This talk provides an overview of ongoing ultrasonic research in my lab which includes the characterization of disparate materials (cement-based materials, metals and additively manufactured metallic alloys) as well as ultrasonic/acoustic monitoring of complex materials systems (fractured rocks) under in-situ conditions. I will also introduce some recent machine learning-based predictive modeling work for failure prediction and materials characterization.
What: In lieu of the standard Café there will be an interactive poster session (>25 posters) highlighting instrumentation and expertise available within the Huck, IEE, and MRI core facilities. We will have the usual delicious coffee and pastries + - - - donuts!
Where: 3rd Floor Café Commons of the Millennium Science Complex
When: Tuesday, November 1, 10:00 – 11:30am (stop by anytime as this is a come when you can event)
Why: To provide an interdisciplinary opportunity for faculty, students, and staff to learn about the resources available within Huck, IEE, and MRI.
This talk will put forward a single challenge for materials scientists. How can we build a nanoscale irrigation system from biochar (pyrolyzed biomass) that can be dropped into a hole with every seed and act as a localized water storage and irrigation system. The solution must cost 1/10th the price of the seed. Immediately after the talk there will be a brown bag lunch to start working on ideas. Funding is possible. Scaling your results to millions absolutely guaranteed. Come join the fight against climate change.
David Hughes | Entomology
As the human civilization becomes increasingly urban-centric, the vision of smart cities aims to provide better services by optimally using the available resources, minimizing the operational cost, and maximizing the safety and security. In this talk, I will focus on efficient management and cybersecurity of transportation systems in such smart cities – which create unique challenges and opportunities due to the presence of humans in the loop. I will also discuss some of the recent design frameworks explored to counter these challenges and exploit these opportunities.
Spicules, tiny silica strands of marine sponges, have a unique concentric cylindrical structure that shows simultaneous high strength and flexibility. They have a similar architecture to that of human bone which can offer a new generation of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. The spicule-inspired structures can be utilized to simultaneously increase the strength and flexibility of materials with potential applications in various industries.
Memory defines who we are and how we interact with the world, which is why age-related impairments in memory are so devastating. One reason for age-related memory failure is a disruption in the circadian rhythm, which synchronizes the brain to the external time of day. Our research shows that the old brain may exist in a persistent “nighttime state” that limits memory formation based on the time of day and correcting this may improve both memory and circadian rhythms in old age.
Presenter: Janine Kwapis | Biology