CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Engineering Biomolecular Condensates: Insights Into Catalytic Activities and Structural Design” (Muyang Guan)

https://upenn.zoom.us/j/96301746733

Abstract: Eukaryotic cells orchestrate cellular processes through spatiotemporal organization achieved by compartmentalization. Biomolecular condensates, formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), serve as vital hubs for enzymatic reactions and mediate cellular functions. To investigate catalytic activities within biomolecular condensates, a light-emitting enzyme (NanoLuc) was incorporated into LAF-1 RGG model condensates. Incorporation into condensates led to a […]

CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “A molecular understanding of the structure-property relationships of model end-linked polymer networks” (Han Zhang)

Room 35, Singh Center for Nanotechnology 3205 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Abstract: Polymer networks, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and gels, are among the most versatile and widely utilized polymeric materials, with applications spanning drug delivery systems, membranes and implantable devices. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between the macroscopic properties and the structure and topology of polymer networks is crucial for advancing their utilization and […]

MEAM Ph.D. Thesis Defense: “Bio-inspired Architected Materials/structures with Enhanced Failure Characteristics”

Towne 319 220 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, United States

Structural failure is a critically important design consideration in many engineering applications. Nature provides a number of interesting examples of lightweight structural features that exhibit outstanding failure characteristics. Recent progress in additive manufacturing has facilitated precise control over geometric features, allowing for the implementation of bio-inspired structural designs on a layer-by-layer basis. In this thesis, […]

MEAM Seminar: “Real-Time Safe and Energy-Efficient UAV Motion Planning in Windy Urban Environments”

Towne 319 220 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, United States

Recent advancements in hardware and software are bringing autonomous aerial vehicles closer than ever to finally delivering on futuristic visions of flying cars and package delivery drones. However, the safe deployment of autonomous aircraft at scale in urban environments poses significant challenges, one of which being uncertainties contributed by complex spatial and temporal winds. Clusters […]

MEAM Ph.D. Thesis Defense: “Leveraging Impedance-Related Properties for Free Self-Sensing in Actuators for Compact Robots”

Raisler Lounge (Room 225), Towne Building 220 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Robotic systems, particularly at small scales, require efficient actuation and sensing solutions that maintain compactness. We are interested in systems where sensing and actuation are seamlessly integrated, specifically using impedance-related properties—such as electrical resistance, induced electromotive force (emf), and inductance— for free self-sensing in actuators without additional sensors. We explore three main example applications: (1) […]

CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Computational Materials Design for Exerting Control over Ice Formation” (Zachariah Vicars)

Room 313, Singh Center for Nanotechnology 3205 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Abstract: Ice formation plays an important role in a wide range of contexts, from serving as nuclei for clouds in the upper atmosphere to forming on the surfaces of aircraft and ships, reducing their performance. Controlling the formation of ice using additives or novel coatings has, consequently, been a long-standing pursuit in materials science. Here, […]

Celebration of Community

Wu and Chen Auditorium (Room 101), Levine Hall 3330 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Cora Ingrum Center for Community and Outreach is planning its annual Celebration of Community gala to showcase Penn Engineering students, staff, and faculty in their multi-talented richness. The event will consist of guest speakers, performances, presentations from student groups, and a variety of cuisines. Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Ocek Eke (ocek@seas.upenn.edu) and […]

CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Tailoring MXene Chemistry through Composition and Undercoordination for Applications in Hydrogen Chemistries” (Yamilée Morency)

Amy Gutmann Hall, Room 414 3333 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, United States

Abstract: Global transition to clean energy relies on the development of efficient hydrogen storage materials and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts—two primary chemistries investigated in this thesis. MXenes, a family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have emerged as promising candidates for hydrogen technologies due to their high electrical conductivity, chemical tunability, and structural […]

CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Understanding and Modulating Interactions between Polymers and Nanoparticles for Effective Catalyst Design in Polymer Upcycling” (Anirban Majumder)

Raisler Lounge (Room 225), Towne Building 220 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Abstract: Despite recent advances in catalytic conversion of plastic waste into high-value chemicals, the interactions between the polymers and catalysts, which are highly porous nanomaterials, are not well understood. Fundamental understanding of these interactions and the ability to modulate them would allow us to design effective catalysts for polymer upcycling reactions. To study the interactions […]

MEAM Ph.D. Thesis Defense: “Macroscopic Ensemble Methods for Multi Robot Task Assignment in Dynamic Environments”

Levine 307 3330 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

With finite resources to complete tasks like monitoring, coverage, and search, the challenge lies in identifying and performing tasks that can change both in frequency and location. One potential solution is teams of robots equipped with the necessary capabilities to complete the desired tasks. However, robot teams require methods that effectively assign robots to tasks, […]