Binghamton University researchers are tackling some of the planet’s most pressing challenges, expanding our knowledge in areas ranging from global warming to solar energy.

The Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging Center a New York State Center of Excellence, is dedicated to the development of new electronic applications that will enhance the way people live and interact with their surroundings. One element of the center’s research focuses on roll-to-roll electronics manufacturing, which will result in flexible, rugged, lightweight electronic components. This work is expected to lead to innovative products in lighting, energy and power generation, among other areas.

The work of several of the University’s organized research centers also has an environmental component.

The Center for Advanced Sensors and Environmental Systems brings a multidisciplinary focus to work in sensors, sensor systems and environmental technologies. Biochemical sensors are often vital to analyses in environmental investigations.

The Center for Integrated Watershed Studies is a source of expertise on natural features of watersheds and human effects on watersheds. It addresss the biological, geological, geographic, economic and societal components of watersheds, at all scales of integration. The center’s activities range from field data collection for scholarly research to policy analysis and education

Researchers at the Institute for Material Research are working to improve energy production through the use of fuel cells and solar and thermoelectric power as well as energy storage through high energy batteries and capacitors.

Other facilities on campus, including the University’s Nature Preserve and the E. W. Heier Teaching Greenhouse offer scholars and students alike a chance to expand their understanding of the environment. The 182-acre Nature Preserve is home to deer, beaver, fox, mink, muskrat, porcupines and other mammals, a diverse amphibian and reptilian population and more than 200 species of birds. Meanwhile, the 12,500-square-foot greenhouse, in essence a living laboratory, includes more than 6,000 exotic plants in four simulated environments.

A sampling of recent “green” headlines focused on Binghamton faculty:

Platinum-based catalysts are a major part of C.J. Zhong’s research into next-generation fuel cells that could help break America’s dependence on petroleum products. Read more.

By discovering the meaning of a rare mineral that can be used to track ancient climates, geologist Tim Lowenstein is helping climatologists and others better understand what we’re probably in for over the next century or two as global warming begins to crank up the heat — and, ultimately, to change life as we know it the world over. Read more.

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