Agenda

8:00 a.m. ET
MSC 3rd Floor Commons

Registration & Coffee
 

Breakout Session I

8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. ET 
MSC 3rd floor N-308A/B 

Reducing Dependence on Critical Minerals for Energy Storage Systems Through Innovations in Materials, Reuse, and Recycling 
Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) 
Materials Research Institute (MRI) 

Energy storage systems that are charged from renewable sources can promote sustainable development and a transition towards cleaner energy that benefits the environment by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released from fossil fuel combustion. For example, batteries are vital to advancing the goals of renewable energy, by time-shifting energy from solar, wind, and other renewable resources to match consumer’s energy demands. Batteries are made from materials, however, and the mining and processing of these materials has an environmental impact. To realize the full potential benefit to the environment of energy storage, innovations in materials, reuse, and recycling are needed. 

This panel will take a critical look at the climate impact of state of the art and emerging energy storage system technologies, including sourcing of materials, their use, and potential for recycling and reuse. In addition to environmental aspects of mineral extraction, societal inequities associated with the heightened demands for minerals in extractive locations will be discussed.

Panel Lead and Moderator: Chris Rahn​
J. ‘Lee’ Everett Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Panelists:
Erica Smithwick - Distinguished Professor of Geography
Hee Jeung Oh - Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering  
Nelson Dzade - Assistant Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering
Thandazile Moyo - Assistant Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering

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Sensors, Implantables, and Wearables: Opportunities for Diagnostics and Human Health Monitoring 
Center for Biodevices  
Materials Research Institute (MRI) 

This session will focus on research challenges and opportunities in the development and wide use of wearable devices and sensors to improve human health. A panel of experts will discuss issues related to innovative materials development, data collection and equitable access to this technology.  

This session is open to all Penn State faculty members and to other Materials Day attendees who are interested in discussing this technology area and meeting other potential collaborators.   

Panel Lead and Moderator:  Mary Frecker

Panelists:  
Cunjiang Yu—wearable and stretchable electronics for health  
Ying-Li Jao—wearables for health monitoring (implications and challenges in using with human subjects) 
Farnaz Lorestani—materials science research into wearables 
Aida Ebrahimi—in situ sensors for diagnostics 

10:00 a.m -10:15 a.m. ET

Break

Breakout Session II

Myco-Materials: Bridging Health and Sustainable Design and Engineering for Tomorrow
Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences (HUCK) 
Materials Research Institute (MRI) 

The potential of mycelium, the root system of fungi, as an advanced material extends far beyond what we currently comprehend. This panel aims to delve into the revolutionary uses of myco-materials in the realms of medical and health applications, exemplified by breakthroughs such as artificial ovarian tissues. However, the scope of mycelium's potential doesn't stop there. We are on the brink of a pivotal shift, transitioning from conventional materials and even reproductive/stem cells to harnessing mycelium for diverse engineering applications.  

The session is designed to be both an exploration and a dialogue, catering to a multifaceted audience, including professionals from various disciplines and industry members. As we step into this brave new world of mycelium materials, the interplay between health, sustainability, and materials science paints a promising picture of a sustainable and innovative future.  

Furthermore, as we break down silos and venture into interdisciplinary domains, the challenges and opportunities of collaborative ventures cannot be ignored. How do different fields come together, leveraging their expertise to unlock the vast potential of mycelium materials? This panel endeavors to shed light on these crucial aspects, paving the way for future collaborations and groundbreaking advancements. Join us in exploring and envisioning the multifaceted applications and potentials of mycelium materials for a brighter, sustainable, and healthier tomorrow. 
Moderator: 
Camelia Kantor, Associate Director, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Panelists: 
Francisco Javier Diaz, Associate Professor, Animal Science
Benay Gursoy Toykoc, Assistant Professor of Architecture
John Andrew Pecchia, Associate Research Professor
Lei Yuguo, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Josephine Wee, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ET 
 MSC 3rd floor N-308A/B 

Accelerating Materials Discovery Through AI and Virtualization 
Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) 
Materials Research Institute (MRI) 

New computing technologies promise to shorten the time required to develop new materials.  This breakout session will discuss the promise, potential, challenges and opportunities offered by virtualization of experimental infrastructure and AI-powered experimentation and data analysis. The discussions will focus on how these technologies can be used to dramatically accelerate the discovery and development of new materials.  

This session is open to all Penn State faculty members and to other Materials Day attendees who are interested in discussing this technology area and meeting other potential collaborators.  

Panel Moderators: Vasant Honavar and Wesley Reinhart 

Panelists
Jessica Menold (virtual reality)  
Bin Li (virtualization and also virtual reality)  
Adri Van Duin (Computational material science)  
Darren Pagan (Materials Informatics)

Lunch - 3rd Floor Commons, MSC 
The objective of these sessions is to continue the breakout discussion in an informal setting and to facilitate team formation for proposal submissions.  The panelists from each session will return to the rooms listed below for further discussion.  All are welcome to attend.  Boxed lunch is provided. 

Lunch Discussions 
N308:    IEE/MRI
W203:   Center for Biodevices/MRI 
N201:    HUCK/MRI
N203:    ICDS/MRI