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Faces of Research

The Faces of Research series spotlights Duke Health patients whose lives have been transformed by the power of research‑driven care. Check out these featured stories that show how groundbreaking science, translated directly into clinical practice, can make the difference when illness is too complex for rest or routine treatment. Each patient’s experience reflects the strength of Duke’s partnership between researchers and clinicians working together to push the boundaries of modern medicine. The result is healthcare that not only treats disease, but helps North Carolinians return to living full, meaningful lives.

Research Saves Lives

Federally Funded Research at Duke...

Michael Troxel Awarded NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medal

Duke University's Michael Troxel, associate professor of Physics and co-director of the SPACE Initiative, received the NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for his leadership in coordinating and delivering the OpenUniverse 2024 Roman/Rubin image simulations campaign. OpenUniverse 2024 created one of the most detailed synthetic views of the cosmos ever produced, giving scientists a preview of what NASA’s upcoming Roman Space Telescope and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory will reveal. By generating massive, realistic datasets, the effort allows researchers to test their tools and sharpen their analyses now, ensuring they’re ready for the flood of discoveries these observatories will deliver. This preparation will help maximize the scientific return from missions that aim to map galaxies, study dark energy and track cosmic events. Troxel's leadership and the project's impact were recognized with NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medal, honoring contributions that meaningfully advance the agency’s mission.

NASA Public Achievement Medal

Watching Chemical Breakdown Atom by Atom

Duke scientists have captured, for the first time, how a key green‑energy catalyst breaks down at the atomic level — insight that could help make hydrogen production and sustainable chemical manufacturing far more efficient. Because the catalyst relies on iridium, one of Earth’s rarest elements, improving its stability is essential for scaling clean‑energy technologies. By revealing exactly how the material wears out, the findings point the way toward designing longer‑lasting, more resilient catalysts that reduce waste, lower costs and support a greener energy system. The work brings researchers closer to creating sustainable chemistry tools that can withstand the demands of real‑world use.

This research has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Atom by Atom

More from Duke...

Krzyzewskiville Turns 40

Krzyzewskiville turns 40 this year, marking four decades since Duke students first pitched tents outside Cameron Indoor Stadium in hopes of securing seats for the UNC game. What started in 1986 as a few friends braving the cold has grown into a deeply rooted campus tradition that now draws more than 1,000 students each winter. Over the years, K‑Ville has become about far more than basketball--it’s a shared experience that builds community, resilience, and camaraderie across generations of Duke students. Alumni say the ritual’s mix of teamwork, endurance, and school spirit remains one of the most defining parts of the Duke student experience.

K-Ville

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