The C&J Nyheim Plasma Institute at Drexel celebrated its 21st anniversary, as well as the 20th anniversary of the pioneering field of plasma medicine, this past summer. Originally founded in 2002 as the A.J. Drexel Plasma Institute (DPI), the institute was renamed in 2016 to honor Christel and John Nyheim and their family’s generous donation and passionate support of plasma research.
Led by director Alexander Fridman, PhD, Nyheim Chair Professor in the College of Engineering and Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, researchers at the institute have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with plasma technology across materials science, microelectronics, environmental sustainability, energy, agriculture, and food processing. Plasma enables new material synthesis, thin film deposition, air and water purification, cleaner fuel conversion and gentler food processing.
One major milestone was the birth of plasma medicine at Drexel two decades ago. Through collaborations between engineers, scientists and medical doctors, plasma medicine has since grown into an impactful field improving and saving lives around the world. For example, plasma can sterilize chronic wounds and stimulate healing in conditions like diabetic ulcers. It also shows potential for targeting and selectively destroying cancer cells. Researchers have also developed plasma devices that can sanitize surgical tools and destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria. And the list of medical applications continues to grow.
With six core faculty, over 20 affiliated professors, and more than 50 PhD graduates now working in academia, national labs and industry, the C&J Nyheim Plasma Institute has made Drexel a global leader in plasma research. Home to over 500 publications and 50,000 citations, it has brought in over $35 million in funding.