Seminars

Abstract: As global population is increasing at a rapid rate we anticipate that the demand for energy grows significantly but the supply of fossil fuels may not grow proportionately. Besides our society is in need of sustainable cleaner technologies that can generate considerably less greenhouse gas emissions without impacting global climate change. With a vision for a sustainable bio-based economy DuPont has been making a great deal of efforts relentlessly over two decades on the development of bio-based products materials and fuels using renewable sourced ingredients.

Bio: Venkat R. Subramanian received the B.Tech. degree in chemical and electrochemical engineering from the Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI) Karaikudi India in 1997 and the Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina Columbia SC USA in 2001. He is currently a Washington Research Foundation Innovation Professor of Clean Energy & Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington Seattle. He holds joint appointment at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as Chief Scientist as well.

Abstract: Metastasis spread of cancer cells from one organ to another claims 90% of all cancer-related deaths and remains clinically insuperable. To leave the primary tumor cancer cells lose cell-cell adhesion and gain migration and invasion to enter the bloodstream – a process called Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Upon reaching a distant organ they regain cell-cell adhesion and lose migration – a process called Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition (MET).

Abstract: The traditional biomedical researcher’s toolkit which relies on a molecular description of health and disease often fails to address the healthcare challenges of our times. For instance despite the billions of dollars spent over the last 35 years and with the development of over 40 drugs HIV cannot be eradicated from an infected individual today. A systems approach drawn from the physical and engineering sciences can provide new insights leading to the resolution of many of these challenges.

Abstract: Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) are broadly defined as artificial systems which establish direct communications between living brain tissue (neurons) and external devices such as robotic arm. By sensing and interpreting neuronal activities to actuate an external device BMI-based neuroprostheses hold great promise in rehabilitating motor impaired subjects such as amputees.

About the Speaker: Suhas R. Lohokare a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay has a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Management and Master of Financial Management from Bombay University. Has over 42 years of experience in the Chemical Industry and is presently the Managing Director of National Peroxide Limited (NPL) - a pioneer in the manufacture of Hydrogen Peroxide in India. Career Highlights: • Played a key role in turning around National Peroxide which has now grown by 3 times in capacity during his tenure.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass is a significant pool of energy resource which can be harnessed to supplement or replace the dwindling fossil fuel reserves. Biomass can be converted to energy by physical biological and thermochemical processes; of which pyrolysis is one of the most promising and burgeoning technology to obtain liquid fuels. However there are several challenges before liquid fuels from pyrolysis can be economically at par with fossil fossils.

Abstract: Ultra thin films tend to become unstable due to amplification of disjoining forces on a non wettable substrate leading to its spontaneous rupture and dewetting. This offers a novel route for the fabrication of nano and meso scale patterns. The limitation however is such instability patterns are random and isotropic. We have been exploring possibilities of aligning these instability patterns by laterally confining the evolution pathway on a topographically patterned substrate.