Seminars

Abstract Engineering Plant-Microbe Interactions Towards Advanced Agriculture Biotechnologies Few plant-microbe interactions involving commensal microbiota are mechanistically understood, and filling this knowledge gap is necessary to manipulate and engineer these interactions for the development of new technologies. Through genetic engineering of non-model bacteria from the plant root microbiome, we can probe these interactions, define them mechanistically,…

Intertwining Science & Creativity to Improve Humanity and Our Planet Biography Dr. Willoughby is the Chief Innovation Officer of Blue Hummingbird, LLC where she combines scientific and creative design to help clients commercialize climate-positive technology.  She served as the Chief Scientific and Commercialization Officer at Circ®, Inc. from 2019-2023; leading the team from recycling one…

Building a Culture of Excellence Biography Adm. Daryl Caudle is a native of Winston–Salem, North Carolina and a 1985 graduate of North Carolina State University (magna cum laude) with a degree in chemical engineering. He was then commissioned after attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Caudle holds advanced degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School, Master of…

Abstract Crystalline polymers morphology: an overview The organization and structure of polymers is analyzed by various techniques. Global means, such as DSC, are ideal when dealing with e.g. phase transitions (crystallization, melting, glass transition, etc.). Some of these techniques (e.g. IR or NMR) do probe local features and sub-molecular dynamics. Analysis of the crystalline polymers…

Abstract Colloidal Engineering at the Nano, Micro, and Macro Scales: Materials that Can Move, Morph, Protect and Heal Our laboratory seeks to engineer colloidal building blocks (polymers, surfactants, and particles) into a variety of functional fluids and soft materials. Our work extends across the length scales. Many of our systems are ‘smart’, i.e., their properties…

Abstract Linking computational techniques to experiments for establishing design-structure-property relationships in soft materials. My research group’s expertise lies in the development of physics-based molecular models and simulation methods as well as data-driven machine learning models for designing and characterizing soft macromolecular materials.  In this talk, I will highlight examples from my group’s recent work to…

Inspirations for a Career Path for Growth Biography Jim Semler recently joined Merck as a principal scientist in the Materials and Biophysical Characterization group focused on drug substance and drug product development.  Prior to Merck, he was the Director of Materials Science & Sustainability within the Medication Delivery Solutions business unit at Becton Dickinson.  At…

Abstract Exploring how ionic correlations influence ion transport and electron transfer in electrochemical systems Electrochemical technologies promise to play a major role in mitigation of carbon emissions associated with energy and chemical production. In most electrochemical devices, high ion concentrations and large operating voltages induce strong ion-ion correlations, which drives electrolyte ions to collectively assemble…

Abstract Innovation and Sustainability as Intertwined Forces to Accelerate Net Zero Goals The trifecta of clean energy, power grids modernization and digital transformation is driving innovation on steroids for the wire and cable (W&C) industry. For example, the US government has set a goal to deploy 30GW of new offshore wind energy by 2030 and…

Abstract Data Science & Machine Learning Approaches to Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Data science and machine learning (DS/ML) are changing the way many people approach catalysis research, ranging from new design of experiment approaches, new methods in simulation, even new ways of interacting with the scientific literature. It is challenging today to even keep up…

Fundamental Understanding of Catalytic Hydrogen Production and Utilization through New Materials and Characterization Tools Abstract There have been renewed research interests in hydrogen economy in the light of net zero as hydrogen holds significant promise for the decarbonization of the chemical industry and transportation sectors among many others. Catalysis science is essential for the production…

Abstract Unlocking the molecular aspects of Zika and SARS-CoV-2 for therapeutical binders: An exploration through computer simulations Computational approaches applied to the study of infectious diseases create a new research field, using a multidisciplinary approach. They take advantage of significant progress in molecular and structural biology, immunology, bioinformatics, and related areas, fostering an understanding of…