March 09 Issue - Employee Monthly Magazine

Spotlight

Lab researcher coordinates work-for-others projects

Alan Graham uses falling balls or momentum tracers as a basis for extending Einstein's theory used to predict molecular size to a multiscale theoretical approach for nano-scale suspensions. Photo by Dixon Wolf

As the leader of several programs in which the Laboratory works with U.S. industry, Alan Graham of Polymers and Coatings (MST-7) knows how to play well with others.

Graham manages joint projects between the Laboratory and Procter and Gamble, Chevron, the Defense and Energy departments, and other customers. "We put together teams and help them get the best help on the planet," he said. "We do world-class science, enhance Lab capabilities, and help U.S. industry maximize its profits."

Graham's team includes researchers from Los Alamos, P&G, the University of New Mexico, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The group is tackling a variety of material issues at the forefront of soft matter research, such as the manufacture and stability of self-assembling vesicle systems and the production of a new generation of nanofibers.
Vesicle systems are the primary component in a wide variety of consumer products ranging from fabric softeners to hair conditioners. At present, vesicle stability calculations are based on mixing products, placing them on shelves, and watching their performance over long periods of time.

By using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging, Graham's team has produced cutting-edge research that has led to a better understanding of the behavior of vesicle systems. It also has allowed P&G to move into new global markets, Graham said.

"Alan tends to put together powerful and winning teams-where they win proposals or are successful at meeting the task objectives," said Pat Reardon of MST-7.

Before joining MST-7, Graham led the Laboratory's Institute for Multiscale Material Studies. He was chair and professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas Tech University and was elected a Distinguished National Laboratory Professor at the University of New Mexico. Graham is an adjunct professor at UCSB.

The Laboratory's work-for-others program is in its third year and represents an interdisciplinary, interdivisional effort that is funded annually at more than $1 million.

--Excerpted from an article published in the January 2009 issue of MST e-News (http://int.lanl.gov/orgs/mst/mst_enews.shtml).

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