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Aaron Thomas does more than "wow" people with his wide-ranging research into providing clean air for astronauts and tracing genetic links to disease. The University of Idaho engineering faculty member also teaches "The Business of Pow Wow," a course designed to learn about Native American traditions in today's society.

A member of the Navajo tribe from New Mexico, Thomas' desire to work with Native American students stems largely from personal experience as an undergraduate and graduate student.

"I have had so many people help with my education, I want to make sure other students have that same chance," said Thomas.

The associate professor in chemical engineering hopes to develop a summer camp to help Native American students acclimate to Idaho and college life as well as help them transition, prepare and gain skills for success," said Thomas, an assistant professor of chemical engineering.

Aside from mentoring young students, Thomas' first passion is in the laboratory and his pioneering work recently earned him a prestigious Faculty Early CAREER Development grant from the National Science Foundation. The $400,000, five-year grant will support his continued research on oscillating flows in macro- and micro-scale methods of mechanical separation. The highly competitive NSF prize is given to young and innovative scientists who are deemed future leaders in their field and who successfully mentor their students through intensive and integrative research.

The end results have large applications in space. Thomas said this technology would potentially allow space missions to have one piece of equipment rather than having to take large amounts of replacement air supply filters. (pieces that ensure oxygen is available aboard spacecrafts)

"It could make the shuttle much lighter," said Thomas.

Here on earth, separations can help with DNA testing and protein separating. These two breakthroughs may make it possible for medical practitioners to use a small machine to detect genetic risk for diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.

The medical application could potentially eliminate the need to send samples back to a laboratory and eliminate the time it takes to get results.

"This is especially important in places like third-world countries where access to healthcare is limited as it is, and sending things back to laboratories is just not possible," said Thomas.

"Aaron is a remarkable educator and I am proud of his work and award," said College of Engineering Dean Aicha Elshabini. "This award is truly a stepping-stone for all the wonderful things he has ahead of him."

In addition to research funding, Thomas received an education component to assist in his work with Native American students.