Presentations by graduate students and postdocs foster professional development

The 9th Annual Notre Dame-Purdue Soft Matter and Polymers Symposium was held in the University of Notre Dame's Jordan Hall of Science on October 5. This annual symposium was established in 2014 to foster collaboration, scientific networking, and camaraderie between faculty and students in the soft matter and polymer community at Notre Dame and Purdue. Bozhi Tian, professor of chemistry at the University of Chicago, was the keynote speaker at this year's event.

"Professor Tian is well-known for his pioneering work in bio-integrated electronics and soft matter,” said Yichun Wang, assistant professor in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering and co-organizer of the October 5 symposium. “His research focuses on developing nanomaterials and bioelectronics that interface effectively with biological systems, which inspire discussions on innovative biomedical applications of soft matter. His talk emphasized the integration of soft, flexible materials in biological environments, aligning with the symposium’s goal of fostering collaboration and scientific exchange between the soft matter and polymer communities.”

In addition to the slate of faculty presenters throughout the day, eight Notre Dame and Purdue graduate students and postdoctoral researchers were invited to give talks during the technical sessions.

“For the first time, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from both Notre Dame and Purdue were invited to present their work during the oral sessions, adding a dynamic new element to the symposium,” explained Professor Wang. “This opportunity allowed emerging scientists to share their research with a broader audience, fostering professional development and encouraging fresh perspectives in the field. By including student and postdoc presenters, the symposium promoted collaboration and the next generation of innovators in soft matter and polymer science.”

More than 50 students participated in the afternoon poster session, and awards were given to the following students:

• Notre Dame: Shukun Zhong, Bo Su, Gaeun Kim, and Kingsley Safo

• Purdue: Won-June Lee, Asmita Dey, and Yukun Wu

• Northwestern: Jin Jia

Many thanks to the Notre Dame sponsors: Notre Dame Research, College of Science, College of Engineering, the departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health, ND Energy, and NDnano.

Originally published by NDnano Staff at nano.nd.edu on October 25, 2024.