FAS faculty members are invited to submit proposals for funding to support their research projects related to the Natural and Experimental Sciences, such as: supporting lab activities; replacing or upgrading essential research infrastructure; attending training programs; disseminating scholarly and pedagogical products; meeting with collaborators.
Eligibility: FAS faculty members. Faculty members who are on Leave without Pay for more than one semester during the grant's award period will not be eligible for funding. Each faculty member may submit only one proposal as a Principal Investigator for only one of the calls listed under 1. General and Interdisciplinary Opportunities and 2. Mamdouha El-Sayed Bobst FAS Deanship Fund.
Budget: Up to $8,000
Application materials: Apply online. Please upload in a single PDF file: 1. Proposal including abstract (no more than 200 words), description of the proposed activity and the expected outcomes (no more than 1000 words), detailed budget and budget narrative (indicating the anticipated use of the requested funds and all funds sought or secured from internal and external sources), and timeline; and 2. Official correspondence from external institutions, when available.
Application deadline: October 1; March 15
Contact: [email protected]
2025-26
- Characterization of the role of p130 pocket protein in neural stem cell lineage development in the telencephalon: uncovering distinct versus compensatory functions among pocket proteins (p107, Rb and p130)
Noel Ghanem, Department of Biology
The Retinoblastoma family of pocket proteins (p107, Rb and p130) controls all aspects of neurogenesis from stem cell activation to long-term neuronal survival in the brain. Previous studies reported non-overlapping, often complementary, roles for these cell cycle regulators with possibility for functional compensation. We recently showed that these three proteins play equally critical roles in NSC fate regulation in the two neurogenic sites inside the adult brain. Hence, their compound deletions (Triple Knock-Out; TKO) results in a transcriptomic switch from NSCs quiescence to activation, followed by niche depletion and loss of neurogenesis in the adult subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus [24]. More recently, we reported a similar TKO phenotype in the adult subventricular zone (aSVZ)-Olfactory Bulbs (OB) axis, which was however rescued in (p107-/- p130-/-Rb+/-) double knockout carrying a single wild type Rb allele (DKO): hence, adult neurogenesis was maintained. In comparison, TKO embryos displayed severe disruptions in all stages of neurogenesis at E14.5 with embryonic lethality. This phenotype was only partially rescued in DKO embryos, specifically the proliferation defects but not the neuronal differentiation or survival defects (Swaidan et al. 2025 [26] in revision). Our data highlights a novel requirement for p130 and p107 during neuronal differentiation while the role of p130 alone in neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) lineage development remains unknown. We propose here to first investigate this role in the telencephalon and uncover potential distinct versus compensatory functions among pocket proteins. To achieve this, we outbred our TKO line and derived two transgenic mouse lines to induce a single deletion in p130, and, compound deletions in (Rb-p130). Secondly, loss of Rb alone or all three pocket proteins is lethal during development; however, the apoptotic mechanism(s) involved are not well characterized. Using a mouse proteome profiler array, we will screen for pro- and anti-apoptotic candidate genes involved and confirm changes in gene expressions. Our preliminary embryonic data identified new targets that partially implicate the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, and are distinct from those recently detected in the adult brain (unpublished data). This study will characterize further the developmental roles and functional interactions among pocket proteins.
- Development of Magnetic Oxides for Next-Generation Spintronics
Mohammad Haidar, Department of Physics
Magnetic oxides are exciting materials for building the next generation of smart, energy-efficient devices that use the currents of spin of the electron instead of its charge to process and store information in the so-called field of spintronics. Among these materials, rare-earth iron garnets (REIGs) are especially promising because they allow efficient control of magnetic behavior while using minimal power. Compared with today’s semiconductor technologies, spintronic oxide-based devices provide distinct advantages in nonvolatility, processing speed, energy efficiency, and scalability.
The generation of spin currents is a critical aspect of spintronic device operation. Recent advances in the generation of pure spin currents via the spin Hall effect in heavy metals have established ferromagnet/heavy-metal (FM/HM) bilayers as fundamental systems for investigating spin pumping and spin–charge conversion mechanisms. This project aims to fabricate high-quality YIG and Bi-doped YIG thin films and to systematically study spin pumping phenomena in FM/HM bilayers using heavy metals such as gold and vanadium. The goal is to design new materials that can be employed in future oxide based spintronic devices.
- Doped Ni-based Electrocatalysts for Organic Molecules Oxidation toward Artificial Photosynthesis
Lara Halaoui, Department of Chemistry
Artificial photosynthesis promises to mimic natural photosynthesis to store light energy from the sun in high energy-density chemical bonds, ideally at a greater efficiency than plants. It can be achieved by water splitting to yield green hydrogen or by CO2 reduction to yield carbon-based fuels in electrolytic or photoelectrochemical cells. The reactions are kinetically sluggish and require multi-electron catalysts. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the anode reaction and is kinetically highly-demanding, and replacing it by easier alcohol oxidation would reduce overpotential while yielding higher-value products. NiFe-oxyhydroxide is a non-noble metal catalyst for OER in alkaline, and Ni-oxyhydroxide catalyzes alcohol oxidation. This study will examine effects of guest metals in Ni-hydroxides and phosphides on the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), while suppressing OER competition. The dopants will be introduced in the structure or will decorate the surface. Electrocatalysts will modify photoanodes for MOR and EOR in photoelectrochemical cells. We aim to achieve an understanding of effects of dopants on mechanism, kinetics, and stability of alcohol oxidation catalysis at earth abundant Ni-based electrocatalysts and their use in photoelectrochemical cells, toward a rational design for artificial photosynthesis. The studies will impact energy sustainability.
Expanding the Spectral Range of the Transient Absorption Setup at AUB
Tarek Ghaddar, Department of Chemistry
Photochemistry research is essential for uncovering the principles of light–matter interactions and molecular transformations, with wide-ranging applications in renewable energy, materials science, and medicine. Transient absorption spectroscopy (TA), particularly flash photolysis, provides a powerful and cost-effective method for probing fast, short-lived intermediates. This proposal outlines finalizing the establishment of a flash photolysis laboratory at AUB, dedicated to studying transients and kinetic processes on the nanosecond to second timescale in photochemical reactions. The current home-made setup utilizes a 532 nm pulse source, with detection of transient species using probe light at 780, 840 and 900 nm. The objective of this proposal is to expand the spectral range of detection from 365 to 900 nm, since currently the system does not cover the UV and visible part of the spectrum.
First Lebanese Wine Profiling by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)
Wissam Iali, Department of Chemistry
Lebanon has a long tradition in winemaking from many different types of grapes and places, until now a scientific characterization of Lebanese wines is missing. The goal of this project is to establish the first NMR-based metabolomic profiling of Lebanese wines for future authenticity, quality, and geographical distinction. Representative wines from Lebanon's most significant viticulture areas (Bekaa Valley, Batroun, Mount Lebanon, and Jezzine) will be examined using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy which is available on AUB campus. The outcomes will be a first metabolomic database of representative commercial Lebanese wines, peer-reviewed publications, and build up guidelines for wine authentication and export certification. Beyond scientific contribution, the project will strengthen Lebanon's wine industry by emphasizing the chemical uniqueness of its terroirs and enhancing collaborations between academic and industrial communities.
- In a drop of groundwater: A Multi- variable analysis (biological, chemical, physical) to unravel relationships between indicator of water quality, origin, and transport.
Zakaria Kambris, Department of Biology
Joanna Doummar, Department of Earth Sciences
Freshwater, notably groundwater is currently facing tremendous stress due to climate change and climate variability in addition to the increase of water needs and demands with increasing urbanization especially in rural areas (Kløve et al., 2014). Additionally, the increasing urbanization, especially in areas that lack waste-water treatment plants (rural developing countries) has resulted in a growing level of unpredictable contamination. As a result, the identification of indicators in water; notably groundwater can help anticipate water quality, outline sources of contamination and trace back the origin of contaminant (pristine versus anthropic) in an attempt to remedy water quality degradation (Iglesias et al., 2007). In this project, we propose to combine different analysis methods (bacteriological; DNA sequencing, physical, and chemical) to characterize groundwater in a rural setting. The combination of these parameters allows to understand the relationship between the different indicators in an attempt to characterize the intrinsic water type, the contribution from waste water of different anthropic origin to both surface water (river) and the associated springs.
- Theoretical Mechanistic Studies Pertaining to Molecular Electrocatalysts
Faraj Hasanayn, Department of Chemistry
In homogeneous electrocatalysis, a stable organo-transition metal molecule (M) is added to an electrochemical cell to mediate chemical transformations. When an electric potential is applied, M is either oxidized or reduced into a highly reactive intermediate (M*) that performs the catalysis. Detailed knowledge of the nature of M* is essential for rational catalyst improvement and the design of new catalysts for novel reactions. However, the high reactivity of M* often precludes its identification through experimental means. Therefore, computational tools based on quantum chemical methods become necessary. We aim to apply Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate electrocatalytic transformations of dinitrogen into ammonia.
2024-25
- Establishment of a Flashphotolysis Lab for Transient Absorption Measurements at AUB
Tarek Ghaddar, Department of Chemistry
Mohamad Hmadeh, Department of Chemistry
Photochemistry research plays a crucial role in understanding the fundamental processes governing light-matter interactions and molecular transformations, with applications spanning from renewable energy, materials science, to medicine. Transient absorption spectroscopy (TA), particularly flash photolysis, offers a versatile and cost-effective approach to studying fast transient phenomena. This proposal outlines the establishment of a state-of-the-art flash photolysis laboratory at AUB, dedicated to investigating nanosecond to second timescale transients and kinetics processes during photochemical reactions, with a focus on renewable energy, catalysis, and materials science. The objectives include procuring advanced equipment and instrumentation, investigating transient processes in catalytic systems relevant to renewable energy applications, and collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers to translate fundamental science into practical solutions. The laboratory will be equipped with high-power laser system and time-resolved spectroscopy setups with the required data acquisition and analysis software. This proposal aims to advance our understanding of photochemical processes and catalytic mechanisms of current and future research work at AUB, driving innovation and sustainability in science and technology.
New Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) Incorporating the Isoindigo Chromophore for Photocatalysis Applications
Bilal Kaafarani, Department of Chemistry
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered the main greenhouse gas anthropogenically released and trapped in the atmosphere. A substantial surge in CO2 emission has resulted from the high-speed of industrial development in addition to the reliance on fossil fuels for energy production. This emission is accompanied by disastrous environmental problems such as global warming. Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are metal-free crystalline 2D/3D structured networks fabricated of high-ordered porous crystalline structures made of covalently linked building blocks. The nature and properties of the linker in COFs are related to the structure, nature, and efficiency of the COF’s application. Both the design of the COF and the assembled functionalities influence the efficiency of the COF at both levels of uptake capacity and selectivity of the gas. The isoindigo chromophore is a stable, highly conjugated, planar, and electron-deficient molecule. In this research project, we plan to synthesize a library of COFs having the isoindigo chromophore as a linker and to test these COFs for CO2 reduction into formic acid. The planarity of the isoindigo chromophore as well as its substitution with symmetric and asymmetric substituents at the N atoms increases the surface area of the synthesized COFs and that therefore increases the CO2 uptake.