The Center for Nanotechnology in the Natural Science Department at Coppin State University is involved in innovation work on a number of fronts including dye sensitized solar cell studies, Gold nanaparticle work, and Terahertz Spectroscopy.

Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Research

Firstly, the center is actively engaged in cutting-edge dye sensitized solar cell research. Dye sensitized solar cells are third generation solar cells that are fabricated from simple materials and are generally less expensive and environmentally friendly. In this research effort, different organic and synthetic dyes are being used to harness solar energy for the production of electricity. The nanotechnology center is equipped with the state-of-the-art instrumentation such as solar simulator, potentiostat, and a spin coater which are very critical to the advancement of this particular type of research.

Different projects involving different components of dye sensitized solar cells have been carried out to improve the efficiency of solar cells. The following are examples:

Fabrication, Optimization and Characterization of Natural Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

The dyes extracted from pomegranate and berry fruits were successfully used in the fabrication of natural dye sensitized solar cells (NDSSC). The morphology, porosity, surface roughness, thickness, absorption and emission characteristics of the pomegranate dye sensitized photo-anode were studied using various analytical techniques including FESEM, EDS, TEM, AFM, FTIR, Raman, Fluorescence and Absorption Spectroscopy. Pomegranate dye extract has been shown to contain anthocyanin which is an excellent light harvesting pigment needed for the generation of charge carriers for the production of electricity. The solar cell’s photovoltic performance in terms of efficiency, voltage, and current was tested with a standard illumination of air-mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5 G) having an irradiance of 100 mW/cm2. After optimization of the photo-anode and counter electrode, a photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of 2%, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.39 mV, and a short-circuit current density (Isc) of 12.2 mA/cm2were obtained. Impedance determination showed a relatively low charge-transfer resistance (17.44 Ω) and a long lifetime, signifying a reduction in recombination losses. The relatively enhanced efficiency is attributable in part to the use of a highly concentrated pomegranate dye, graphite counter electrode and TiCl4 treatment of the photo-anode.

Photophysical properties of near-IR cyanine dyes and their application as photosensitizers in dye sensitized solar cells

Eight heptamethine cyanine dyes were synthesized and investigated for application in dye sensitized solar cell. The photophysical properties of the dyes revealed differences in optical properties with respect to their structure. The performance of the cyanine dye-sensitized solar cells conformed to the photophysical properties of the cyanine dyes.

Photophysical, Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Properties of Porphyrin-Based Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

ABSTRACT

 Porphyrins occur in a number of important biomolecules and are also synthetically made for use as probe component of chemical and biological sensors. The performance of dye sensitized solar cells with two different porphyrin dyes was investigated in this work. The two porphyrin complexes comprised of a metal-free 5, 10, 15, 20-meso-tetrakis-(9H-2-fluorene-yl) porphyrin (H2TFP) and its Zinc complex (ZnTFP). UV-Vis, Fluorescence, and Fourier transformed infrared measurements of the two dyes were carried out to evaluate their absorption, emission and binding characteristics. Both dyes absorbed light in the UV-visible region all the way to the near-infrared. The surface morphology and elemental analysis of the porphyrin dye sensitized photoanodes were determined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging and Transmission Electron Microscopy Imaging. Cyclic voltammetry studies, current-voltage characteristics and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies were also carried out. Solar-to-electric energy efficiency of H2TFP dye sensitized solar cell was higher (0.11%) than that of the zinc complex (0.08%). Thus the metal free porphyrin generated more power than the zinc complex under similar conditions. The impedance measurement also displayed less overall resistance for the free porphyrin (50 Ω) compared with the zinc complex (130 Ω). The LUMO levels of H2TFP and ZnTFP sensitizers were −0.87 eV and −0.77 eV respectively. Both of these LUMO values are higher than the lower bound level of the conduction band of TiO2 (−4.0 eV), ensuring the efficient injection of an electron from the excited porphyrin dye to the conduction band of the titanium dioxide.

Synthesis and Characterization of Free and Copper (II) Complex of N,N′-Bis(Salicylidene)Ethylenediamine for Application in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

ABSTRACT

Dye sensitized solar cell represents a promising method for the conversion of solar energy to electric energy. In the present work free N,N'-bis(salicyli-dene)ethylenediamine and its copper (II) complex were synthesized, characterized, and investigated for use as dye sensitizers in the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells. The dyes were characterized using UV-Vis, Steady State Florescence, and Fluorescence Lifetime, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and Cyclic Voltammetry. The thermogravimetric analyses of the ligand and the ligand Copper complex demonstrate the stabilizing effect of the copper ion on the ligand complex. Additionally, the copper ion is shown to stabilize the structure, as evidenced by the 150oC increase in the extrapolated onset temperature of the decomposition event. The ligand copper complex is further stabilized by the presence of the copper, which is determined by the 6.34% residue that remained at the end of the thermogravimetric analysis, compared with 0% residue when applying the same condition for the ligand without copper. The current-voltage characteristics of the cells and the electrochemical impedance were determined. The photovoltaic performance of the solar cell devices fabricated using N,N'-bis(salicylidene) ethylenediamine dye was found to be slightly better than those produced from the copper complex. The solar to electric power efficiency of the ligand-based dye sensitized solar cell was 0.14% and that of the copper complex was found to 0.12%. Although the difference in the cell efficiency is quite small, it is obvious that the insertion of Copper into the ligand did not enhance the performance of the solar cells. The photocurrent-photovoltage results are consistent with the absorption spectra that showed a more prominent band for the ligand. The free hydroxyl groups, present in the ligand but absent from the copper complex owing to their coordination with the copper metal, could be responsible for the difference in the performance of the devices. The hydroxyl groups get attached to the TiO2 and facilitate the transfer of electrons.

Comparison of the Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells F abricated with Ruthenium Based Dye Sensitizers: Di-tetrabutylammonium cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2’-bipyridyl-4,4’-dicarboxylato)Ruthenium(II) (N719) and Tris(bipyridine)Ruthenium(II) Chloride(Rubpy)

The photovoltaic performance of two ruthenium based dyes was measured and compared to assess the effect of anchoring groups on the current-voltage characteristics of dye sensitized solar cells. One of the two dyes, Di-tetrabutylammonium cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2’-bipyridyl-4,4’-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(II), (N719) had an anchoring group - and the other, Tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride (Rubpy), without an anchoring group. N719 showed a higher efficiency compared to Rubpy. The results were validated by density functional calculation.

Terahertz Research

Terahertz radiation, also known as “terahertz gap” is the frequency band (~0.1 THz to ~ 10 THz) sandwiched between the far infrared and microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Terahertz radiation stimulates various resonances when they interact with different types of materials producing signals characteristic of the specific interaction between the radiation and the material. Until recently, terahertz technology received very little attention due to the difficulty in accessing, manipulating and detecting the radiation. New advances in technology, over the past couple of decades, have opened the door for an efficient and cost effective means of generating and detecting terahertz radiation. Terahertz spectroscopy is complementary to techniques such as Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The radiation is invisible, low energy, non-ionizing, noninvasive, and comparatively transparent to many materials with few exceptions such metals and liquid water. These properties make it safe and suitable for use in a myriad of application including the analysis of biological structures in their native state. Current applications of Terahertz include Spectroscopic analysis, imaging, material characterization, pharmaceutical product analysis, detection of concealed weapons, detection of diseases, and general inspection of products.

Terahertz Technology Research in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)

Another leading-edge research effort involves the use of terahertz radiation for the characterization of a variety of materials, chief among them being semiconductor devices. Terahertz radiation is in a region of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and microwave. Until recently, research involving terahertz radiation has been minimal due to the lack of sources for the generation and detection of the radiation. Recent discovery of sources for terahertz generation and detection has spurred innovative work in this area of research. Terahertz has the potential for biological analysis and also for security screening at airports and other restricted locations because they are able to generate images while being non-ionizing and less hazardous compared to X-rays.  We have used Terahertz radiation to characterize semiconductor materials and the photoanode component of dye sensitized solar cells.

Terahertz Technology Research with gold nanoparticles Research

In this work, we are investigating the use of a Terahertz multispectral reconstructive imaging technique to measure the size of individual gold nanoparticles and accordingly the number of unit cells in a given gold nanoparticle. Terahertz multispectral reconstructive imaging technique was used to measure the diameter of individual gold nanoparticles and by extension the number of unit cells and gold atoms in a given gold nanoparticle. The size as determined by Terahertz imaging was comparable, within limit of experimental error, to the size determined via Transmission electron microscopy. Terahertz radiation is non-ionizing and terahertz imaging instrumentation less expensive compared withelectron microscopes.

Energy Storage and its Application in Transportation

"The Solar Light Rail" is a proposed power supply method for a 100% renewable energy light rail system. A prototype model experimentation was carried out and confirmed that the proposed power supply method was effective.

Synthesis and Characterization of Reduced Graphene Oxide and their Application in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Reduced graphene oxide has certain unique qualities that make them versatile for a myriad of applications. Unlike graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, is a conductive material and well suited for use in electrically conductive materials such as solar cell devices. In this study we report on the synthesis of graphene oxide as well as the fabrication and characterization of dye sensitized solar cell with a photoanode which is an amalgam of reduced graphene oxide and titanium dioxide. The synthesized reduced graphene oxide and the corresponding photoanode were fully characterized using ultraviolet-visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman Spectrometry. The morphology of the sample was assessed using Atomic Force Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The photovoltaic characteristics were determined by photocurrent and photovoltage measurement of the solar cell. The electrical impedance of both sets of devices were also evaluated. Overall, the solar to electric power efficiency of the device with reduced graphene oxide was higher (2.02%) than the sample without the reduced graphene oxide (1.61%).

Simulated Multi-junction Solar Cell

Photovoltaic technology is an important source of alternative energy. Researchers at Coppin State University have managed to simulate high-efficiency solar cells using a multi-junction design.

 Research work at the center for nanotechnology resulted in production of most efficient simulated multi-junction solar cell

Gold Nanoparticle Research

The center is also involved in nanoparticle research. New methods have been developed at the center for the size analysis of gold nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles have also been synthesized and used for energy transfer studies. Another innovative work with nanoparticles involves their use as a contrast agent for imaging studies of heart disease and cancer. These gold nanoparticles are also being conjugated to MRI contrast agents such as gadolinium chelates and fluorophores such as indocyanine green for MRI and fluorescence imaging, respectively. Brand-new instrumentation such as Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope, Absorption and Emission Spectrophotometers have facilitated the work at the center.

Terahertz spectroscopic studies of quantum dots-conjugated gold nanoparticles

Composite structures of metal nanoparticles and semiconductor nanomaterials present unique properties that have made them candidates for various applications. The properties of these hybrid structures to a large extent depend on the design and specific material used in to produce them. Here, we present work on the synthesis and characterization of CdSeS/ZnS quantum-dot–gold nanoparticles hybrids (denoted as QD-GNP) and studies on their interaction with terahertz radiation. The prepared QD-GNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fluorescence Spectrometry and Photoluminescence Lifetime measurement.  The wavelength of maximum absorption of the gold nanoparticles was 520 nm while that of the quantum dot was 609 nm. The peak absorption band of the hybrid solution was around 520 nm. Transmission electron microscopy imaging revealed the surface morphological features of the quantum dot and gold nanoparticle. Strong photoluminescence quenching was observed upon the conjugation of the quantum dots with gold nanoparticles. The observed difference in the lifetime of free quantum dot and the hybrid QD-GNP was an indication of the bonding between the quantum dot and gold nanoparticles. A biexponential decay was observed with a lifetime of 3.57 ns for bare quantum dots and 1.05 ns for QD-GNP as for the faster component and the slower component 15.09 ns and 8.30 ns QD AND QD-GNP, respectively. Unique features were observed on the terahertz spectra of the composite structures in comparison with that of the either the QD or the GNP

The Center for Nanotechnology brings together faculty members and students from the College of Arts and Sciences for collaborative research. The center also hosts a number of high school students during the summer and winter sessions and welcomes a number of researchers from other institutions which fosters the exchange of scientific ideas and promotes interdisciplinary research. Currently, the center’s day to day operations of research tasks and management of interns is overseen by a research faculty member. 

Abdullahi Adams

Abdullahi Adams is currently a Graduate student pursuing a Master degree in Polymer and Material Science at Coppin State University. He is fascinated with the world of materials and polymers particularly the sustainable aspects of polymer and material science by seeking eco-friendly solutions to global challenges. His overall goal is to explore the boundaries of what is possible with innovative materials and polymer science. Abdullahi is conducting research at the Nanotechnology Center under the guidance of our professional scientists at Coppin State. Outside of the center of nanotechnology, Abdullahi hobbies include reading, hiking and watching movies on his free time.

Sade Ali

Sade Ali is currently a graduate student at Coppin State University. She majored in Psychology and minored in Biology at the University of Maryland Global Campus. She hopes to continue her education in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry to contribute research in the biological disciplines of Psychology. She is learning laboratory techniques from Dr. Ghann and Dr. Uddin both in the Center for Nanotechnology and in General Chemistry lab. Her hobbies include uploading videos on TikTok, learning Spanish and karaoke. 

Khalil Oliver

Khalil Oliver is a senior at Coppin State University. He is in school to become a microbiologist. He is currently a biology major, and after earning his bachelor's degree he plans on coming back to Coppin for two more years to earn a master's in molecular biology. His goal in life is to become a microbiologist and work in a bio safety level 4 lab for the CDC. Another goal of his is to become a mentor to young kids who need a father figure in their lives. His hobbies are playing videogames and making funny videos.

Tremaine Holmes

Tremaine Holmes is currently a Senior at the prestigious Coppin State University. He’s a biology major, minoring in chemistry and pre-med concentration. Tremaine Holmes intends to enter attend dental school upon graduation. He hopes to help people feel more confident and increase one’s overall oral health. Currently, Tremaine is working with the Coppin Center of Nanotechnology to learn more about research techniques. Outside of research, Tremaine is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. He also works for his family and spends a lot of time volunteering, traveling, and spending time with  his loved ones.  

Oreoluwa Jaiyesimi

 Oreoluwa Jaiyesimi is a current sophomore in the class of 2026 at Coppin State University. He is a chemistry major and plans to complete a master’s program in chemical engineering after graduation. His overall goal is to work as a chemical engineer for a pharmaceutical company like Pfizer or Moderna, engineering the vaccines and groundbreaking medicinal drugs of tomorrow.  Currently, Oreoluwa is learning different research techniques such as characterization of nanoparticles under the guidance of professional researchers at Coppin State University. Outside of our center, Oreoluwa spends his leisurely time reading historical texts and philosophical works. 

Ajoy Kumer

Ajoy Kumer, a native of Bangladesh boasts of an impressive academic background. He earned a B.Sc. (Honors) in 2014 in Chemistry, an M.S. in research on Organic Chemistry in 2016 from the University of Chittagong and obtained an MPhil in Organic Chemistry from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2019. His research interests are in various fields of computational Science, including computational chemistry, computer-aided drug design, computational biology, bioinformatics, computational materials science, organic synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and computational simulation of NanoCrystals and Quantum Dots. During his tenure at his previous and current working station, he established the Laboratory of Computational Research for Drug Design and Material Science, equipped with over 17 simulation software. In his leisure time, Ajoy indulges in hobbies such as train travel accompanied by reading books or novels. He also enjoys fishing and visiting agricultural crops in the countryside. Overall, his outstanding achievements and multifaceted contributions reflect his dedication and passion in both academic and societal endeavors. Ajoy Kumer is currently a visiting scientist at the Center for Nanotechnology, Coppin State University.

Dr. Mohammad Muslem Uddin

Dr. Mohammad Muslem Uddin is a Professor (Former & 1st Regular Chairman) of the Department of Oceanography at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. He joined the Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries as a lecturer in 2005 and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Professor and Associate professor in 2007 and 2016 respectively. In 2019 he joined the Department of Oceanography of the same University and served as the first regular Chairman of the department from July 2020 to July 2023. He was promoted to Professor on 31st January 2023. Along with teaching and research at the university, he has been leading and involved with several professionals and voluntary organizations working for society, the environment, and education development. The teaching and research fields of Dr. Uddin include Ocean Literacy, Coastal Oceanography and Geomorphology, Marine Ecology and Hydrography, Meteorology and Climate Science, etc. He is a proud member of Nippon Foundation (NF)- General Bathymetric Charts of the Ocean (GEBCO).

Dr. Faisal Islam Chowdhury

Dr. Faisal Islam Chowdhury earned his B.Sc. (Honours) and M.Sc. in Chemistry, followed by two Ph.D. degrees: a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Chittagong (2010) for his pioneering work on molecular interactions in binary liquid mixtures, and a Ph.D. in Experimental Physics from the University of Malaya (2018) for his research on ionic liquid-doped gel polymer electrolytes applied to dye-sensitized solar cells. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Chowdhury is currently a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Chittagong. In 2019, he worked as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for Ionics, Department of Physics, University of Malaya, Malaysia. In 2022, Dr. Chowdhury completed the CW-LSE on LQM course at VERIFIN, Helsinki University, Finland. He also served as the Chair of the 1st International Symposium on Materials, Energy & Environment (ISMEE 2024), held on March 2-3, 2024, at the Department of Chemistry, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Additionally, he is currently a guest editor for the special issue “VSI: Energy & Environmental Sustainability” of the Chemical Physics Impact journal (Elsevier). Dr. Chowdhury has received numerous awards, including the Best Presenter Award at ISMAI 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Research Excellence Award in 2023 for High Impact Factor Journal Publications at the University of Chittagong's Research Festival. He established the Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, and Catalysis Laboratory (NRCL) and the American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Chapter at the University of Chittagong, where he serves as Principal Investigator and Faculty Advisor, respectively. Furthermore, Dr. Chowdhury is the founding Chair of the American Chemical Society Bangladesh Section. Currently, he is working to establish the Nanotechnology & Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (project director) and the Chittagong University Nano Center. His expertise spans a wide range of fields, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), nanotechnology, Li-ion batteries, polymer electrolytes, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry, and solution chemistry. Dr. Chowdhury has successfully led numerous national and international research projects funded by institutions such as the University of Malaya, University of Chittagong, University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, and the American Chemical Society, USA. He has published 60 articles in Scopus/SCI-indexed journals, authored 17 book chapters, and is currently working as an editor on a forthcoming book “Advances in Graphene Chemistry: Recent Development, Future Opportunities and Sustainable Application”.

Md. Atikur Rahman

Md. Atikur Rahman has recently completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. His research interests encompass nanotechnology, with a specific focus on nanomaterial fabrication and characterization for future nanotech devices. Notably, he is an active member of the Nanotechnology Center at Coppin State University and has authored 1 book chapter and 10 scientific publications.

Jahidul Islam

He is just finished his B.Sc. in Chemistry (2021) from University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4330, Bangladesh. His research interest includes the dye-sensitized solar cell and energy storage devices. He is a member of the Nanotechnology Center at Coppin State University and his research interest is in the characterization of materials for solar cell and battery research. He published 7 scientific articles and 2 book Chapters.n order to fabricate simple, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and highly efficient.

Monique Hines

Monique Hines is currently a junior at Coppin State University. She is a double major in Chemistry and Biology, with concentrations in biochemistry and pre-medical, respectively. She plans to attend a research university after graduation to obtain her M.D. and Ph.D. She is a member of the Nanotechnology Center at Coppin State University and her research interest is in the application of gold nanoparticles in research involving women’s health.

Chika Iwuji

Chika Iwuji is currently a sophomore at Coppin State University. She is a biology major who plans to use her degree to attend medical school upon graduation. She aims to specialize in surgery and women's health. Currently, she is conducting research at the Nanotechnology Center under the guidance of our professional scientists at Coppin State. She is a member of the Honors College and enjoys watching movies in her free time. 

Colombe Nguatta

Colombe Nguatta is currently a sophomore at Coppin State University. She is majoring in biology and hopes to use her degree to attend pharmacy school after graduation. Her overall goal is to own her own pharmacy overseas while she works as a pharmacist in Maryland. Currently, Colombe is learning research techniques from the professors at Coppin Center for Nanotechnology. Outside of the center of nanotechnology, she is also a member of the Honors College. Colombe’s hobbies include reading, writing, and spending time with loved ones.

Imani Blackman-Murray

Imani Blackman-Murray is currently a junior at Coppin State University. She is a biology major with a pre-concentration in Pre-Pharmacy. Imani plans on using her degree to attend Pharmacy school and become a full-time Nuclear Pharmacist. Presently, Imani is learning research techniques under the guidance of our professional scientists at Coppin State University. Outside of the Center of Nanotechnology, she is also Vice President/member of Coppin State's NSLS organization. For leisure, Imani enjoys shopping, sightseeing, and spending time with friends and family. 

Former Students

• Dr. Yvonne Fornishi
• Kazim Ackie
• Colombe Nguatta
• Beatrice Asante
• Imani Blackman-Murray
• Colombe Nguatta
• Asif Ahmed
• Popy Akter
• Lawrence Amadi
• Jieutonne Archer
• Philip Asare
• Adebyao Bello
• Daleisha Blackwell
• Chika Iwuji
• Anthony Brown
• Nikia Brown
• Annette Butler
• Jeanette Campbell
• Anster Charles
• Kierra Copes
• Jalen Crawford
• Alethia Edwards
• Laurence Finley
• Aashish Ghimie
• Tiphanie Handy
• Elisha Hunter
• Nathan Jacob
• Alec Jason
• Natasha Jones
• Taylor Kairos
• Takaki Kameya
• Shabana Khaliq
• Caroline Kilemi
• Oleksiy Krylchuk
• Rehana Kuddos
• William Lasite-Luke Jr.
• Tamla Lionel
• Ojai Mallory
• Ebrima MK Jardu
• Maurice Noble
• Olumide Ogunwomoju
• Olayinka Ojo
• Isioma Okonkwo
• Shadrack Otieno
• Chelsee Sauni
• Sarah Sesay
• Shaichi Sen Jenny
• Tahiyat Sheikh
• Tajbik Sheikh
• Abe Simone
• Charlyne Smith
• Tonia Sofoluke
• Tyrone Staton
• Deanah Thomas
• Kiara Thomas
• Aisha Ward
• Morgan Williams
• Patrice Williams
• Michael Woodhouse
• Sunil Yadav
• Ruth Damoah
• Nya Erin Hursey
• Tyler Harris
• Jawaun Harris
• Aijla Hrnjic
• Jona Hanson
• Balvin Richards
• Adrian Jones
• Allen Saar
• Mariah Jennings
• Obinnia Iwuji
• Chima Iwuji
• Nathan McClean
• Shamsuddin Khan
• Jiyoung Oh
• Edward Emerson
• Fahim Karim

Coppin State University’s Center for Nanotechnology started in 2007 with a small cohort of 6-8 students and in recent years has grown to approx. 60-undergrad students, consisting mostly of those pursuing science majors. The vast majority of students go on to graduate and Ph.D. level programs. Previous students have attended the following universities: UMBC, Univ. of Miami, Univ. of Maine, Temple Univ., and Queens College, NY to name a few. 

The Center for Nanotechnology brings together faculty members and students from the College of Arts and Sciences for collaborative research. The center also hosts a number of high school students during the summer and winter sessions and welcomes a number of researchers from other institutions which fosters the exchange of scientific ideas and promotes interdisciplinary research. Currently, the center’s day to day operations of research tasks and management of interns is overseen by a research faculty member. 

The center has benefited from financial support from Constellation Energy, Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation. It is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation such as Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy instrument (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Atomic Force Microscope, FTIR, Raman, and Fluorescence and Absorption spectrophotometers. The work focuses on experimental research and development of nano- and biotechnologies, as well as on complementary modeling and simulation efforts in computational nano-technology, computational nano-electronics, and processes encountered in nano- fabrication.

A major of the research is on clean energy generation and storage, along with on-going projects in the design and simulation of multi-junction photovoltaic cells for solar energy conversion. Our research efforts also involve the preparation of gold nanoparticle-based contrast agents for imaging of cardiovascular disease using X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Another research interest is in the development of Terahertz spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of materials such as photovoltaic semiconductors, graphene, and security screening.

STEM Day 2026

https://www.coppin.edu/stemday

The Center for Nanotechnology at Coppin State University presents STEM DAY 2026 on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 9 am. Click on the link to register.

Summer Internship Opportunities at the Center for Nanotechnology

The Center for Nanotechnology at Coppin State University is offering summer internship opportunities for high school students interested in hands-on research and STEM exploration.

The internship will run from June 24 to August 21, providing students with valuable experience in a research laboratory environment.

Interested students should email their resume to Dr. Jamal Uddin (juddin@coppin.edu) or Dr. William Ghann (wghann@coppin.edu) to apply.

The Center for Nanotechnology is home to an array of impressive state-of-the-art equipment. Founded in 2007 by Dr. Jamal Uddin, the center is currently located on the third floor of the Science and Technology Center on the Coppin State University campus. A talented team of faculty, staff, and students conduct research at the center. Research efforts, funded by several organizations, encompass dye sensitized solar cells, terahertz technology, and biomedical application of gold nanoparticles. Funding organizations include Constellation—an Exelon company, Department of Education (Safra Title III Grant) TEDCO, Department of Defense, and the University System of Maryland. The center has received recognition and awards for research findings, which have also been published in several highly regarded peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Scientific Reports and Inorganic Chimica Acta. The research team periodically undertakes field trips, attends, and organizes conferences and workshops annually.

We graduate teacher candidates who are excited to open doors to new worlds for young learners. 

Preparing the Next Generation of Educators

The Department of Teaching and Learning continues our historic legacy of preparing future teachers to make a difference in the lives of students in Baltimore and beyond. When Coppin was founded in 1900, it had one program designed to prepare African-American elementary school teachers.

In 1950, when Coppin joined the Maryland higher education system (now called University System of Maryland, USM) we became Coppin Teachers College. Still later, our name changed again, this time to Coppin State Teachers College. Teaching is in the fabric of who we are as a University and a department; it colors everything we do and our dedication to our students.

We set rigorous standards for our undergraduate and graduate programs in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education, which are reflected in each program’s accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and approval from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

We stay committed to graduating teacher candidates who seek to be positive change agents in the lives of the students they serve. To align with MSDE’s redesign of Teacher Education, we equip our students to be data-driven decision makers and competent professionals with strong:

• Academic background,

• Hands-on professional experience and

• Pedagogical and theoretical knowledge.

CAEP Accountability Measures

(Formerly known as CAEP Annual Reporting Measures)

CAEP has identified four (4) reporting measures that educator preparation providers (EPP) are required to track and document on an annual basis. CAEP Accountability Measures focus on two (2) areas: Impact Measures and Outcome Measures. Below is a summary of those measures.

Additional Accreditation Details

The Coppin State University’s Education Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). During CAEP’s most recent 2023 visit, they reviewed the following certification programs:

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Approval

In addition to accreditation, the programs offered by the EPP are also approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). This approval extends to all degree and certificate programs that lead to educator preparation, including:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

• Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education

• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

• Bachelor of Science in Special Education

• Public School Administration Certificate

Our Continued Commitment to the Community

Coppin Academy High School (CAHS) is a Maryland public charter school operated by Coppin State University. With a commitment to serve students from underserved local communities, Coppin Academy has roughly 300 students in grades 9th through 12th.

Coppin Academy principals and teachers are employees of the local school district and represented by local bargaining units. The Baltimore City School Board grants the school charter, which gives the Academy more operational freedom than non-charter public schools. 

Apply to Coppin Academy High School

Charter Schools: Defined

A charter school is an educational institution that operates independently of a school district. Operating organizations often have the freedom to design specialized curricula that meet specific student needs. In Maryland, public charter schools are public schools free and open to all Maryland children. 

Maryland passed the current public charter school law in 2003. This law allows organizations and institutions to establish charter schools “to provide innovative learning opportunities and creative educational approaches to improve the education of students.”  

Charter School Oversight

The Coppin Academy High School Oversight Board will monitor the academic outcomes and performance, fiscal operations, and overall compliance of the school. The Board will establish committees to support the activities as needed. For example, Strategic Planning Committee, Academic Enhancement Committee, etc. The Oversight Board will meet quarterly.

Teacher, parent, community representative, and university faculty will serve 2-year term limits. New members will be recruited from each constituent group through nomination process.

2025 - 2026 Oversight Board Members

Oversight Board Meeting Schedule 2025 – 2026

All meetings will be held in the Talon Center - President's Conference Room at 4:00 PM.

• September 15, 2025
• December 8, 2025
• April 13, 2026
• June 15, 2026