The objective of this presentation is to present a state-of-the-art imaging technique: as X-ray Computed Tomography (CT).   This tool is commonly used in medical applications, but its use is growing in materials science applications.  The strengths and challenges of the application as discovered in the research of the ERC-RMB at NC A&T will be highlighted by a discussion concerning how to visualize the inside of objects: whether plant, animal, or mineral.  The accessibility to materials concepts provided by the images generated by these instruments can be harnessed to show viewers at all levels of understanding and interests how technology can play a role in various career endeavors.  The experience at NC A&T with its Nanotome MTM  CT machine illustrates the need for highly precise engineering skills to make the technique possible, robust computer hardware and software techniques to manage the data collected, as well as an artist’s and salesperson’s perspective to present the data in an efficient and informative manner.  Concepts of X-ray CT technology, applications to health and materials sciences, and a presentation of generated results as part of NC A&T’s ERC center will be discussed. 

Dr. Boyce E. Collins received a Ph. D. in Inorganic Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill studying electron transfer behavior of organometallic clusters with Dr. Cynthia K. Schauer after his undergraduate studies in chemistry at the same institution (BS with Honors).  He was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship in interdisciplinary research at UCSD under the mentorship of Professor Michael Sailor and collaborated with Professor Yukiko Goda (neural sciences) and Professor Sangeeta Bhatia (artificial organs).  His studies included the design and testing of a porous silicon optical biosensor, fabrication of a porous microstructure for housing liver cells, and application of the photoconductivity of silicon for the study of neuronal communication.  After completion of his post-doc, Dr. Collins spent 10 years in industry applying his scientific skill set to the efficient design and manufacture of technological products, including MEMS devices, piezo-electric ultrasound emitters, and carbon-based electrode for use in ultra-capacitors.  Dr. Collins has been at NC A&T since February 2010 where he studies titania photocatalysis, microfluidics, and biodegradable magnesium and maintains several pieces of equipment including the Nanotome M^TM X-ray CT machine of the ERC.