5 Engineering Innovations and Research Initiatives that Came Out of NJIT
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a world-renowned research-focused university located in the heart of Newark, New Jersey. NJIT's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology has resulted in numerous advancements in engineering, science, and business. NJIT’s engineering programs have produced groundbreaking innovations and research initiatives that have transformed industries and impacted society.
Students and faculty work together to discover new engineering innovations, which emerge from NJIT's research and development efforts. These innovations demonstrate NJIT's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology and its contribution to shaping the future of engineering. These innovations have had a major impact on society and have the potential for shaping the future of their respective industries.
1) Diamonds from CO2
A new company called Aether is changing the way diamonds are produced by introducing a fifth 'C' to the industry - carbon origin. What sets Aether apart from traditional diamond companies is that they are the first carbon-negative diamond producer.
Anthony Ippolito, an NJIT alumnus with a degree in chemical engineering, leads the company. His passion for the environment led him to develop a device that converts harmful carbon monoxide and dioxide into methane, which is the primary ingredient used to grow a lab-grown diamond.
The technology to create diamonds without the use of extreme pressure was first developed in the 1980s using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. This reactor involves superheating hydrogen with microwaves to create a plasma lightning field that reacts with a methane stream to produce diamond micrometers at a time.
2. Research to reduce wind turbine costs by $15M per year
Akhyurna Swain, a Ph.D. student in electrical engineering at NJIT, has proposed a non-intrusive monitoring technology controlled by magnets that could help save $15 million per year in the maintenance and operational costs of offshore wind turbines.
In her research proposal, Swain explained how magnetic technology paired with machine learning software could be used to detect faults and vibrations in wind turbines and subsidiary components. The data would be analyzed by artificial intelligence to determine the nature of the problem and its location.
Swain's research is also significant for its potential to reduce maintenance and operational costs associated with wind power generation. By using magnetic sensors mounted on the external surface of wind turbines, the technology would allow for non-intrusive fault detection and reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming physical inspections.
This proposed approach would also have minimal impact on avian and aquatic life, making it an attractive option for renewable energy generation. If successful, Swain's research could have implications for the development and operation of wind power projects worldwide.
3. Drug releasing hydrogels for opioid use disorder
Kaytlyn M. Crowe, a 2021 M.S. graduate in Biomedical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, developed a slow release, subcutaneous NLX-loaded peptide formulation. These hydrogels release a drug called NLX under the skin, which can help prevent people from experiencing the negative side effects after an overdose.
Crowe worked alongside her team of researchers from the departments of Biomedical and Chemical and Materials Engineering to synthesize and characterize the multidomain peptides with and without loaded NLX. Her contributions helped the team better understand the chemical, mechanical, and biophysical properties of the new medicine.
With her help, the team was able to create a safe and effective innovation that has the potential to save lives and make a positive impact on society.
4. Biomimetic and vascularized 3D liver cancer model
Derek Yip, a 2016 Ph.D. graduate in Biomedical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, developed a biomimetic and vascularized 3D liver cancer model. The model mimics the environment of liver cancer in vivo, providing a more accurate representation of the cancer environment for drug testing.
The model involves fabricating heterospheroids, agglomerations of liver cancer HepG2 and stromal cells, encapsulated in collagen gel, and coating heparin crosslinked, wet-spun chitosan microfiber/electrospun chitosan mat tube with endothelial cells.
Using this model, Yip exposed triculture spheroids, heterospheroids containing endothelial cells, and cell-coated chitosan electrospun mat tube to anti-cancer drugs and demonstrated a decrease in the length of vascular sprouts, and a greater maintenance of liver cell function for heterospheroids in collagen gel.
The innovation has the potential to improve drug development and lead to more effective treatments for liver cancer.
5. Newark Air Quality Monitoring System
Vishva Rana, a Goldwater Scholar and junior mechanical engineering major at NJIT, has been working on a real-time air quality monitoring system that she hopes to implement in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood.
The system consists of sensors located throughout a community that are connected to a web or smartphone application that displays air quality in real-time as a heat map. By creating a comprehensive heat map of whole cities’ or communities’ air pollution, residents and policymakers can gain an understanding of where specific pollution sources are and make informed decisions.
Rana believes that there is a huge demand for sustainable systems, not just environmental sustainability, but also sustainability regarding infrastructure. Her goal is to target municipalities in New Jersey and New York, and other industrial neighborhoods that may follow after the Ironbound are Trenton, Camden, and neighborhoods in New York City.
NJIT fosters a culture of innovation and excellence
The University’s dedication to research and development has fostered a culture of innovation, attracting talented faculty and students who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
NJIT's engineering programs cover a broad range of specializations, including electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, and more. Its programs are designed to provide students with a rigorous education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience.
With NJIT's reputation for excellence in engineering education and research, you can be confident that you'll receive a top-quality education that will prepare you for a successful career in engineering. Whether you're interested in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, or another area of specialization, NJIT has the resources and expertise to help you succeed.
Take part in the next cutting edge engineering innovation at NJIT
If you're interested in pursuing a graduate degree in engineering, NJIT is the perfect place to carry out your studies. Our programs offer rigorous coursework, hands-on experience, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge research projects. As a graduate student at NJIT, you'll be part of a community of innovators and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world.
Join the ranks of our successful alumni who are changing the world and contribute to the ongoing legacy of engineering innovation at NJIT. If you're ready to take the next step in your engineering career, apply now.