Graduate Student Seminar

December 06, 2024

12:45 p.m. ET

Wean Hall 7500

Dynamic Materials and Systems Inspired by Cephalopods

Cephalopods (e.g., squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish) have captured the imagination of both the general public and scientists alike due to their sophisticated neurophysiologies, visually stunning camouflage displays, and complex behavioral patterns. Given such characteristics, it is not surprising that these marine invertebrates have emerged as exciting technological paradigms in bioinspired photonics and biomolecular electronics. Within this context, our laboratory has focused on the development of cephalopod-inspired systems and cephalopod-derived materials with unique capabilities and functionalities. In one recent research thrust, we have leveraged the cephalopod protein reflectin for engineering the optical properties of mammalian cells, while recently extending these efforts to new types of bioelectronic devices relevant for regenerative medicine applications. In another research thrust, we have designed and validated new concepts for infrared camouflage, while recently building upon this work for the fabrication of octopus-inspired multifunctional deception and signaling platforms. The understanding of structure-optical function relationships in cephalopods gained from such studies has suggested exciting future technological opportunities in materials science and biological engineering.

Dr. Alon Gorodetsky, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine

Alon GorodetskyDr. Gorodetsky obtained dual B.S. degrees in Engineering Physics and Materials Science at Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. He then completed postdoctoral work as an NSF American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellow at Columbia University. Dr. Gorodetsky’s work has received international recognition and has been highlighted in media outlets such as Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, The Smithsonian Magazine, Wired, Discover, The Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Newsweek, The Economist, Forbes, NPR, BBC, and CNN. Dr. Gorodetsky has also received numerous accolades, including the AFOSR Young Investigator Award, the DARPA Young Faculty Award with the Director’s Option, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, and the DARPA Embedded Entrepreneurship Initiative Award.

Upcoming Events

  • September 20 2024

    12:45 PM ET

    Materials Science and Engineering

    Graduate Student Seminar

    Can Unknown Materials Properties Be Accurately Predicted?, presented by Zi-Kui Liu, Penn State University

    Wean Hall 7500

  • September 23 2024

    1:00 PM ET

    Materials Science and Engineering

    Ph.D. Thesis Defense

    Combat Hot Cracking in Additive Manufacturing, presented by Guannan Tang

    2327 Wean Hall, Mehl Room

  • September 26 2024

    9:30 AM ET

    Materials Science and Engineering

    Ph.D. Thesis Defense

    Shear-induced Fiber Alignment in Synthetic and Biological Systems to Enhance 3D Anisotropic Properties Using FRESH 3D Printing, presented by Neeha Dev Arun

    6142 Scott Hall

  • September 27 2024

    12:45 PM ET

    Materials Science and Engineering

    Graduate Student Seminar

    "Unveiling the Future of Color Matching: PPG Digitization, Color Physics, and AI insights," presented by Chris Childs, PPG

    Wean Hall 7500

  • October 4 2024

    12:45 PM ET

    Materials Science and Engineering

    Graduate Student Seminar

    "Deconstructing Meritocracy: Unpacking Attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," presented by John Herbert, Ohio State University

    Wean Hall 7500

  • October 11 2024

    12:45 PM ET

    Materials Science and Engineering

    Graduate Student Seminar

    Seminar presented by Zakaria Al Balushi, University of California, Berkley

    Wean Hall 7500