them were actively participating in FMMP-CUNY for the current reporting period. It is certainly an impressive feat for us. COMMENTS from Undergraduate Research Students Associated with FMMP Project:? STUDENT 1: (i) Comments from Undergraduate Research Students associated with FMMP project: "Having the opportunity to conduct research on oleogels has broadened my perspective on the importance of food chemistry and how research improves the academic experience. Without this research lab, I would not have met the mentors that have guided me on my future path of pursuing a career in chemistry. They have helped me on many occasions to be better at solving the roadblocks in my research, and through them I have learned the benefits of being in a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about oleogel research and how it relates to trans-fat alternatives. These benefits include having a network of people to help you throughout your project, and address the issues you run into, as well as give valuable life advice on how to pursue a career in chemistry. Through my research experience, I have come to better understand the chemistry behind molecular gels, and the widespread applications it has for our society. I wholly recommend joining this research lab, not only for the immense opportunity for mentorship, but also for the experience of being a part of a research family." STUDENT 2: (i) Comments from Undergraduate Research Students associated with FMMP project: "Being in an actual lab setting gave me invaluable hands-on experience. Not only did I learn several techniques that I had only heard mentioned in the lectures, but I also gained extensive knowledge of how a real lab operates. I specifically appreciated my learning experience of oleogels as I was included in every step starting from synthesis of amphiphilic gelators and up to a detailed characterization of oleogels. Such deep understanding of oleogels awakened my interest in the food industry and its current issues related to replacement of trans fat. A unique research focus of the lab, where along with the fundamental science one can also see the actual application of the research work, gave me considerable advantage over my classmates. Participating in scientific conferences as an actual lab member allowed me to meet several industry professionals and to gain insight into what my future working environment might be like - a crucial realization that would not be otherwise possible to come by." (ii) "Working in a lab setting allows one to gain a key skill of teamwork. In today's world of cooperation and knowledge sharing such skill is indispensable and represents an invaluable advantage. Being surrounded by and seeing the work of highly qualified professionals, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and aspiring undergraduate students sets a high bar and pushes you to learn more, to understand more and eventually brings you to new heights. I felt the positive impact of my working in the lab both in classroom and at student conferences where I was sharing my research with fellow students. No idea is dismissed in the lab, everything is considered by the team, which not only boosts self-esteem of undergraduate students, but also allows them to develop critical thinking and see first-hand how research discussions are conducted. Such unique lab experience definitely prepares one for a professional career in a way that just a theoretical lecture never will." STUDENT 3: "I believe that an undergraduate should seek food research opportunities because it helps them better understand the concepts they learned in class. Research allows that to be achieved which is a great reinforcing element for the undergraduate student. With this research opportunity they can also better their critical thinking skills. In the laboratory, since the experiments are not optimized as it was in the laboratory classes in school, the projects may not always work. Critical thinking then allows you to think about what variable can be altered so the experiment would work. Or how can the results be better optimized. Research experiences also allow a space for new connections to be formed with other prominent researchers in that field. There is also a very supportive sentiment when you participate in a research lab. Everyone is very welcoming, that be it from the Principal Investigator, graduate students, and the undergraduate students. Being a part of this family, where you are all working towards the same goal of trying to discover new things, is something that is simply indispensable. I can be a FMMP ambassador by mentioning the amazing experience I had doing food research and all I learned and gained from the program to my peers on campus." Based on the positive feedback from the peer mentors (above), a new group of undergraduate students joined in the spring 2020 and are absolutely interested to continue their undergraduate research in the summer 2020 and beyond; unfortunately their research has been interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this regard, the students are eagerly looking forward to the fall semester (they are working remotely in summer, reading articles, writing reports and often zoom meetings and discussions) to the exciting part of their lab research and hands on experience in Fall 2020 and beyond.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Balachandran, VS.; Divya, KP.; Samateh, M.; Sagiri, S.; Satapathy, S.; Pradhan, P; Raghavan, SR.; Rakesh, L.; Sellers, MS.; Karna, SP.; John, G, Freestanding organogels by molecular velcro of unsaturated amphiphiles, Soft Matter, 2019,15, 6263-6268.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Tuning aesthetic and mechanical properties of oleogels via formulation of enzyme?enabled stereoisomeric molecular gelators, Nanotechnology Applications for Food & Agriculture, Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting in San Diego, CA, Tuesday, August 27, 2019, San Diego Convention Center, CA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Bio-derived molecular materials: Ability to adapt, clean, energy storage and therapeutic, Chemistry & Utilization of Agro-Based Materials, Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting in San Diego, CA, Tuesday, August 27, 2019, San Diego Convention Center, CA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Sai Sateesh Sagiri, Malick Samateh, Shihao Pan, Charles Maldarelli, George John, Oleogels as future trans fat alternative: A mathematical model for an unsolved conundrum in gelation during scale up process, AIChE annual meeting Nov. 10-15, 2019, Hyatt Regency, Orlando, Florida.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Functional Molecular Materials - Biomass as A Platform for Molecular Design, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Canada, March 1, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. Invite Talk) Fat for the future: Designing multifunctional molecular oleogels as trans fat alternative, Sustainability & Security Session, Food Innovation & Engineering Conference (FOODIE), hosted by AIChEs Food, Pharmaceutical & Bioengineering Division, DoubleTree by Hilton, Philadelphia City, December 8-10, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Functional Self-Assembled Amphiphilic Systems Derived from Renewable Resources, Gordon Research Conferences, Biomass to Biobased Chemicals and Materials. Jordan Hotel at Sunday River in Newry, ME. July 14-19, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Bio-Derived Molecular Materials: Ability to Adapt, Clean and for Energy Storage, 10th Workshop on Fats and Oils as Renewable Feedstock for the Chemical Industry?, Karlsruhe, Germany, March 17 19, 2019.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Functional Molecular Materials - Biomass as A Platform for Molecular Design, Biomolecular Nanotechnology Group, University of Twente, ?Faculty of Science and Technology, 7500 AE Enschede,?The Netherlands, June 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tsupko, P.; Samateh, M.; John, G. Wax Free Lip Balms: Trehalose-based Molecular Gelators as an Alternative to Waxes in Cosmetic Formulations, SCC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting and Technology Showcase, Sheraton New York Times Square, New York, NY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tsupko, P.; John, G. Biocatalytically Derived Trehalose-based Molecular Gels as Controlled Release Devices, 67th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, Queens College, Flushing, NY.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tsupko, P. (attended a conference) The Challenges and Opportunities of Formulating with Naturals, Venetian (546 River Drive), Garfield, New Jersey
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
John, G et al. (Invited Talk) Molecular electrode materials from nature design of a green battery, Oraganic Battery Days 2019, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena, Germany, June 3-5, 2019.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Malick Samateh, PROBING THE GELATION PHENOMENA IN MOLECULAR AND SEED-BASED GELS, A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Chemistry in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, The City University of New York
|
Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The main goal of this project is to increase the number of underrepresented students graduating with a baccalaureate or higher degree in a multidisciplinary science education (science and engineering) through the development of a science based mentoring program that utilizes sustainable agricultural materials and processes. To achieve this goal, FMMMP's target audience was the undergraduate students from the City College of New York (CCNY) and from Bronx Community College (BCC) in partnership with USDA Regional Laboratories in Pennsylvania (ERRC) and California (WRRC), USDA-HSINP, Rich's Products Corporation, NY, BakerCogs, Inc, Kansas and Grupo Bimbo, Mexico to focus on the following objectives: 1) develop a mentoring program where teams of 7-9 students (6-8 undergraduates and 1 graduate student) can work collaboratively on sustainable materials research for food processing, vegetable oil structuring, food safety and healthy living; 2) provide financial assistance for 2-3 students per year for completing the mentoring program; 3) acquire and utilize state of the art instrumentation in the research projects; 4) foster as a feeder program for educated and well prepared students from Community college to Senior college and further to USDA/Industry; and 5) strengthen underrepresented student recruitment and retention in the agricultural programs in a urban environment. The project directly addresses the need to enhance the food quality and safety using naturally derived materials (GRAS) and their nanoscale processing protocols by producing graduates that understand the importance of healthy life style and quality foods, especially who are living in the urban cities like NY. The products of this project will include a science-based research mentoring model, a state of the art interdisciplinary chemistry/food materials laboratory in a urban environment and a research and teaching facility, faculty and student exchange program, internship for the undergraduates at government, industry to well prepare them for the future career in food/agriculture arena. In the past year the students have received mentoring, tutoring, and educational enrichment towards their goals of completing their degrees, as well as preparation for the job market. Though they balance a busy schedule, these students (each with their own dedicated mentor) have been succeeding not only in their coursework, but also in research as well. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided the platform for the young aspiring students to work and share knowledge with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and scientists. This in turn has facilitated to expand their intellectual horizons in the field of science. The gained knowledge and working skills may provoke them to establish their careers as scientists.The program is built on three pillars, namely that of teaching, assessment, and curiculum design. Students in the program are given tools and materials to develop research skills in addition to completing classwork, and this focuses on developing a broad understanding of how to tackle difficult research problems, and more generally how to learn on one's own. Assessments come in the form of written and oral tasks, leading student mentees to practice technical writing, and presentation skills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students and faculty members from the collaborating institute Bronx Community College (BCC) visited PIs lab at the City College of New York (CCNY) and participated research activities and discussions. We are actively planning to conduct workshops in respective campuses in the Spring 2019to advertise and attract more students to FMMP at City College of New York/Bronx Community College, NY. During these workshops, graduate students, postdoctorate fellows and professors explain their research work, train the students in laboratory equipment handling and discuss about the future perspectives of the research. In addition to these, the work done by the ongoing students will also be showcased to gain interest in the other students of the same or different community. Interestingly, the current undergraduate students are the real ambassadors for our program. One of the most popular honors research presentation in Spring 2017 was from an FMMP participant who was an active undergraduate researcher trained via FMMP program on "Biocatalytically Derived Trehalose-based Molecular Gels as Nutraceuticals". It was well received by her peers and faculty alike. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will provide opportunities in more hands-on training to the current students and encourage them to pursue their careers in science and education. We are planning to conduct workshops for the dissemination of gained knowledge and to attract new aspiring students. After the first year students will be focused on a specific research question and topic. They will seek to collect data to present in either a written or oral dissemination when they are ready at a relevant conference or seminar. Mentors will continue to assess their growth and productivity, tackling problems that arise in research, and continuing to build upon the skills necessary for employment in the food security sector as specified by the strategic partners. In addition to the current research environment, we have aquired a fluorescence microscope (support by HSI grant) for the analysis of oleogel based emulsion materials. All students will have opportunity to learn, train and use this instrument. Furthermore, we are in the process of aquiring a TURBISCANinstrument for the complete analysis of emulsion materials and training purposes. The instrument will be arriving to our lab in few weeks time.FMMP will be committed to offer additional training opportunities in wet lab chemistry, textural analysis, Zetasizer measurements and rheology techniques to the graduate students, master students and undergraduate research students. Visits to food companies and further collaborative efforts with industry will be actively pursue on trans fat free bakery items, mayonnaise and other products with our oleogel technology. This will bring new avenues for students to meet and intereact with professionals and professional organizations (National Registry for Food Safety Professionals) and attended conferences where they can meet peers and future employers.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The major objective of the project is to empower hispanic and and minority students (including women) towards employment in USDA/Agriculture related topics by enriching their education and engaging them in research. This should serve to enable them to obtain gainful employment in the food safety and materials sectors after completion of a comprehensive mentoring program. In this regard, the project has attracted and educated students from New York City's diverse Hispanic and Minority (african american, hispanic and females) communities by brining mentees from across the five boroughs to technological hubs at the CUNY schools. This project has particularly brought the attention of students pursuing Bachelors and Associate degrees with Professors/Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students as mentors. Eight undergraduate students (seven of them are pursuing their bachelor degree and the other for the associate degree) have been involved in various aspects of the developmental studies on vegetable oil structuring, food processing, and healthy life style, and are being primed for employment in the food sector. Currently, the undergraduate researchers focusses on investigating the gelating properties of sugar alkanoates in multiple solvent systems varied from water, organic solvents, vegetable oils and mineral oil. Several of them positively gels in a variety of oils. The molecules proved to be successful gelators of liquid oils, their implementation to the food industry will follow as alternative ways to the structuring of vegetable oils, to replace the current transfat. We had a very productive year in terms of undergraduate student training and research output. Twoundergraduate students completed their 3 credit Honors research as a part of the FMMP program. Two of them arefemale students (Chemistry). Other undergraduate students completed their independent research study along with the honors research students. The list of publications and products we have genrated last year are provided in the earlier section. Furthermore, this year was an award winning year for our undergraduates and graduate student. We have garneredTotal ELEVEN prestigious awards from the School and outside by theundergraduates and thegraduate student together, who are actively participating in FMMP-CUNY for the current reporting period. It is certainly an impressive feat for us. Comments from Undergraduate Research Students associated with FMMP project: COMMENT#1: "Being a member of this research lab is an important aspect in my life. It enables countless opportunities to work with professionals and gain experience in the field. The opportunities include learning about oleogels and how they could directly aid the food industry in providing healthy alternatives, conducting experiments with application of concepts learned in class, and collaborating with research group members who are all equally as passionate about the topic. I feel as a part of the community inside and outside of the lab and have met many postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students who I can count on. Additionally, the mentorship and guidance provided by my research lab professor has been invaluable to my success. Thanks to the encouragement on numerous occasions, I have achieved many academic and personal goals. I have been able to delve deep into a project to understand the underlying principles and behaviors of amphiphiles and gelators. I was also able to present and share this research with other undergraduate students at a conference and learn about their projects as well. All of which would not have been possible without my joining of this research lab. Therefore, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to join this lab." COMMENT#2: "Working at the lab not only gives one a direct hands-on experience and lets acquire valuable bench research skills, but also allows to meet interesting brilliant people ready to share their knowledge. The chemistry theory learned in class now becomes something real and tangible, and all the nuts and bolts of the lab work are no longer a scary mystery. With the fundamental science being at the core of the research, it is important that at the lab we can see possible applications of the obtained results and realize that our work can make a difference. New ideas are always given careful consideration and discussed openly, which encourages to explore and experiment. A true teamwork between all lab members on a project is an exciting opportunity to learn from the best. This is a unique experience that students can acquire while in college to be better prepared for their professional careers in the future."
Publications
- Type:
Book Chapters
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Samateh, M.; Sagiri, S. S.; John, G., CHAPTER 18 Molecular Oleogels: Green Approach in Structuring Vegetable Oils. In Edible oleogels: Structure and Health Implications, Academic Press and AOCS Press 2018; p.415-438.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Samateh, M.; Pottackal, N.; Manafirasi, S.; Vidyasagar, A.; Maldarelli, C.; John, G., Unravelling the secret of seed-based gels in water: the nanoscale 3D network formation. Scientific Reports (Nature) 2018, 8, 1-8.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
22nd Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, Hilton Portland Downtown, Portland, Oregon
Samateh, M.; Sagiri, SS; Sanni, R; John, G. ⿿Green Approach towards Molecular Gelator Synthesis for Aesthetic Modulation in Oleogels
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
2018 Green Chemistry Gordon Research Conference (GRC), Addressing the Challenges at the Energy-Materials-Food-Water Nexus Through Green Chemistry, Rey Don Jaime Grand Hotel, Castelldefels, Spain
Samateh, M.; Pottackal, N.; Manafirasi, S.; Vidyasagar, A.; Maldarelli, C.; John, G. ⿿Gel-forming seeds in water: Probing the Growth, Assembly and 3D Gel Network Formation at the Nanoscale!
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Summer 2018 Opportunities in Research and Creative Arts (ORCA) Poster Presentation, City College of New York, New York.
Tsupko, P.; Samateh, M.; Sateesh, S. S.; John, G. ⿿Biocatalytically Enabled Trehalose-based Molecular Gels as Controlled Release Device
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Fall 2018 City College Academy for Professional Preparation (CCAPP) Poster Presentation, City College of New York, New York.
Tsupko, P.; Samateh, M.; Sateesh, S. S.; John, G. ⿿Biocatalytically Derived Trehalose-based Molecular Gels as Nutraceuticals
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Honors Research Report (I) Spring 2018: Trehalose-based low molecular -weight molecular gelator( I). Submitted to Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York
Honors Research Report (II) Fall 2018: Trehalose-based low molecular -weight molecular gelator (II). Submitted to Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Honors Research Report (I) Spring 2018: Synthesis and Application of Sugar Alcohol-based Molecular Gels as Trans Fat Alternatives (I). Submitted to Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York.
Hnors Research Report (II): Fall 2018: Synthesis and Application of Sugar Alcohol-based Molecular Gels as Trans Fat Alternatives II. Submitted to Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York.
|
Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The main goal of this project is to increase the number of underrepresented students graduating with a baccalaureate or higher degree in a multidisciplinary science education (science and engineering) through the development of a science based mentoring program that utilizes sustainable agricultural materials and processes. To achieve this goal, FMMMP's target audience was the undergraduate students from the City College of New York (CCNY) and from Bronx Community College (BCC) in partnership with USDA Regional Laboratories in Pennsylvania (ERRC) and California (WRRC), USDA-HSINP, Rich's Products Corporation, NY, BakerCogs, Inc, Kansas and Grupo Bimbo, Mexico to focus on the following objectives: 1) develop a mentoring program where teams of 7-9 students (6-8 undergraduates and 1 graduate student) can work collaboratively on sustainable materials research for food processing, vegetable oil structuring, food safety and healthy living; 2) provide financial assistance for 2-3 students per year for completing the mentoring program; 3) acquire and utilize state of the art instrumentation in the research projects; 4) foster as a feeder program for educated and well prepared students from Community college to Senior college and further to USDA/Industry; and 5) strengthen underrepresented student recruitment and retention in the agricultural programs in a urban environment. The project directly addresses the need to enhance the food quality and safety using naturally derived materials (GRAS) and their nanoscale processing protocols by producing graduates that understand the importance of healthy life style and quality foods, especially who are living in the urban cities like NY. The products of this project will include a science-based research mentoring model, a state of the art interdisciplinary chemistry/food materials laboratory in a urban environment and a research and teaching facility, faculty and student exchange program, internship for the undergraduates at government, industry to well prepare them for the future career in food/agriculture arena. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided the platform for the young aspiring students to work and share knowledge with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and scientists. This in turn has facilitated to expand their intellectual horizons in the field of science. The gained knowledge and working skills may provoke them to establish their careers as scientists. The program is built on three pillars, namely that of teaching, assessment, and curiculum design. Students in the program are given tools and materials to develop research skills in addition to completing classwork, and this focuses on developing a broad understanding of how to tackle difficult research problems, and more generally how to learn on one's own. Assessments come in the form of written and oral tasks, leading student mentees to practice technical writing, and presentation skills. For professional development we have been in increased contact with food companies including Rich's Food Products and the fats and oils company AAK who have taken members of our lab in to show them the nature of function of aspects of the food industry. This should serve to be a crucial connection in linking students to employment after their graduation from this mentoring program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students and faculty members from the collaborating institute Bronx Community College (BCC) visited PIs lab at the City College of New York (CCNY) and participated research activities and discussions. We are actively planning to conduct workshops in respective campuses in the Spring 2018 to advertise and attract more students to FMMP at City College of New York/Bronx Community College, NY. During these workshops, graduate students, postdoctorate fellows and professors explain their research work, train the students in laboratory equipment handling and discuss about the future perspectives of the research. In addition to these, the work done by the ongoing students will also be showcased to gain interest in the other students of the same or different community. Interestingly, the current undergraduate students are the real ambassadors for our program. One of the most popular honors research presentation in Spring 2017 was from an FMMP participant who was an active undergraduate researcher trained via FMMP program on "The Chemistry of a Healthy Non-Bake Cheesecake". It was well received by her peers and faculty alike. One of the mentees who came in as a senior college student, has presented his work at the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation conference at City College in a diverse academic setting, receiving a warm welcome, and interest from the community. Students will be expected to present one yearly after their first year in the mentoring program. The students who has trained in our laboratory are FMMPs great ambassadors for our future student receruitment through their passionate research and interest to open up our lab to their friends and peers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We are committed to provide opportunities in more hands-on training to the current students and encourage them to pursue their careers in science and education. We are planning to conduct workshops for the dissemination of gained knowledge and to attract new aspiring students. After the first year students will be focused on a specific research question and topic. They will seek to collect data to present in either a written or oral dissemination when they are ready at a relevant conference or seminar. Mentors will continue to assess their growth and productivity, tackling problems that arise in research, and continuing to build upon the skills necessary for employment in the food security sector as specified by the strategic partners. In addition to the current research environment, we have aquired fluorescence microscope (support by HSI grant) for the analysis of oleogel based emulsion materials. All students will have opportunity to learn, train and use this instrument. Furthermore, we are in the process of aquiring a LUMiSizer instrument for the complete analysis of emulsion materials and training purposes. FMMP will be committed to offer additional training opportunities in wet lab chemistry and rheology techniques to the graduate students, master students and undergraduate research students. Visits to food processing locations as well as materials sourcing will commence, alongside their joining professional organizations (National Registry for Food Safety Professionals) and attended conferences where they can meet peers and future employers.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The major objective of the project is to empower hispanic and and minority students (including women) towards employment in USDA/Agriculture related topics by enriching their education and engaging them in research. This should serve to enable them to obtain gainful employment in the food safety and materials sectors after completion of a comprehensive mentoring program. In this regard, the project has attracted and educated students from New York City's diverse Hispanic and Minority (african american, hispanic and females) communities by brining mentees from across the five boroughs to technological hubs at the CUNY schools. This project has particularly brought the attention of students pursuing Bachelors and Associate degrees with Professors/Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students as mentors. Eight undergraduate students (seven of them are pursuing their bachelor degree and the other for the associate degree) have been involved in various aspects of the developmental studies on vegetable oil structuring, food processing, and healthy life style, and are being primed for employment in the food sector. Currently, the undergraduate researchers focusses on investigating the gelating properties of sugar alkanoates in multiple solvent systems varied from water, organic solvents, vegetable oils and mineral oil. Several of them positively gels in a variety of oils. The molecules proved to be successful gelators of liquid oils, their implementation to the food industry will follow as alternative ways to the structuring of vegetable oils, to replace the current transfat. In the past year the students have received mentoring, tutoring, and educational enrichment towards their goals of completing their degrees, as well as preparation for the job market. Though they balance a busy schedule, these students (each with their own dedicated mentor) have been succeeding not only in their coursework, but also in research as well.
Publications
- Type:
Book Chapters
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sagiri, S. S.; Samateh, M.; John, G., Chapter 2 Biobased Molecular Structuring Agents. In Edible Oil Structuring: Concepts, Methods and Applications, The Royal Society of Chemistry: 2017, pp 23-52.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sagiri, S.; Samateh, M.; John, G., Fat for the future: designing multifunctional molecular oleogels. INFORM International News on Fats, Oils, and Related Materials 2017, pp 19-22.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Oral Presentations
Samateh, M; Sagiri, SS; Pulido, D* Hernadez, N*; Sanni, R*; John, G. Next Generation Sugar-based Vegetable Oil Structuring Agents: Synthesis, Assembly, Morphological Evaluation and Applications, 9th Workshop on Fats and Oils as Renewable Feedstock for the Chemical Industry, Karlsruhe, Germany, March 2017
Sagiri, SS; Samateh, M; John, G. An Investigation to Achieve Physical Consistency of Oleogels during Scale Up, 2017 AOCS Annual Meeting and Industry Showcases, Orlando, Florida, May 2017
Samateh, M.; Sagiri, SS; Sanni, R*; Pulido, D*; John, G. Designing Multifunctional Sugar Alcohol-based Oleogels as Solid Fat Substitutes, 91st ACS Colloid & Surface Science Symposium, City College of New York, New York, NY, July 2017
Sagiri, SS; Samateh, M.; Rivas*, R; John, G. Green Emulsions using Low Molecular Weight Self-assembling Sugar Alcohol-based Amphiphiles, 91st ACS Colloid & Surface Science Symposium, City College of New York, New York, NY, July 2017
* Undergraduate Research Students
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Poster Presentations/Oral
Samateh, M; Sagiri, SS; Sanni, R*; John, G. Designing Multifunctional Sugar Alcohol-based Oleogels as Solid Fat Substitutes, 2017 AOCS Annual Meeting and Industry Showcases, Orlando, Florida, May 2017 (First Prize)
Daisy Pulido*, Malick Samateh, George John, Synthesis and characterization of low calorific sugar-based oil gelators and gels, City College Undergraduate Research Annual Symposium (CCAPP), Nov. 2016 (Poster)
Daisy Pulido*, The Chemistry of a Healthy Non-Bake Cheesecake, Honors Research Symposium, Department of Chemistry, The City College of New York, May 2017 (Oral)
Nannette Hernandez*, Samateh, M; John, G. Oil Gel Spherification through a Flow Focusing Microfluidic Device, Honors Research Symposium, Department of Chemical Engineering, The City College of New York, May 2017 (oral)
Nannette Hernandez*, Oil Gel Spherification through a Flow Focusing Microfluidic Device, Undergraduate Research Symposium, Chemical Engineering Department, The City College of New York, May, 2017 (poster).
Sanni, R*; Samateh, M; Sagiri, SS; John, G. Designing Molecular Gels as Fats Alternative, Honors Research Symposium, Department of Chemical Engineering, The City College of New York, May 2017 (oral)
Sanni, R*; Samateh, M; Sagiri, SS; John, G. Effect of Gelator Composition on Molecular Gels, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Meeting, New York, USA, May 2017 (oral)
* Undergraduate Research Students
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Honors Research Reports: Undergraduate Students
Daisy Pulido*, Fall 2016 Chemistry Honors Research Report, Synthesis and characterization of low calorific sugar-based oil gelators and gels, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dec. 2016, submitted.
Daisy Pulido*, Spring 2017 Chemistry Honors Research Report, The Chemistry of a Healthy Non-Bake Cheesecake: A study on the synthesis, characterization, and application of low calorific sugar-based oil gelators, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, May 2017 submitted.
Nannette Hernandez*, Spring 2017 Undergraduate Honors Research Report, Oil Gel Spherification through a Flow Focusing Microfluidic Device, Department of Chemical Engineering, May 2017 (Spring) submitted.
Riliwan Sanni*, Spring 2017 Undergraduate Honors Research Report, Designing Molecular Gels as Solid Fat Alternative, Department of Chemical Engineering, May 2017 submitted.
* Undergraduate Research Students
|
Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The current project has mainly focussed on improving the participation of young students from Hispanic minority communities in research. In particular, the target audience are the students with associate and Bachelor degrees. Though the project is intended to increase the number of underrepresented students in the multidisciplinary science education, their contribution benefits the large population of the society. The pool of students is selected between candidates at both Bronx Community College, and the City College of New York which is a collection of students from the five borough of New York, with a large immigrant population. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided the platform for the young aspiring students to work and share knowledge with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and scientists. This in turn has facilitated to expand their intellectual horizons in the field of science. The gained knowledge and working skills may provoke them to establish their careers as scientists. The program is built on three pillars, namely that of teaching, assessment, and curiculum design. Students in the program are given tools and materials to develop research skills in addition to completing classwork, and this focuses on developing a broad understanding of how to tackle difficult research problems, and more generally how to learn on one's own. Assessments come in the form of written and oral tasks, leading student mentees to practice technical writing, and presentation skills. For professional development we have been in increased contact with food companies including Rich's Food Products and the food oil company AAK who have graciously arranged visits for ourmembers to show them the nature of function/research and otheraspects of the food industry. This should serve to be a crucial connection in linking students to employment after their graduation from this mentoring program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We are planning to conduct workshops in The City College of New York and Bronx community college, NY. During these workshops, graduate students, post-doctorate fellows and professors explain their research work, train the students in laboratory equipment handling and discuss about the future perspectives of the research. In addition to these, the work done by the ongoing students will also be showcased to gain interest in the other students of the same or different community. In addition to this, teh interested students could provide lab visits and hands on experience in oleogel making/characterization techniques. One of the mentees (volunteer) who came in as a senior college student, has presented his work at the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation conference at City College in a diverse academic setting, receiving a warm welcome, and interest from the community. Students will be expected to present one yearly after their first year in the mentoring program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We are trying to give more hands-on training to the current students and encourage them to pursue their careers in science and education. We are planning to conduct workshops for the dissemination of gained knowledge and to attract young aspiring students. After the first year students will be focused on a specific research question and topic. They will seek to collect data to present in either a written or oral dissemination when they are ready at a relevant conference or seminar. Mentors will continue to assess their growth and productivity, tackling problems that arise in research, and continuing to build upon the skills necessary for employment in the food security sector as specified by the strategic partners. Visits to food processing locations as well as materials sourcing will commence, alongside their joining professional organizations (National Registry for Food Safety Professionals) and attended conferences where they can meet peers and future employers. We are committed to provide a matured website for the FMMP program to disseminate the advances in research/mentoring to the peers andto thepublic during the next reporting period.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The main objective of the project is to empower Hispanic and and minority students towards employment by enriching their education and engaging them in research. This should serve to enable them to obtain gainful employment in the food safety and materials sectors after completion of a comprehensive mentoring program. In this regard, the project has attracted and educated students from New York City's diverse Hispanic and minority communities by brining mentees from across the five boroughs to technological hubs at the CUNY schools. This project has particularly brought the attention of students pursuing Bachelors and Associate degrees with Professors and graduate students as mentors. Three undergraduate students (two of them are studying bachelor degree and the other with associate degree) have been involved in the development of sustainable materials for vegetable oil structuring, food processing, and healthy life style, and are being primed for employment in the food sector. The focus of the research is to synthesize low calorie sugar based gelators using the regioselective transesterification ability of Candida antartica lipase B on erythritol. The method used for the synthesis has been modified version of the previously existing procedures from the literature. It was found that the as-synthesized erythritol diesters have resemblance that of mannitol dioctanoate and sorbitol dioctanoate gelators. Erythritol diesters are also amphiphilic as mannitol dioctanoate and sorbitol dioctanoate. Considering these resemblances, future research will be done to investigate the gelating properties of erythritol diester molecules. If these molecules proved to be successful gelators of liquid oils, their implementation to the food industry will follow as alternative ways to the structuring of vegetable coils. In the past year these students have received mentoring, tutoring, and educational enrichment towards their goals of completing their degrees, as well as preparation for the job market. Though they balance a busy schedule, these students (each with their own dedicated mentor) have been succeeding not only in their coursework, but also in research as well. Reaction between erythritol and different alkyl length chain vinyl esters were performed by the undergraduate research students and theproducts were fully characterized.
Publications
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