Alenka Luzar of Virginia Commonwealth University is supported by an award from the Theory, Models and Computational Methods program in CHE, the Condensed Matter and Materials Theory program and the Polymer Program in DMR and the Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics Program in CBET for activities related to a graduate student seminar entitled "Inaugural Faraday Discussion Graduate Research Seminar (FD-GRS) on Wetting of Structured Surfaces". This workshop will take place on the weekend prior to Faraday discussion 146: Wetting Dynamics of Hydrophobic and Structured Surfaces. This is the first Faraday discussion to be held in the U. S. The purpose of the student seminar is to prepare the students to participate more fully in the Faraday Discussion so as to create a more inclusive meeting and provide a more positive experience for the young scientists who attend.
The interdisciplinary research field of the meeting covers chemical, physical, materials and engineering aspects of interface science. The goal of the FD- GRS is to encourage social and intellectual interaction among the youngest scientists representing the many facets of research in the field. This is an exciting opportunity for students at all levels and with diverse background and research experience to be able to share the practical experiences behind their achievements, as well as discuss the frontiers of their science. The international character of the meeting is a key to providing participants with a broader perspective on international research than would otherwise be possible at this early stage in their career.
Project Outcome: The Royal Society of Chemistry and VCU hosted the Faraday Discussion (FD146) in April 2010 that brought together chemists, physicists, biologists, materials scientists and nanotechnologists from around the globe to discuss wetting dynamics of hydrophobic and structured surfaces. Understanding the basic mechanisms involved in hydration processes at surfaces may help researchers create new technological and medical materials. To prepare students more fully for Discussion Professor Alenka Luzar designed the Graduate Research Seminar (FD-GRS) a weekend before the event. The FD-GRS introduced the students into the range of topics to be covered in the 23 papers presented FD146. Students also presented research, received feedback, network and shared ideas at all levels in a relaxed atmosphere. Impact & Benefits: The online survey students’ responses demonstrated that they felt better prepared and less intimidated to engage in the unique Faraday Discussion format of critical and public dissection of papers. By fully participating in the Discussion, students got a chance for their names to get published and to be recognized by leading figures in the field. FD-GRS was successful in making students’ attendees feel comfortable and included, as they networked with peers and mentors using a less formal setting. The success of the very first seminar of this kind is an inspiration for future Faraday Discussions to adopt this new format. Background & Explanation: Professor Luzar obtained support for organization of the FD-GRS from the Theory, Models and Computational Methods program in the Division of Chemistry; the Condensed Matter and Materials Theory and Thermodynamics program and Polymer programs in the Division of Materials Research; and from the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems at NSF. Over 40 students who were selected to participate from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Israel, Australia, Spain and Austria, represented diverse areas of interest from Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Materials Research, and Nanoscience. The NSF award helped supported graduate and postgraduate students from institutions in the United States.
