Northwestern University nanoscientist Nathan Gianneschi, PhD, has been fascinated by the interaction of the organic and the synthetic since the start of his career. His lab’s discoveries have led to the development of synthetic melanin and polymers that can mimic cells. In this episode, he shares more about the potential biomedical applications of his research, the interdisciplinary partnerships that make his work possible and where to look for the future of nanotechnology.

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

In a short amount of time, nanotechnology has become one of the most important scientific fields of the 21st century, promising to solve some of our world's most pressing challenges. Northwestern’s International Institute for Nanotechnology continues to produce many leading edge discoveries in the field and has become home to some of the most productive nanotechnology researchers in the world. In this episode, Milan Mrksich, one of the world's leading engineers working at the interface between materials and biology and a member of the IIN Steering Committee, explains Northwestern's commitment to this multi-billion dollar field and shares some power discoveries taking place in this space at Northwestern.

Guest: Milan Mrksich, Henry Wade Rogers Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology

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 this bonus episode of “Nanoscape: Exploring the Frontiers Ahead,” you’ll get a preview of the first season of this new podcast from the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) at Northwestern University with insight from Chad Mirkin, PhD, Director of IIN. Find out more about IIN and what to expect from our first slate of guests, including Milan Mrksich,PhD, Shana Kelley, PhD, Omar Farha, PhD, and Nathan Gianneschi, PhD.

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.