An interdisciplinary, inter-institution graduate study program involving Hampton University and Virginia Tech (VPI) (see appendix I) is proposed to enhance the possibility for minority students to obtain the Ph.D. degree. In the program students will obtain the M.S. degree at Hampton University and will complete advance study by obtaining the Ph.D. degree at Virginia Tech with research on environmentally significant and relevant topics. A unique student and faculty exchange program is incorporated into the overall traineeship effort. The research areas and education in environmental science and chemistry provide a balanced program for advanced study. Research topics available for students in the program include 1) synthesis of organic compounds using environmentally benign supercritical solvent media (carbon dioxide), 2) conversion of aromatic and chlorinated aromatic compounds via microbial oxygenation and transformation into medicinal and pharmaceutical materials, 3) synthesis and characterization of porpyrins, the development of polymeric materials for use in organic synthesis, 4) synthesis and characterization of nitrated heterocycles, 5) transition metal catalysis in organic synthesis, 6) studies of organic free radicals and radical ions, 7) trace element speciation in aqueous media; analytical methods development with atomic absorption spectroscopy, ion chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography, 8) studies of trace element transport in ground- water by suspended particles, 9) development of slurry injection analytical methods for the direct elemental analysis of geological samples, 10) design of extraction procedures and analytical methodology using environmentally benign supercritical fluids for the analysis of hazardous chemicals in marine and estuarine samples, 11) chromatographic methods for the analysis of organic contaminants in water, 12) assessment of placer heavy-mineral resources, nutrient influx in natural water, 13) studi es of crystal growth and surface adsorption reactions of interest in chemical oceanography, 14) investigation of non- solvent and non-organic solvent methods for treatment of and adhesive bonding to adherend surfaces, 15) environmental awareness in materials selection and processing methods for the preparation of high performance adhesive and composite materials, and 16) noise-induced transitions in nonlinear, dissapative, and physico-chemical dynamical systems.
