Tevis Jacobs, an assistant professor in the mechanical engineering and materials science department, received the National Science Foundation’s $500,000 CAREER Award this year to improve nanoparticle performance. “When we talk about nanoparticles, even I, as a scientist that studies nanoscience, have trouble conceiving of how small these are,” Jacobs said. “I am very excited about both [components]. They are both huge endeavors.”