Dr. Thomas Truskett, a chemical engineer at The University of Texas at Austin, has been selected to participate in the National Academy of Engineering’s Frontiers of Engineering symposium.

The symposium for accomplished young engineers will be held Sept. 22 – 24 at the G.E. Global Research Center in Niskayuna, N.Y. Assistant Professor Truskett was among 88 engineers between 30 and 45 years of age who were chosen to participate.

The symposium will cover topics that include the engineering of complex systems, engineering for developing communities, and the development of identification and verification technologies.

Truskett’s research focuses on developing a better understanding of the structural, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of protein solutions, colloidal suspensions, and other materials that exist in soft, condensed phases. These types of materials, which he studies using statistical mechanics and molecular simulations, play an important role in numerous applications, including circuit-board manufacturing and drug-delivery systems.

In addition, Truskett’s group develops strategies for modeling the stability of biologically active molecules in complex environments for understanding their function in cells or potential for drug development. These studies seek to clarify ways in which biomolecules degrade, reducing their shelf life and ability to serve as effective new pharmaceuticals.

Truskett previously received a prestigious Packard Fellowship from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation for his protein research, and a 2005 CAREER award from the National Science Foundation to study the behavior of matter at nanoscale dimensions to clarify the strengths and limitations of advanced nano-composite materials.

Details about these previous honors are at: www.engr.utexas.edu/news/articles/20041109705/index.cfm; www.engr.utexas.edu/news/articles/20050322771/index.cfm.