The Integral Role of Kinetics in Alloy Design: A Mg Case Study

Abstract: Modern materials contain extraordinary levels of complexity with components spanning a hierarchy of length scales. Designing materials that contain complex microstructures and demonstrate unique behaviors would be difficult solely using…

OrthoChirp  – A Fast Spectro-mechanical Probe for Monitoring Transient Microstructural Evolution During Shear

Abstract: Shear-induced microstructural changes in complex fluids as diverse as food gels, consumer products and fracking fluids are governed by fast internal time scales that are&nbsp…

Title: Chemistry Within the Confines of Mineral-Supported Water Films

Abstract: Virtually all mineral particles present in moist air are covered by thin, nearly imperceptible, water films. These films can play tremendous roles in element cycling in nature, and can drive the formation of atmospheric clouds. They…

Title: High-Throughput Measurement of the Flexibility of Human Red Blood Cells: A Unified Computational and Microfluidic Approach

Abstract: Deformability is a critical feature of red blood cells (RBCs) within their 100-120 day life-span through the blood circulation system. It is a particularly important…

Long-Lasting Ancient Materials for a Sustainable Future

Abstract: We designate as paleo- or antiquity-inspired systems, systems inspired by ancient materials that naturally bear, or can be synthesized with extraordinary, long-term (mechanical, structural, or chemical) resilience. Understanding their intrinsic…

Multiscale X-ray Tomography of Construction Materials

Abstract: Our research group has been using synchrotron radiation to characterize and optimize the nano and microstructure of advanced construction materials.  I will discuss how three-dimensional tomographic images are providing fresh new insights…

Ultratough and Stimuli-Responsive Materials, Inspired by Nature

Abstract: Nature is replete with extraordinary materials that can grow, move, respond, and adapt.  In this talk I will describe two ongoing efforts to develop advanced materials, inspired by nature. First, I will describe my group’s efforts to…

Two Sides of the Evaporation Coin: Stabilizing Foams and Destabilizing Polymer Solutions

Abstract: Evaporation is a ubiquitous process that is shown to drive important interfacial flow phenomena. In the case of non-aqueous foams, it is demonstrated to cause soluto-capillary Marangoni stresses that can stabilize foams…

Adding a New Sensing Dimension to Soft Electronics: From the Skin to Below the Skin

Abstract: Soft electronic devices that can noninvasively and continuously acquire vital signs from the human body represent an important trend for healthcare. Combined strategies of materials design and advanced microfabrication allow…

Growing Droplets in Cells and Gels

Abstract: To function effectively, living cells compartmentalize myriad chemical reactions. In the classic view, distinct functional volumes are separated by thin oily-barriers called membranes. Recently, the spontaneous sorting of cellular components into membraneless…