About CARR - Center for Applied Radiation Research
The Center for Applied Radiation Research (CARR) at Prairie View A&M University, a comprehensive National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research center, was for 11 years charged with the task of helping the national space agency develop a fundamental understanding of the effects of radiation on humans, devices and materials.
CARR, a $13 million dollar University Research Center (URC) funded by NASA from 1995 to 2006, conducted fundamental research emphasizing radiation dosimetry, shielding and radiation effects on materials and devices with the primary focus on radiation questions related to human spaceflight crews, their instruments and devices.
During its long tenure at PVAMU, CARR performed some of the first radiation experiments on carbon nanotube materials and nano-electronic devices, Other milestones included experiments in radiation biology with neutrons and the development of new techniques to detect high energy neutrons. The center also applied MCMPX modeling to problems of radiation shielding on the moon.
CARR research was inherently multi-disciplinary with a cadre of faculty researchers in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering and radiation biology. In addition, Carr developed an extensive research program for ground and flight-based radiation effects experiments built on leading-edge capabilities.
The legacy of dedicated research leading to a better understanding of solar and cosmic radiation continues with Prairie View A&M University's new Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE), a five-year $5 million dollar NASA-funded center. CRESSE's research commitment targets the development of testbeds that simulate planetary surfaces and allow scientists to conduct experiments relevant to all aspects of radiation dosimetry, shielding, modeling and effects on electronics. Information related to this mission is reflected throughout this website.
For a look back at some of the activities, accomplishments and milestones of CARR, please check here.
