Scientific discovery does not just happen, it occurs when smart people work with determination coupled with creativity. In this talk I will discuss ways to prepare yourself to make important new discoveries by moving in a new direction where your work can have global impact, for example in new materials that provide climate and energy solutions. I will give some examples of how Seed Grants from the Institutes at Penn State have unlocked new research directions for me and others and suggest a few new research challenges related to climate and energy.
