EMU Today

YPSILANTI  — NeDa Hayeri, an Eastern Michigan University doctoral student studying polymers and coatings technology, was selected for the Best Student Paper Award at the Waterborne Coatings Symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana. This symposium is an opportunity for researchers in the field to present their studies. The main goal is to introduce sustainable and more environmentally friendly technologies to the industries.

Hayeri presented her research paper, “Eco-Friendly Topcoats: VOC/HAPS-Free Solutions with a High Bio-Renewable Content, Grounded in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Technology.” Under the mentorship of Vijay Mannari, professor and director of Coatings Research Institute, this research focuses on developing a new generation of sustainable clearcoats based on an Organic-Inorganic Hybrid system containing high bio-renewable content. 

“This award means a lot to me. We've been working so hard in our lab at Coating Research Institute, and our goal is to make the coating industry more sustainable to save our planet,” said Hayeri. 

“This award is like a dream come true for me, and I feel like a part of my hard work has been paid back,” said Hayeri. “Thus, we will continue our research to develop more sustainable materials.”

Hayeri and Mannari have been working on reducing the environmental burden of coatings in currently used products without compromising their protective performance. 

“This award highlights the continued research leadership of EMU’s Coating Research Institute and our research group’s mission of providing cutting-edge sustainable solutions to the industry’s tough problems,” said Mannari. 

In addition to winning this award, Hayeri was one of 30 students recognized as an “Outstanding Student” within the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.

For more information about the Coatings Research Institute and its research, visit the Coatings Research Institute website. 

About the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology provides world-class experiences in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, construction management, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, aviation, and other areas of study in high-demand career fields in engineering and technology. It is within the college’s mission to cultivate individuals' intellectual and personal growth through research-informed education and diverse programs that emphasize the practical application of scientific knowledge. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the college’s website at gameabove.emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.