Case Summary:     

NAILG framed the case around a cohesive program to explore, characterize, and synthesize MOFs for separation‑process applications that advance gas purification, environmental remediation, water treatment, and energy storage/conversion, areas aligned with U.S. priorities in critical and emerging technologies. Precisely engineered porous frameworks were shown to capture pollutants, enable selective separations, and support catalytic processes with direct benefits for public health and sustainability.

Research Focus and Contributions

The petition highlighted contributions across three pillars:

• Protein encapsulation and stabilization in MOFs to enhance biocatalysis.
• MOFs as functional catalytic platforms, including tuning active sites at framework nodes.
• Advanced MOFs for efficient separations and sorption, supporting applications from industrial gas cleanup to water‑quality improvement.

Research Impact and Metrics

To substantiate influence and standing, we documented:

• 26 peer‑reviewed journal articles (including multiple first/co‑first works).
• 365 total citations by independent research teams.
• At least 5 completed manuscript reviews for field journals.

Here is an anonymized excerpt from a recommendation letter that underscores the practical impact of her work:

“[Client] advances the characterization and synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), applying them to challenges like water capture and storage. In a notable project, MOF encapsulation was shown to boost an enzyme’s activity and resilience, offering mechanistic evidence of conformation changes and preserving catalytic efficiency after repeated use under harsh conditions. The work also validated isothermal titration calorimetry for probing MOF interactions and thermodynamics.”

Demonstrating Substantial Merit & National Importance

We demonstrated substantial merit by tying the client’s MOF strategies to core challenges in clean water, clean air, and low‑carbon energy. National importance was supported with evidence that peers rely on this work, through independent citations, high‑percentile performance for several papers, and adoption of methods in enzyme stabilization, catalytic design, and large‑scale gas and water separations, showing broad applicability beyond any single laboratory or institution.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor

The petition detailed advanced training in chemistry, a consistent publication and citation record, sustained peer‑review contributions, and a forward plan to design tailored MOF architectures for pollutant capture, selective separations, and energy‑relevant processes. Letters of support and project histories underscored the client’s capacity to translate laboratory breakthroughs into scalable technologies that benefit U.S. communities and industry.

Approval and Outlook

Approved after 1 year and 7 days (including RFE), this NIW recognizes the client’s potential to accelerate sustainable materials solutions across water treatment, environmental protection, and energy systems. NAILG is proud to have guided this petition and looks forward to the client’s continued U.S.‑based contributions to cleaner water, smarter separations, and environmental stewardship.