There are many forms of energy around us: light, heat, vibrations, wind, electromagnetic fields, fluid flow, waves, organic waste, etc. At large scale, many of these energy sources already play a significant role in powering our society and are projected to become dominant contributors by 2040. On the smaller scale, exciting scientific and engineering challenges must be overcome to harness these energy sources.
As we begin the New Year we’ll take a moment to celebrate some recent accomplishments and look towards the future: winners of the 2017 Rustum and Della Roy Awards will be announced, new faculty will be highlighted, and I’ll provide an update on some MRI strategic initiatives.
By Ty Tkacik
Power sources used in devices found in or around biological tissue must be flexible and non-toxic, while still powerful enough to support demanding technologies such as medical devices or soft robotics. To achieve this balance, researchers at Penn State are taking inspiration from a “shocking” place: electric eels.
(e) kle5449@psu.edu
(o) 814-865-3225
N-228 Millennium Science Complex
Novel ‘polymer alloy’ material made of commercially available plastics demonstrates unprecedented performance at high temperatures
By Ashley WennersHerron
By Ty Tkacik
Despite rare earth elements’ importance in manufacturing cell phones, magnets and a host of other consumer and commercial electronics, the lack of a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to obtaining these metals has led to a global shortage, according to Amir Sheikhi, associate professor of chemical engineering.
Advanced imaging reveals a detailed understanding of the mechanisms driving a previously misunderstood material, researchers say
By Ty Tkacik
A stretchy, conductive type of plastic could help power the next generation of implantable biomedical devices, like longer-lasting pacemakers or glucose monitors, according to Enrique Gomez, professor of chemical engineering at Penn State.
(e) pes15@psu.edu
208 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building
(e) rmn12@psu.edu
(o) 814-863-2602
202 Electrical Engineering East