ChE Seminar - Jonathan Wilker
Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Every semester, we bring some of the most interesting minds in chemical engineering to Purdue's campus. Our research seminar series gives faculty and graduate students a front-row seat to groundbreaking work — from core chemical engineering topics to research that pushes into new territory.
Event Details
Location
FRNY G140
480 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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Event Description
From the Sea to Sustainability: Characterizing Biological Adhesives and Making Next-Generation Materials
Dr. Jonathan Wilker's research investigates the natural underwater adhesives produced by marine organisms such as mussels, barnacles, and oysters. His work focuses on developing high-performance, bio-based alternatives to traditional petroleum-based adhesives, with potential applications in biomedical tissue bonding, improved recyclability, and sustainable materials development.
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About:
Dr. Jonathan Wilker is a professor of inorganic and materials chemistry at Purdue University. His research focuses on understanding the adhesive properties of marine organisms and developing synthetic materials inspired by nature. Drawing inspiration from his experiences along the coast and scuba diving, Wilker explores innovative applications for biological adhesives in materials science and sustainability.