Nanoscape: Exploring the Frontiers Ahead

In honor of Star Wars Day, this episode explores futuristic light technologies seen in science fiction—like invisibility cloaks or powerful directed energy— and how far away we are from such innovations. In this episode, Matt Jones, a chemist at Rice University and Northwestern alum, explains how scientists are learning to control light by engineering materials at the nanoscale and why when materials are reduced to billionths of a meter, they begin to exhibit entirely new optical properties—from color-changing nanoparticles to structures that interact with light in unexpected ways. The conversation explores the emerging field of metamaterials and how curiosity-driven, fundamental science lays the groundwork for innovations that may shape the future.

Understanding polymers at the nanoscale is helping scientists design stronger, more sustainable materials. In this episode, Cécile Chazot, the Julia Weertman Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University, describes her lab's mission which includes designing next-generation textiles from naturally derived polymers that maintain high performance while improving recyclability and environmental impact. She also explains how lessons from nature and advances in nanoscience could reshape how we design, manufacture, and dispose of the materials that make up everyday products. Guest: Cécile Chazot, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Julia Weertman Professor in Materials Science and Engineering Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator

Sometimes nanotechnology sounds like science-fiction before it becomes science-fact. In this episode, Julia Kalow, a Northwestern University chemist, who is also trained in creative writing, helps us explore the overlap between fiction and fact in nanotechnology and the importance of creativity in scientific problem-solving. Guest: Julia Kalow, Dow Chemical Company Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator

Dr. Ludmilla Aristilde is an expert in environmental chemistry, environmental biochemistry, and bioengineering, but at the heart of it all is nanoscience. In this episode of Nanoscape Atistilde talks about her research, which includes discoveries in microplastics and nanoplastics and why nanoscience plays a key role in her research group's activities which aims to gain a fundamental understanding of the "why" and "how" of the environmental behavior of organics, with implications for nutrient cycling, ecosystem health, agricultural productivity, and environmental biotechnology. Guest: Ludmilla Aristilde, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicat

Ted Sargent is a global leader in nanoscience and materials engineering, and his research at Northwestern University is advancing the field of solar energy harvesting by lowering its cost and increasing its efficiency by using nanoscale materials. His work also includes decarbonization in the chemical and fuel sectors alongside creating next-generation materials for consumer electronics. Sargent is the Lynn Hopton Davis and Greg Davis Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Executive Director, Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy Guest: Ted Sargent Lynn Hopton Davis and Greg Davis Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Executive Director, Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator

Everyday items like tea bags and sponges are being reimagined in the lab of Northwestern University's Vinayak Dravid, who is using nanotechnology to tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. In this episode he explains how his team is using nanotechnology to remove toxic metals in water with brewed tea leaves and soaking up oil spills using a special sponge he invented, and many more ways he is leveraging nature's chemistry and nanotechnology to help solve global problems.

In this episode, Northwestern University chemist Roel Templaar, PhD, gives a glimpse into the intricacies of quantum mechanics and its applications in nanotechnology. He explains how his work challenges classical theories, particularly in the field of chiral light-matter interactions.

Moving the chemical and energy industries away from fossil fuel consumption is going to require effective and sustainable energy solutions. Northwestern University's Dayne Swearer says nanotechnology is positioned to help make such solutions a reality. An assistant professor of Chemistry and a member of the IIN, Swearer's lab is actively engaged in pioneering efforts in plasmonic nanoparticles and groundbreaking applications in renewable energy. In this episode, he talks about projects underway in his lab and how climate change issues help motivate him to make a contribution to science that will help make the world a better place for tomorrow.

Omar Farha is a top chemist whose pioneering work in metal-organic frameworks, known as MOFs, is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in nanotechnology in critical industrial sectors such energy, environmental sustainability and national defense. In this episode, Farha, the new chair of the Northwestern University Department of Chemistry, talks about MOFs vast applications in nanotechnology and how he has been able to successfully transition research on MOFs to commercial markets. He also discusses how members of the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University are leading "what science can do for humanity." Guest: Omar Farha, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor in Chemistry, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering (Courtesy Appointment) Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator

Northwestern University has been a trailblazer of the relatively new field of nanoscience. Northwestern's International Institute for Nanotechnology has brought together some of the greatest minds in chemistry, biology, medicine and engineering for nearly 25 years. Inspired by Northwestern's work, in particular the biomedical application of materials, Shana Kelley, PhD, pursued a career in nanotechnology. A few years ago, she joined the institution that led her to the field. Now, as president of the new Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, Kelley leads innovators from across Chicago in their mission to understand and control inflammation, a primary driver of disease. Kelley's research has led to the creation of groundbreaking technology, including nanosensors that can detect patient biomarkers at home. In this episode, she discusses the importance of collaboration, the process of product development and the evolving landscape of the field of nanotechnology. Guest: Shana Kelley, PhD, President of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, Neena B. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at Feinberg School of Medicine Hosts: Seth Zimmerman, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, IIN and Erin Spain, MS, Podcaster and Science Communicator

In the field of nanotechnology, the future is small, and the possibilities are endless. From combating climate change to improving human health, "Nanoscape: Exploring the Frontiers Ahead," introduces you to leading experts in the field who are uncovering nano-sized solutions to some of the most pressing issues impacting our world today. This podcast is produced by the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University.