Nastyshyn recognized with KSU Provost's International Scholar Award

April 9, 2008

Dr. Yuriy Nastyshyn, currently a visiting scientist with Dr. Oleg Lavrentovich, is the 2008 recipient of the Kent State University Provost International Scholar Award. He accepted the award at the 21st Annual International Awards and Induction Ceremony presented by the Kent State University Beta Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Delta.

Nastyshyn is the head of the research sector on Biological Optics and Optics of Liquid Crystals at the Institute of Physical Optics of Ukraine. This is his fourth visit to the Liquid Crystal Institute at Kent State University.

“This time, Dr. Nastyshyn brought his expertise to help us in the studies of the so-called chromonic lyotropic liquid crystal,” Lavrentovich said. These materials can be used in a number of applications, from sensors of harmful bacteria such as anthrax and E. Coli to thin films with unique optical properties, such as polarizers. His studies are focused at the optical and elastic properties of these materials; he collaborates with researchers at the LCI and at the Department of Physics (Prof. Sam Sprunt's group).

Besides his expertise in chromonic lyotropic liquid crystals, he has extensive contributions in the areas of optics, defects, and rheology of liquid crystals, anchoring in nematic liquid crystals, phase transitions in surfactant lyotropic liquid crystals and the growth and optical studies of biocrystals.