The Air Force Office of Scientific Research awarded James Patterson, a Brigham Young University assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, a Young Investigators Program award of $300,000 for research on campus.

The Young Investigators Program award is open to scientists and engineers at research institutions across the United States who have received a doctorate degree or equivalent degrees in the last five years and show exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research.

The program fosters creative basic research in science and engineering and enhances early career development of outstanding young investigators.

Patterson will receive the $300,000 over a period of three years for his research on the molecular basis of adhesion. Using nonlinear laser spectroscopy, he will work to understand the molecular basis of adhesion in polymer-based materials.

“We are very excited by this recognition of our work on understanding adhesion,” Patterson said, “Adhesives are used all throughout modern technology, from simple paints and glues to high-performance materials used in the aerospace industry, yet our current understanding of these phenomena is very limited.”

He joined the BYU faculty in the fall semester of 2007. Prior to coming to BYU, Patterson worked for the Institute for Shock Physics at Washington State University. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry from BYU. He then received a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

For more information, contact Patterson at (801) 422-1481.