Related Stories

Homeward bound: Princeton engineers promote science in their native countries .

The stories that Edgar Choueiri and Winston Soboyejo tell of their native countries and of their own careers are strangely similar. These two Princeton engineering professors came from societies where science blossomed for a time and then atrophied. Both left their native countries to earn their scientific credentials. And now both men find themselves drawn home again to give something back to the societies where they were first inspired.

From atoms to Africa: Soboyejo tackles problems, inspires students .

Wole Soboyejo's outlook is global not only in terms of geography, but in the challenges he addresses and the way he approaches them. His ongoing, and simultaneous, research projects address problems in the areas of human health, sustainable energy and nanotechnology, to name just a few. Many of these initiatives combine the talent and expertise of scientists throughout the world through the U.S./Africa Materials Institute (USAMI), which Soboyejo founded and directs.

Student sows seeds of community-helping technology in Africa .

Since her arrival at Princeton, junior Ishani Sud has made a difference by thinking inside the box. Not just any box, but rather a solar-powered oven she designed her freshman year with classmate Lauren Wang, under the guidance of Wole Soboyejo, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Powered by the sun’s energy and constructed with locally available materials, the ovens can be built and used in developing nations, thereby allowing advancement while preserving the environment and local economies.

Creating opportunity: Engineering course empowers Princeton's social entrepreneurs .

The laboratory course taking place in the basement of Princeton's Friend Center is not a traditional one -- in lieu of microscopes, there are discussions of microfinance, and students seek to create not chemical changes, but social ones.

Hands-on engineering, campus visit inspire former refugees .

Through a partnership with Princeton engineers, children who once lived in refugee camps are learning about science and engineering as they design clay water filters and solar energy cookers. Addressing problems of clean water and affordable energy that they experienced first hand, the students also are gaining insights into the higher education process in the United States.

Little lifesavers: Nanoparticles improve delivery of medicines and diagnostics .

Tiny, biodegradable particles filled with medicine may also contain answers to some of the biggest human health problems, including cancer and tuberculosis. The secret is the size of the package.

2009 Art of Science competition .

The 2009 Art of Science competition highlights scientific images created during the course of research projects.