research
Business Ventures
Faculty research in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy has led to the development of several patents and business ventures.
Geology students Stephen Elmore and Cynthia Tselepis along with Dr. Mark Krekeler have formed a nanotechnology company – Mineral Sciences, L.L.C.
The company is dedicated to protecting human health and the environment through novel mineral-based nanotechnologies. Their flagship technology, patented through George Mason’s office of technology transfer, is a counter-terrorism application which is a specialized low cost nanoparticle-rich liquid which sequesters radiological dirty bomb materials, biological powder weapons, and poisonous powder materials. The special chemical properties of the liquid allow rapid absorption of powder weapon materials in seconds. The technology is scalable and can be used to contain small occurrences of suspicious powders in public locations to large scale dirty bomb attacks affecting multiple city blocks. The rapid and straight forward deployment methods greatly reduce economic damage and health impacts of powder weapons. Other technologies are in development and include another nanotechnology to remove phosphate and other pollutants from wastewaters. For additional information contact Dr. Krekeler or visit the Mineral Sciences, LLC website.
