Research Highlights

From public health to clean energy to national security, UNC Charlotte researchers are working side-by-side with students to solve real-world problems and improve lives. Below are just a few of the many research projects that have attracted attention this year.

Researchers with $1 million

or more in active grants / contracts

NSF Career Awards

(past 5 years)

#7 in US

startups per research dollar spent ((AUTM, 2024)

IN us

new patents filed per research dollar spent (AUTM., 2024)

in US

invention disclosure per research dollar spent (AUTM, 2024)

$94.9M

Research Expenditures

307%

Increase in research expenditures

(past decade)

Patents Filed

(2024-25)

$283.3M

total grants profile

three-time Charlotte alum is tackling clean water locally, globally

A Curious Mind

Charlotte alumna Jennifer Pagán is tackling clean water locally, globally.

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Jordan Landis ’24 takes a hard look at a water sample before placing it under a microscope to examine.

SOLVING THE INSOLUBLE

Engineering graduate Jordan Landis ’24 spearheads researching the use of microplastic-eating algae to improve Charlotte’s wastewater treatment — and America’s overall water quality.

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