CBE & VIEST Joint Seminar: “Lignin Conversion to Performance-advantaged Fuels, Chemicals, and Polymers” (Gregg Beckham, NREL)
Abstract: Terrestrial plants harbor renewable carbon resources in their cell walls that can directly contribute to decarbonization of the transportation and materials sectors, but the heterogeneous, aromatic lignin polymer found […]
CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “A molecular understanding of the structure-property relationships of model end-linked polymer networks” (Han Zhang)
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 […]
CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Engineering Biomolecular Condensates: Insights Into Catalytic Activities and Structural Design” (Muyang Guan)
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 […]
CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Utilization of Atomic Layer Deposition for Heterogeneous Catalysis in Biomass Upgrading Applications” (Mengjie Fan)
Abstract: The need for sustainable energy sources has intensified interest in biomass upgrading, where biomass-derived feedstocks are transformed into fuels and valuable chemicals. A major challenge in biomass upgrading is […]
CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Scaling Mineral Carbonation and Critical Mineral Recovery in Mining Waste: Process Engineering, Techno-Economics, and Public Policy” (Katherine Vaz Gomes)
Abstract: The growing need to secure critical minerals for clean energy technologies, alongside the urgency to mitigate climate change, presents a unique opportunity to combine mineral recovery with carbon sequestration. […]
Research + Innovation Seminar Series – Sponsored Research
CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “MEMS-Based Electrochemical Power Sources for Extended Operational Duration of Micro Unmanned Vehicles” (Yanghang Huang)
Abstract: Micro unmanned vehicles, defined as 25-gram to 5-kg in weight, are increasingly being utilized in applications such as search and rescue or agricultural monitoring. Such vehicles are typically powered […]
CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Fabrication of Functional Nanostructured Polymers Based on Thermotropic and Lyotropic Liquid Crystals Derived from Sustainable Resources” (Ruiqi Dong)
Abstract: Nanostructured materials with interconnected nanoscale structures have garnered significant attention due to the ability to precisely regulate molecular transport by tuning molecular-level properties and offering more functional interfaces for […]
CBE Doctoral Dissertation Defense: “Synthesis of Enzyme-Powered Motors using Microfluidics” (Jessica O’Callaghan)
Abstract: This thesis addresses the fundamental questions surrounding the design and functional capabilities of enzyme-powered micromotors synthesized using microfluidic techniques. The research focuses on the development of these motors, made […]
2023 Heilmeier Award Lecture: Dr. Dani S. Bassett
“On Being Curious” What is curiosity? Is it an emotion? A behavior? A cognitive process? Curiosity seems to be an abstract concept — like love, perhaps, or justice — far […]