ASwe prepare for the 2025-2026 Werth Industry Academic Fellowship (IAF), it is an exciting time to reflect on the progress and impact of this initiative. Since its inception, the IAF has provided students with invaluable research experiences, working alongside industry partners to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges including those related to health, energy and sustainability.
Through the CSCU Center for Nanotechnology (CNT), students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge experimental and computational resources, guided by dedicated faculty and industry professionals. Their work contributes to groundbreaking advancements in health, energy generation, energy storage, and carbon sequestration — key technologies shaping a more
This report highlights some of the most recent research made possible by the Werth IAF. On behalf of our students, faculty, and industry collaborators — past, present, and future — I extend my deepest gratitude to Peter Werth and the Werth Family Foundation. Your generosity and support continue to inspire innovation and drive meaningful change. None of this would be possible without you.
CHRISTINE CARAGIANIS BROADBRIDGE, PH. D.
Executive Director, Research & Innovation Professor of Physics
Director, CT State Colleges and Universities Center for Nanotechnology broadbridge@southernct.edu
ABOUT THE WERTH INDUSTRY ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIP
The Werth Industry Academic Fellowship Program, made possible by the Werth Family Foundation in collaboration with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Center for Nanotechnology (CNT), provides transformative research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. The program focuses on building vital industry-academic connections and preparing students for careers in nanotechnology and related fields.
This program was established in 2014 with an eight-week summer fellowship offering immersive research opportunities within the CNT facilities, with an emphasis on applications with societal impact. Fellows work alongside distinguished faculty and industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge nanotechnology research. In addition to technical training, the program includes business education workshops covering intellectual property, strategic marketing, business planning, and industry networking, led by faculty from the SCSU School of Business and industry partners. Fellows continue research throughout the academic year and are provided opportunities to present and publish their work in partnership with their IAF team.
Fellows receive competitive stipends to support full-time participation and present their research findings at a final symposium. The program's interdisciplinary approach enhances nanotechnology skills, business knowledge, and professional development, helping fellows build strong industry connections and career opportunities. The fellowship particularly prioritizes inclusivity, actively engaging and supporting students from underrepresented and underserved groups in STEM research.
This comprehensive program continues to prepare the next generation of leaders in quantum and nanotech research, fostering innovation and expanding access to cutting-edge research while strengthening Connecticut's technology ecosystem.
SUMMER PROGRAM
WEEK 1-2
• Program orientation, safety protocols, and hands on research training.
• Start research projects, attend business workshops, and submit research proposals.
• Complete required training and refine research through continued industry-
WEEK 3-4
• Continue research, attend business workshops, and participate in professional development activities.
• Focus on resume building, business of science, and entrepreneurship workshops.
• Finalize research progress and submit a
• Continue refining research and engage in networking events and mentorship opportunities.
• Participate in career development and science communication workshops.
• Continue refining research based on mentorship feedback.
• Prepare for final presentations and participate in feedback sessions.
• Finalize research, present findings, and submit final papers.
• Participate in the Werth Visit.
• Pitch presentations and deliverables.
2022-24 IAF TEAM PROJECTS
Fuel Cells
• Optimize EDS for Material Analysis: Examine the optimal parameters for characterizing material degradation in energy devices through Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
• Improve Performance Insights: Employ advanced imaging techniques to investigate degradation processes in energy devices, with an emphasis on material alterations and contamination processes.
• Streamline Data Collection: Develop a standardized protocol for data acquisition to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility of material analysis, enabling reliable comparison of components across operational lifetimes.
Supercapacitors
• Compare Electrode Performance: Assess the charge-storage performance of environmentally sustainable MnO2biochar composite electrodes.
• Enhance Biochar Properties: Explore surface functionalization strategies to enhance the structural properties of biochar in composite electrodes.
• Analyze Electrochemical Behavior: Employ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze charge transfer dynamics and interfacial resistance across various electrode materials.
2022-24 IAF TEAM PROJECTS
Quantum Simulations
• Study Gas Adsorption: Employ computational modeling to evaluate CO2 selectivity in nanoporous solids, determining their suitability for carbon capture applications.
• Model Catalytic Reactions: Investigate reaction pathways for the electrochemical reduction of CO2, focusing on improving efficiency through computational modeling of nanoscale systems.
• Accelerate Discovery via the Quantum Advantage: Study the predicted and realized speed-up achieved by running quantum mechanical simulations on quantum computers.
Battery Reclamation
• Develop Efficient Recycling Methods: Investigate electrochemical separation as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional for lithium-ion battery recycling methods.
Optimize NMC Recovery: Examine the influence of solution parameters, including temperature and solvent composition, on the extraction efficiency of Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) from lithium-ion battery cathodes.
Enhance Precious Metal Extraction: Analyze the influence of process conditions on optimizing NMC recovery while minimizing impurity incorporation and explore strategies for copper stabilization during extraction.
PROGRAM IMPACT
PROGRAM IMPACT
My participation in the Werth IAF has already helped me secure a school opportunity, as it helped me get into a neuroscience major at a top college (Boston College).
The Best Part of the Werth IAF Experience Was...
Getting to use microscopy and spectroscopy machines as an undergraduate.
Working directly with industry partners instead of just collecting data while professors interact with partners.
Gaining better insights into utilizing scientific theory into real world engineering applications.
New people
Working collaboratively
Amazing mentors
Working directly with industry partners
Exciting research
PARTICIPATION YEAR 2022-2023
Emily Davis
Max Martone
Andriy Grynyk
Vanessa Adamski
Jennifer Moses
FCC Physics Teacher, Rocky Hill High School, Rocky Hill, CT
SMS Researching Quantum Interferometric Methods, Racial Justice Data Analyst, SCSU Professional Science Masters
FCC Medical Student, University of Connecticut
SMS VR Simulation for Materials Informatics, SCSU Professional Science Masters
QSNM Medical Student, Loma Linda University School of Medicine
PARTICIPATION YEAR 2023-2024
Emily Davis
FCC Physics Teacher, Rocky Hill High School, Rocky Hill, CT
Kaleb Roman DAC, FCC STEM Teacher, Crosby High School, Waterbury, CT
Vanessa Adamski
Jeremy Turpin
Max Martone
Cristian Sayers
Andriy Grynyk
Ella Crerar
Snigtha Mohanraj
SMS VR Simulation for Materials Informatics, SCSU Professional Science Masters
SMS Advanced Microscopy Techniques of Sustainable Materials, SCSU Professional Science Masters
SMS Researching Quantum Interferometric Methods, Racial Justice Data Analyst, SCSU Professional Science Masters
QSNM Synthesis and Simulation of Nanoporous Materials for Electrolysis, MS Chemical Physics Lewis University
FCC Medical Student, University of Connecticut
CPSM Undergraduate, Boston College Class of 2028
CPSM ESUMS High School Class of 2025, Early Acceptance Yale Class of 2029
PARTICIPATION YEAR 2024-2025
Ana Baculima QO Researching Quantum Interferometric Methods
Andrew Mansfield
Andriy Grynik
Cristian Sayers
Ingrid Pomaquiza
FCC Continuation of Microscopy of Fuel Cell Life Cycle Characterization, Creation of STEM HS Curricula, SCSU Professional Science Masters
AMS Medical Student, University of Connecticut
QSNM Synthesis and Simulation of Nanoporous Materials for Electrolysis, MS Chemical Physics Lewis University
BR SCSU Class of 2025, Internship at Pfizer
Jack Reno Angelastro QSM Continuing Research as a High School Student
Jeremy Turpin
FCC Advanced Microscopy Techniques for Fuel Cell Life Cycle Characterization, SCSU Professional Science Masters
Jose Ramon Nguema Nsegue BR SCSU Class of 2025, Werth Industry Academic Fellow 2025
Julian Mariusz Rus
Maggie Blanchard
SMS Graduation from NVCC and admission to SCSU. Werth Industry Academic Fellow 2025
FCC Continuation of Microscopy of Fuel Cell Life Cycle Characterization, SCSU Class of 2029 Accelerated Pathway to Bachelors and Masters
Max Martone QO Researching Quantum Interferometric Methods, Racial Justice Data Analyst, SCSU Professional Science Masters
Michael Hernandez
Sahad Ullah
SMS Continuing Electrochemical Analysis, SCSU Class of 2026
QSNM SCSU Class of 2025, Internship at Duracell
Sampurna Dutta Chowdhury QSMCR Masters Student, University of New Haven
Steve Swirsky
Tessa Masi
Vanessa Adamski
Vintia Mullen
KEY:
BR Production Manager at Howmet Aerospace, SCSU Professional Science Masters
SMS CCSU Class of 2026, Clarkson University REU in Sensor Development & Implementation
SMS VR Simulation for Materials Informatics, SCSU Professional Science Masters
BR Continuing Undergraduate Degree, SCSU Class of 2025
2022-2024 Culminating in Inaugural Werth
IAF Badge via SCSU Office for Workforce and Lifelong Learning
Faculty & Support
Entrepreneurs in Residence
WERTH IAF AND SCSU I-HUB PARTNERSHIP TO MAXIMIZE IMPACT
SCSU i-HUB is dedicated to ensuring awareness, access, and the skills needed for success as scholars engaged in research & innovation excellence
INDUSTRY DRIVEN TO PREPARE THE STEM TALENT PIPELINE
• Align academic programs from elementary to graduate school
• Improve awareness and access to jobs and internships with STEM companies
• Create and run skill-building and experiential learning programs
• Offer individualized career coaching
WERTH IAF AND SCSU I-HUB PARTNERSHIP TO MAXIMIZE IMPACT
HIGHLIGHTS (SINCE 2021)
• Over 175 jobs and internships for students and recent grads at 50+ STEM companies
• 40% job/internship placements identify as persons of color; 65% as female
• Supported the creation and launch of a Bioscience Early College program for New Haven high school students, BioCity
• Facilitated development of industry-aligned academies and curricula among 15+ schools
HIGHLIGHTS
SAHAD ULLAH
Materials Chemistry major and Werth Industry Academic Fellow, showcased his useinspired quantum research at the Boehringer Ingelheim AI Summit. His research, conducted at Southern Connecticut State University within the CSCU Center for Nanotechnology, was made possible through the support of the Werth IAF, enabling him to contribute to advancements in quantum technology and AI.
Research Society international conference in Seattle, WA. This opportunity was made possible through the support of the Werth Industry Academic Fellowship (IAF), which funded his research and allowed him to contribute to the global academic community.
GRADUATING STUDENT COHORT
Cristian Sayers, Max Martone, Jeremy Turpin, and Vanessa Adamski have each contributed to the Werth Industry Academic Fellowship program from 2021–2024. Graduating in Spring ‘24 with Bachelor’s degrees in Physics, they are now all pursuing Master’s degrees. Their success reflects the significant role the Werth IAF plays in supporting and nurturing the growth of promising students in the field of physics.
WERTH VISIT 2024
The Werth Visit, held at the conclusion of the summer 2024 Werth Industry Academic Fellowship Program, showcased groundbreaking student research in nanotechnology and sustainability.
On August 1, 2024 students from the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Center for Nanotechnology pitched their innovative projects focused on environmental sustainability, quantum computing, and energy solutions to Peter Werth and family. Key presentations included advancements in direct air capture (DAC), fuel cells, supercapacitors, battery reclamation, and quantum applications as well as a live demonstration of transmission electron microscopy. Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed a lively brunch and engaging discussions, fostering collaboration and networking. The event concluded with a group photo, marking a memorable end to a successful fellowship experience.
Thanks to Peter Werth and The Werth Family Foundation’s visionary support and generous funding, the Werth Industry Academic Fellowship at Southern Connecticut State University has become a transformative force in STEM education and workforce development. Your investment in our students and programs has created a lasting impact that extends far beyond our campus walls.
The Fellowship exemplifies a commitment to bridging the gap between academic preparation and industry needs. Our Fellows gain invaluable handson experience in the state-of-the-art Center for Nanotechnology, while also developing crucial entrepreneurial skills through our partnership with the SCSU School of Business. This comprehensive approach, combining scientific research with real-world industry internships, would not be possible without The Werth Family Foundation dedication to STEM education.
The Endowment has enabled us to create a unique mentorship ecosystem where industry professionals guide our students while also advancing their own expertise through graduate certificates in nanotechnology. This dynamic exchange strengthens the connections between academia and industry.
The Fellowship is particularly grateful for the support of our environmental sustainability initiatives, which have helped establish SCSU as a national leader in climate action and campus greening. That same funding has been instrumental in providing crucial research and development experience for future educators, creating a multiplier effect that will influence STEM education for generations to come.
Werth's generosity has been especially impactful in increasing representation of underserved populations in STEM fields, helping to create a more diverse and inclusive scientific workforce for Connecticut. Through the Werth Industry Academic Fellowship, they are helping to secure New Haven's future as a hub for Life Science and STEM innovation while opening doors of opportunity for countless students.
This organization you, Peter Werth and The Werth Family Foundation, have helped us build continues to attract industry leading partners and exemplary students. Your commitment to STEM education and workforce development has truly created a lasting legacy at SCSU and throughout Connecticut.
With deepest gratitude for your transformative support,
CT State Colleges and Universities Center for Nanotechnology
