What biomaterial acts to protect some marine animals from predators in the form of an inky black cloud, gives birds strong beaks and beautiful feathers, helps prevent sunburn, and determines the color of our eyes and hair?

The answer is melanin, a pigment found throughout nature that, like bacteria, has been around for millions of years.

A team of scientists from The University of Akron, University of California, San Diego and University of Delaware has received a five-year, $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to unravel the fundamental properties of melanin, a family of natural pigments found in skin, hair, eyes and the plumage of brightly colored birds. Read More

Jim Currie joins the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering as manager of training and testing services with more than three decades of work helping universities and private businesses find ways to work together to solve business problems and to bring technology and technical understanding to application. Jim began his career with fifteen years at Northwestern University before coming to Ohio to join the Ohio State University for another fairly long stint, and has recently returned to Ohio after a two year assignment with the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

He is very excited by the opportunities to grow the testing and training programs, to expand the market reach into relatively untapped areas of polymer development and application, and to expand opportunities for the involvement of students and faculty. He is keenly aware of the value of the polymer industry to Ohio, and of the value of the University of Akron to the industry.

Jim and his wife Damianne live a little ways southwest of the Akron area with their large, fluffy dog, Molly and with their three adult children nearby. Jim continues to attempt to play hockey and enjoys cooking when his wife permits it. Damianne is an accomplished gardener, garden designer, artist, and seamstress. Molly is accomplished at naps and treat selection.