The inaugural William B. Russel Graduate Student Symposium showcased research from across the department, featuring work on problems in energy, the environment, new materials and health. Photos by Tori Repp/Fotobuddy
Graduate students in chemical and biological engineering held their inaugural William B. Russel Graduate Student Symposium on Oct. 8, showcasing new ways to design catalysts, optimize supply chains, control cell dynamics, direct tissue growth, manufacture soft robotic components, extend battery life, and produce clean energy.
Hansen Tjo was one of 14 fourth-year graduate students in chemical and biological engineering to give a research talk at this year's symposium.
The annual event, formerly known as the graduate student symposium, was renamed in honor of Russel, a former professor of chemical engineering and dean of the Graduate School, who died in 2023. Graduate alumnus Udit Batra, who is president and CEO of Waters Corporation, made the event possible through a gift in honor of Russel, his Ph.D. adviser and longtime mentor.
The symposium was organized by fourth-year graduate students and demonstrated a breadth of science and engineering research in short talks and poster presentations.
Morning keynote speaker Elizabeth Zeitler from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine delivered a talk on the role academics play in influencing energy policy. Rigoberto Hernandez from Johns Hopkins University delivered an afternoon keynote addressing the macroscopic impacts of modeling microscopic chemical reaction dynamics.
Graduate student research talks and poster presentations were also judged on merit. The award for Best Talk went to Hailey Tanner, a fourth-year student advised by Cliff Brangwynne. The award for Best Poster went to Matthew Pekarcik, a third-year student advised by David Graves.
A gift from graduate alumnus Udit Batra, president and CEO of Waters Corporation, has renamed the annual CBE Graduate Student Symposium in honor of former professor and dean of the Graduate School William B. Russel.
