Ai-Lin Chun was named the first place recipient in the Purdue chapter of Sigma Xi's graduate student research awards competition. Her poster, entitled "Helical Rosette Nanotubes: A Potential Orthopaedic Tissue Engineering Material" showcases Ai-Lin's research work that is being done in conjunction with Professor Tom Webster of BME and Hicham Fenniri of Chemistry.

Another student working with Professor Tom Webster, Huinan Liu of MSE, received the second place award for her poster entitled "Improved Dispersion of Nanophase Titania in Polymer Composites Enhance Osteoblast Adhesion."

The Purdue chapter of Sigma Xi was established in 1909 with a mission to foster and recognize outstanding research on the Purdue campus. There are currently over 400 active members who sponsor activities at all levels from high school through post-graduate and faculty.