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SFWS Seminar Series – Dr. E. Johan Foster

September 12, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Fall Seminar Series Presents:

Dr. E. Johan Foster, Associate Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech, will give a talk entitled, Smart materials based on cellulose nanomaterial reinforced composites.

Seminar is held at 11 a.m. in Classroom 1223 in the SFWS Building, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL.

  • Faculty, students and the public are invited to attend this free program.
  • Complimentary cookies and coffee will be served.
  • CFEs are available by request.
  • Advanced registration is not required.
  • Parking is available on the 3rd and 4th floors of the South Quad parking deck on Duncan Drive, directly across from the SFWS Building. See Parking Services on Level 3 to obtain a visitor pass.

Abstract:

We present bio­based, bio­compatible (and in some cases re-sorbable) nanocomposites designed to improve interactions and cell growth. With the goal of creating smart, stimuli-responsive materials, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can provide not only the structural component needed to replace damaged tissue, but also provide chemical cues that aid in healing. CNCs are mechanically stiff, high­aspect­ratio, biorenewable fibers which can serve as both a reinforcing filler in nanocomposites, as well as a convenient handle for imbibing material with stimuli responsiveness. Repairing cartilage, spinal discs or tendons are some of the toughest challenges for orthopedic surgeons. We combine structural aspects, along with chemical cues, to create 3D scaffold components, all of which lead to a very specific material tailored to perform under strenuous conditions, tailored to the specific location in the body. By controlling alignment, directionality of cells and 3D structure is essential to create an implantable functional material that mimics nature, for use in regenerative medicine.

Biography:

E. Johan Foster is an Associate Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech. Johan’s expertise are in the design, synthesis, processing and investigation of functional nanocomposites, biomaterials, supramolecular materials and polymers. His research group focuses on the chemistry and engineering of functional bio(nano)materials, imbibing materials with ‘smart’ functionality, often utilizing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a filler. Johan has many national and international collaborators, from countries as far reaching as Australia, Ghana, Kenya, France and Switzerland. His research program is supported through federal, industrial and state research grants.

Details

Date:
September 12, 2018
Time:
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Categories:
,

Organizer

Dr. Brenda Allen
Email:
allenbm@auburn.edu

Venue

College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
602 Duncan Drive
Auburn, AL 36849 United States
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Phone:
334-844-4000