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

Historic Quote of the Week:  "Avoid the habit of driving with your mental brakes on." - Leslie A. Geddes, founder of Biomedical ENgineering at Purdue, est. 1974

ZOOM LINK: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/my/chihwanlee

Note:  Students registered for the seminar are expected to attend in-person.