For key discoveries and insights that have shaped our understanding of nanoparticle self-assembly, dissemination through engaging lectures and impactful publications, teaching and mentoring a diverse cohort of passionate young scientists, and sustained leadership in soft matter and computational materials science
Talk Title: A Theory of Entropic Bonding in Colloidal Crystals
A central paradigm of science, chemical bonding permits atoms to form molecules, compounds and crystals. Remarkably, nanoparticles can self-assemble into the same crystal structures as atoms – even crystals with large unit cells, and even when only entropic forces are present. Can we describe their assembly analogously? We present a classical density functional theory of entropic bonding that correctly predicts thermodynamically stable colloidal crystal structures from nanoparticle shape, and discuss interesting parallels with chemical bonding theory.
Sharon C. Glotzer is the John Werner Cahn Distinguished University Professor of Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her research on computational assembly science and engineering aims toward predictive materials design of colloidal and soft matter. She received her BS degree in physics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her PhD degree in physics from Boston University. Glotzer is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
The David Turnbull Lectureship recognizes the career contribution of a scientist to fundamental understanding of the science of materials through experimental and/or theoretical research. In the spirit of the life work of David Turnbull, writing and lecturing also can be factors in the selection process.
The recipient will give a technical lecture of broad appeal at a designated session of the MRS Fall Meeting, and he/she will work with the MRS Bulletin staff in preparing an appropriate article for the MRS Bulletin. In addition, the recipient will receive a travel allowance for speaking engagements throughout the year.
Rules and eligibility, nomination package requirements and more are available here.
The Turnbull Lecturer will receive a $5,000 honorarium and a citation plaque. The registration fee and reasonable travel expenses to the MRS meeting at which the Turnbull Lecture is given will be reimbursed. The David Turnbull Lectureship is intended to support and enrich the materials research community, while honoring the accomplishments of an outstanding researcher and communicator.