The Grainger College of Engineering

Two Engineering faculty members earn 2010 Sloan Fellowships

2/18/2010

Two University of Illinois faculty members have been selected to receive 2010 Sloan Research Fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan foundation: Yann R. Chemla, a professor of physics, and Karrie Karahalios, a professor of computer science.

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Two University of Illinois faculty members have been selected to receive 2010 Sloan Research Fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan foundation: Yann R. Chemla, a professor of physics, and Karrie Karahalios, a professor of computer science.

 

Yann Chemla
Yann Chemla

The two are among 118 early career scientists and researchers chosen to receive the two-year, $50,000 awards. In keeping with its goal of recognizing potential groundbreakers in their respective fields, the program allows fellows to pursue their choice of research topics and gives them flexibility in applying funds toward their research. 

Chemla’s research focuses on molecular motors--complex molecules that carry out specialized tasks within the cell, such as gene replication or cellular transport. He uses biophysical techniques, such as laser “tweezers” called optical traps, to study how molecular machines convert chemical energy into mechanical work.
Karrie Karahalios
Karrie Karahalios



Karahalios works with interpersonal interaction in networked environments. She designs and implements communication channels involving perceived social cues in networked electronic spaces, then incorporates those cues into the physical and virtual interface in the hopes of making technology-mediated interaction more intuitive.

Sloan Research Fellowships have been awarded since 1953.
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Contacts: Yann Chemla, Department of Physics, 217/333-6501.
Karrie Karahalios, Department of Computer Science, 217/265-6841.

 

Writer: Liz Ahlberg, physical sciences editor, Illinois News Bureau, 217/244-1073. 

If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, Engineering Communications Office, 217/244-7716, editor.

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This story was published February 18, 2010.