Alex S. Biris, the director and chief scientist at UALR’s Nanotechnology Center, has been named to the Arkansas Business “40 Under 40” group this year, along with 10 other UALR alumni.

Biris, who earned a Ph.D. in applied science at UALR in 2004, is one of 11 UALR graduates honored this year by the exclusive annual selection. The list of up-and-coming leaders in central Arkansas also includes Tamika Edwards ’05; Kevin Keech ’98; Shannon Butler ’01, ’08; John Bacon ’98; John Heard ’02; Melissa Hendricks ’01; Jason Taylor ’02; Brian Vandiver, ’00; Elizabeth Elango Bintliff ’07; and Tara Smith ’05.

Biris, associate professor in the Department of Applied Science, directs UALR scientists and collaborators in developing applications for nanotechnology. His work ranges from developing nanoscale de-icing of airplanes and dust-repelling windshield coatings for the Mars Rover project to developing nanotubes to deliver cancer medications to fight the disease on the cellular level.

The Nanotechnology Center at UALR explores the science of nanostructures that can be used to alter the properties of other substances at the atomic level. Through collaborations with private corporations, other universities in the state and nation, and research institutes in the United States and abroad, Biris works to accelerate the development of  applications of nanotechnology.

The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way the next generation of products are manufactured. Key to Biris’ vision for the Nanotechnology Center is its aggressive outreach program to train and educate young people and other world-class scientists who will serve and attract business and industry to Arkansas from the region and the nation.