There is a vast disconnect between the crystallization behavior of polymers under controlled conditions and the highly sheared, rapidly-quenched conditions encountered during manufacturing. I will discuss new techniques to understand and manipulate the flow induced crystallization of polymers under fast cooling conditions, to form intentional microstructure, and optimize property profiles of both neat and composite polymers.
In the spirit of the Café, 45 students are competing for the top prize by pitching their research in two minutes or less. Topics range from clean water, nanoscience, medicine, energy, materials, and much more. This is a great opportunity to scout for new collaborations while enjoying a cup of coffee. The competition starts at 10:00 and will be setup similar to a poster session - this enables attendees to individually engage the competitors. Please be mindful of the judges as they need to evaluate every competitor in a short period of time. PPG has once again generously provided funding to enable this fantastic event.
A changing climate drives risks. To better manage climate risks, we need to: (i) do the research right and (ii) do the right research. Starting with real-world decision-problems and integrating decision-makers into an environment of shared discovery can help with this task.
John Elfar | Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation
Our lab has found striking new properties of Erythropoietin and 4-aminopyridine in the regeneration of nerve and preservation of muscle after peripheral nerve trauma. Our published work shows these compounds seem to enhance myelination at the site of severe nerve crush injuries and alter the evolution of post-denervation muscle atrophy - key unsolved problems in orthopaedic trauma. We seek collaborations to solve key problems in the treatment of these patients, including diagnosis of severed nerves, treatments of nerve degeneration, and muscle atrophy.
The impact of an asteroid at Chicxulub led to the extinction of more than 70 percent of species including the non-avian dinosaurs. Here I present mineralogical evidence that a thriving microbial community was established within days of the impact. This community helped survivorship and the recovery of higher orders of life in the oceans.
A variety of physical phenomena create color. Pigments and dyes selectively absorb light to create color. While micro- and nano-scale periodic structures can generate color via material-specific optical dispersion. I will describe a previously unrecognized mechanism for creating iridescent structural color with large angular spectral separation via interference occurring when light undergoes multiple total internal reflections at microscale interfaces.