BME DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH SEMINAR SERIES
October 02, 2024
9:30-10:20 am, MJIS 1001 and via ZOOM
ZOOM LINK:
https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/my/chihwanlee
Soft Multifunctional Materials for Soft Robotics and Wearable Electronics
Eric Markvicka, PhD
Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Smart Materials & Robotics Lab, Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract:
Biological
systems exhibit
a unique
combination of
intrinsic functionalities that seamlessly integrate sensory perception, coordinated movement, energy management, and self-repair mechanisms.
Engineering soft-matter counterparts that emulate the mechanical compliance and versatility of these systems requires new classes of soft materials and manufacturing techniques.
This work aims to extend the range of physical properties and capabilities in multifunctional systems towards bridging the gap between traditional rigid systems and biological counterparts.
In this talk, I will present several new techniques to create multifunctional soft materials that exhibit embodied sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting functionalities. This includes progress in the development of novel
material architectures
that contain
room temperature
gallium-based liquid metal alloys for passive thermal management, mechanically robust circuity, and the ability to steer cracks.
Next, I will present recent work on direct ink writing 3D printing strategies to control liquid metal microdroplet microstructure in-situ to program mechanical, electrical, and thermal behavior to create robust soft multifunctional systems.
Lastly, I will describe efforts to create integrated soft material systems with a bioinspired nervous system to detect and manipulate diverse underwater objects.
Bio:
Dr.
Eric Markvicka
is the
Robert F.
and Myrna
L. Krohn
Assistant Professor
of Biomedical
Engineering in
the Department
of Mechanical
and Materials Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). There, he also holds
a courtesy appointment in the School of Computing and the Department of Electrical
and Computer
Engineering. At
UNL Eric
directs the
Smart Materials and Robotics Laboratory, an interdisciplinary research lab that is creating multifunctional
soft materials
that exhibit
a unique
combination of
mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
These materials are critical components
for the emerging fields of wearable computing, soft robotics, and robotic materials.
Prof. Markvicka has received the 2024 NSF CAREER award, 2024 ASME Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering award, 2024 College of Engineering Edgerton Innovation Award, 2023 College of Engineering Excellence in
Research Award, and 2021 NUtech Ventures Emerging Innovator of the Year award.
Before joining the faculty at UNL, Eric received his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical and Materials Engineering from UNL and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University.
~
BME Host: Chi Hwan Lee
~
Jo Gelfand
Intra/Extramural Relations Administrator
Purdue University
Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering
206 S. Martin Jischke Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032
765-494-2996
