ANN ARBOR—Two University of Michigan professors are among the 118 researchers across the nation chosen as 2011 Alfred P. Sloan research fellows.

Volker Elling, an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics, and Anne McNeil, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, each receives a $50,000 fellowship.

Elling is working on partial differential equations and fluid dynamics, an important area of applied mathematics. His focus is on constructing particular solutions of flow equations that represent unexpected behavior in fluids with low viscosity. In a closely related project, he is evaluating the quality of contemporary computer simulation of fluid flow, with the goal of identifying examples where large differences between simulated and actual flow can be observed.

“It is a great honor, but also an obligation, to receive this prestigious award with its impressive list of alumni,” Elling said. “The funds will allow me to pursue interesting research projects that I’ve had to postpone until now. I am also considering extending my research group to include additional Ph.D. students or post-docs.”

McNeil’s research focuses on creating new and useful organic materials and exploring the basic mechanisms involved in their synthesis, assembly and operation. In current work, she’s developing methods to prepare new organic polymers that can be used in solar cells. She’s also designing Jell-O-like materials that change from fluid to gel in response to certain stimuli and ultimately could be used to detect pollutants in the environment.

“I am honored and excited to be a Sloan Research Fellow,” McNeil said. “When I got notice of the award, I asked my students what they could use to be more efficient and productive in the lab, and I got many different suggestions. With the Sloan fellowship, I might be able to address them all, which is great. A portion of the funds most likely will be used to purchase equipment and supplies, and I’ll reserve some to support students over the spring and summer terms.”

Awarded annually since 1955, the fellowships are given to early-career scientists and scholars in recognition of achievement and the potential to contribute substantially to their fields. Potential fellows are nominated by their peers and selected by an independent panel of senior scholars.

“The scientists and researchers selected for this year’s Sloan Research Fellowships represent the very brightest rising stars of this generation of scholars,” said Sloan Foundation president Paul Joskow. “The foundation is proud to support their work at this important stage in their careers.”

Related Links:

• Volker Elling
• Anne McNeil
• The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation