Past Events

Gao Liu, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Sep 23, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

CheMat Seminar Series

This seminar will delve into the fundamentals of functional electrode binders, highlighting recent advancements in multifunctional conductive polymers engineered for dual ion- and electron-transport in high-capacity silicon (Si) anodes. Silicon, with its high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh/g), offers a transformative alternative to conventional graphite (370 mAh/g). However, severe volume expansion (∼300%) during lithium insertion and extraction poses mechanical and electrochemical challenges to structural integrity and cycle life.

Weinan Xu, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Sep 16, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

CheMat Seminar Series

Conventional technologies for the synthesis and manufacturing of polymer composites involve energy-intensive processes, it is also very challenging to recycle such polymer composite structures. To address those grand challenges, our recent research focuses on developing sustainable polymer/bio-composites using Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) and/or hybrid materials integration. ELMs represent an emerging class of materials that integrate living biological entities, such as engineered bacteria, with functional soft materials. This integration endows the composites with unique capabilities, including self-regeneration, self-healing, biosensing, and molecular computing.

LaShan Hendrix, University of Cincinnati

Apr 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Abstract: Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification and Opportunities for Therapeutic Targeting

Joe Gauthier, Texas Tech University

Apr 15, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Abstract: Extending the reach of density functional theory: capturing charge transfer and making electrons behave

Shudipto Dishari, University of Nebraska

Apr 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Abstract: Interfaces That Matter: Materials Design for Sustainable Energy and Biomedical Systems

Chris Depcik, University of Kansas

Mar 11, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dr. Christopher Depcik is a Professor of Mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas (KU) with a courtesy appointment in Aerospace Engineering. His research focuses on reacting flow modeling and energy systems, emphasizing reduce dimensional (1-D and 1+1-D) formulations of chemically reacting flows in catalytic reactors, particulate filters, gasification units, desiccant wheels, shock tubes, and pulse detonation engines.

Samantha A. Meenach, University of Rhode Island

Mar 4, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dr. Samantha Meenach is a Professor at the University of Rhode Island (URI), with joint appointments in the Departments of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. A first-generation college student from rural Kentucky, she earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. Her doctoral research focused on the development of magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites for cancer treatment through hyperthermia and drug delivery.

Ni Su, Department of Biomedical Engineering, UKY

Feb 25, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dr. Ni Su is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Kentucky, where she began her appointment in August 2024. She previously completed her postdoctoral training in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University. Dr. Su's lab engineers biomaterials that actively modulate immune responses to improve tissue repair for skin wounds and critical-sized bone defects. Her team also develops complex in vitro disease models to enable mechanistic studies and higher-throughput therapeutic testing.

Syed Z. Islam, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Feb 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dr. Syed Z. Islam is a Staff Scientist in the Chemical Sciences Division at the U.S Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He joined ORNI in 2018 after completing postdoctoral training at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Islam earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky (2017), M.S. from North Carolina A&T State University, and B.S. from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Dr.

Shengli Jiang, Princeton University

Feb 11, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dr. Shengli Jiang is a postdoctoral associate at Princeton University, working with Professor Michael Webb to integrate simulation and machine learning for polymer design. He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the supervision of Professor Victor Zavala, focusing on machine learning applications in sensor design, solvent systems, electrochemistry, and sustainability. He earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego, where he worked with Professor Zheng Chen on lithium-ion battery cathode design.

Past Events

Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering