The 2015-2016 ESTEEM class has three students working with Notre Dame alum Jason Young at NanoSynth Materials and Sensors. NanoSynth is a research-based company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. NanoSynth is making cutting-edge advancements in the fields of chemistry, biology, alternative energy and adaptable technology. Their projects span various fields and application such as miniature sensors and devices, solar energy conversion and storage, biomedical composites, optoelectronic devices, and biodiesel.
John Means is working with NanoSynth on an air emissions processor called NanoAir. NanoAir is a device designed to fit on the top of storage tanks where gases are released. NanoAir utilizes specific chemical properties of metal oxides at the nanoscale to break down toxic gases with the assistance of sunlight. John is exploring the current market for nanotechnology in environmental applications, specifically related to air purification. John is also currently in the process of pinpointing the major pain points for oil storage tank owners related to emission controls. John believes NanoAir has great potential to reduce air pollution from the oil industry and also providing cost-effective means to meet regulation standards for storage operators.
Jon Freise’s Thesis project is developing a commercialization plan for an innovative point-of-care platform technology. Jon’s project is focusing on an application to monitor the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive chronic eye condition affecting over 10 million Americans today. By screening for biomarkers associated with AMD progression, NanoSynth believes it can help patients receive treatment earlier and ultimately prevent irreversible blindness.
Weston Terrasse’s Thesis project is working to validate the need for and develop a commercialization plan for an innovative point-of-care screening device that could potentially help aid in the detection of myocardial infarction and progression of myocardial injury in patients. This condition is the leading cause of death in the United States and is often misdiagnosed due to subpar and inefficient traditional diagnostic tools. NanoSynth believes that by screening for biomarkers indicative of a heart attack it can help detect one promptly and accurately in patients, allow for proper intervention, and thereby significantly limit mortality.
“The students we've worked with from the ESTEEM program have been great. Although we're only in the first half of their projects, they've all been able to gain a firm grasp of the technologies and discover new opportunities in their respective markets. As we delve deeper into the customer feedback and validation aspects of their projects, we know they will continue to provide valuable insights for creating value for our technologies that will help get these technologies successfully to market.” - Jason Young, CEO NanoSynth Materials & Sensors.