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Mobile robots combine sensory information with mechanical actuation to move autonomously through complex environments and perform specific tasks (e.g., a robot vacuum cleaner). The miniaturization of such robots to the size of living cells (ca. 2-40 mm) is actively pursued for applications in biomedicine, materials science, and environmental sustainability. In pursuit of these “microrobots”, we seek to understand the many mechanisms underlying the self-propulsion of colloidal particles through viscous fluids. Building on this understanding, we seek to design active particles capable of autonomous behaviors such as navigation of structured environments. In this talk, I discuss two recent efforts – on Quincke oscillators and magnetic topotaxis, respectively – that highlight these complementary aims to understand and design active colloids. In part one, I explain how static electric fields drive the oscillatory motion of micron-scale particles commensurate with the thickness of a field-induced boundary layer in nonpolar electrolytes. In part two, I describe how spatially uniform, time-periodic magnetic fields can be designed to power and direct the migration of ferromagnetic spheres up local gradients in surface topography.

Deep learning has begun a renaissance in chemistry and materials. We can devise and fit models to predict molecular properties in a few hours and deploy them in a web browser. We can create novel generative models that were previously PhD theses in an afternoon.

Sam Goodman (ChemEngr’16) was selected as one of two Outstanding Mentor Award winners for the Spring 2021 semester for his work with sophomore Abigail Hutabarat.

COVID-19 vaccines are just the beginning for mRNA-based therapies; enabling a patient’s body to make almost any given protein could revolutionize care for other viruses, like HIV, as well as various cancers and genetic disorders. However, because mRNA molecules are very fragile, they require extremely low temperatures for storage and transportation. The logistical challenges and expense of maintaining these temperatures must be overcome before mRNA therapies can become truly widespread.

Alumnus Jason Burdick (PhDChemEngr’02) will return as faculty early next year, becoming the first Bowman Endowed Professor.

��ƷSM����ӰƬ is a founding partner of a major National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center (STC): the Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand (IMOD). The center represents a research partnership spanning 11 universities led by the University of Washington.

“La Randonnée” is French for a rambling walk or hike. For department alumnus Kevin Green (ChemEngr’96), the metaphor of an extended journey is apt for his own winding career. First as a student studying chemical and environmental engineering at ��ƷSM����ӰƬ, to a stint at Intel, then as an expatriate living in Ireland, and finally as a winemaker at Apollini Vineyards in Oregon and for his own label, appropriately named La Randonnée Wines.

Seminar: Polymer Informatics and High-Throughput Experimentation to Help Us Discover New Sustainable Polymers Speaker: Bradley Olsen, Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Professor of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Host: Dan

Seminar: Active Droplets that Swim, Chase and Organize Speaker: Lauren Zarzar, Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania State University Host: Ryan Hayward Tuesday, September 21, 2021 - 2:45 p.m. - JSCBB A108 Assistant Professor

Thad Sauvain (ChemEngr’91) was selected as one of two Outstanding Mentor Award winners for the Spring 2021 semester for his work with junior Kyle Kinney. Kinney provided the nomination, stating that his mentor “provided invaluable advice for applying to internships and professional development.”