ChEMS Seminar: Dynamic Materials - From Cephalopods to Shapeshifters

Friday, June 3, 2016 - 3:00 p.m. to Saturday, June 4, 2016 - 3:55 p.m.
McDonnell Douglas Engineering Auditorium (MDEA)
Alon Gorodetsky

Abstract: Cephalopods (squid, octopuses and cuttlefish) are known as the chameleons of the sea – these animals can alter their skin’s coloration, patterning and texture to blend into the surrounding environment. These remarkable capabilities are enabled by unique proteins and self-assembled nanostructures found within cephalopod skin. I will discuss our work on new types of photonic and protonic devices fabricated from cephalopod-inspired materials. Our findings hold implications for the next generation of infrared stealth, renewable energy, and bioelectronics technologies.

Biography: Alon Gorodetsky is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at UCI, with a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry. Gorodetsky obtained bachelor's degrees in engineering physics and materials science at Cornell University and a doctorate in chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. He subsequently completed postdoctoral work as an NSF American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellow at Columbia University. His current research is focused on the development of macromolecular and biomolecular materials inspired by natural systems. His work has been featured in Popular Science, The Telegraph, Wired, IHS Jane’s International Defence Review, NPR Marketplace, CNN, BBC and other popular media. Gorodetsky has also received several awards, including the Samueli Faculty Career Development Fellowship, the Air Force Young Investigator Award and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

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