2024 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit
MRS Award Recipients—Lightning Talks and Panel Discussion
Wednesday, December 4
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hynes, Level 2, Hub Stage - Hall D
Hosted by the MRS Awards Committee. Moderated by Lia Stanciu, Chair, Awards Committee
During this event the following MRS Award recipients will present well-formed ideas on their respective research. Award recipients will also serve as panelists, following the presentations, to answer various questions from the audience.
MRS Medal
The MRS Medal recognizes an exceptional achievement in materials research in the past 10 years. A Medal will be awarded for a major advance or cluster of closely related advances in any materials-related field of research.
MRS acknowledges the generosity of Dr. Gwo-Ching Wang and Dr. Toh-Ming Lu for endowing the MRS Medal.
Hongyou Fan
Sandia National Laboratories
For pioneering pressure-induced nanomaterial synthesis and characterization
for materials exploration and discovery
Talk Title: Pressure-Induced Synthesis and Characterization for Materials Exploration and Discovery
Abstract
Unlike solution-based nanomaterials synthesis, the Pressure-Induced Synthesis technique uses mechanical forces to drive nanomaterials assembly at solid interfaces. This method enables precise and reversible control of nanomaterials superlattices and initiates solid-state sintering at critical pressures, creating nanostructures with tailored morphology and properties. It offers flexibility in materials engineering without relying on traditional crystallization, allowing easy tuning of structures to achieve desirable materials properties.
Biography
Hongyou Fan is the Head of the Geochemistry Department, US Department of Energy (DOE) Sandia Basic Energy Sciences (BES) Geoscience Program Manager, and a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories. He earned his PhD degree from The University of New Mexico and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Sandia National Laboratories before working there full-time. His research focuses on interfacial self-assembly processes and pressure-induced synthesis of new nanomaterials with tunable properties for diverse applications in nanoelectronics, clean energy and biotechnology.
Materials Theory Award
The Materials Theory Award recognizes exceptional advances made by materials theory to the fundamental understanding of the structure and behavior of materials. This award is intended to honor both those who have pioneered the development of a new theoretical approach and those who have used existing approaches to provide significant new insight into materials behavior.
MRS acknowledges the generosity of Dr. Gwo-Ching Wang and Dr. Toh-Ming Lu in endowing the Materials Theory Award.
Gustavo E. Scuseria
Rice University
For groundbreaking development and application of screened hybrid density functional and ab initio methods to the accurate modeling of materials
Talk Title: Predicting Accurate Bandgaps of Materials with the HSE Screened Hybrid Density Functional
Abstract
HSE provides accurate bandgaps of semiconductor materials at a reasonably low computational cost. In this short presentation, Scuseria will discuss its genesis and successes.
Biography
Gustavo E. Scuseria is the Robert A. Welch Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, and Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University. He received his PhD degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 1983 and joined the Rice University faculty in 1989. His research straddles between quantum chemistry, solid-state physics and materials science. He has contributed to developing new methodologies and their application to molecules, solids and nanoscale systems.
MRS Nelson "Buck" Robinson Science and Technology Award for Renewable Energy
The MRS Nelson "Buck" Robinson Science and Technology Award for Renewable Energy recognizes a student (bachelor’s, master’s or PhD), postdoc or other young professional through five years following the highest degree attained for the development of novel sustainable solutions for the realization of renewable sources of energy.
MRS acknowledges the generosity of Sophie Robinson for endowing this award in memory of her father, Nelson "Buck" Robinson.
Fudong Han
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Talk Title: Solidifying Batteries for Safe and Reliable Energy Storage
Abstract
In this presentation, we will provide a brief overview of our efforts in understanding and addressing key challenges of solid-state batteries, from fundamental understandings of key properties of solid electrolytes including electrochemical stability and electronic conductivity to design of advanced electrolytes, electrodes, and their interphases for improved performances. We will also share our recent work in understanding processing science during solution-synthesis of solid electrolytes for energy- and resource-efficient manufacturing of solid electrolyte materials.
Biography
Fudong Han is the Priti and Mukesh Chatter ’82 Career Development Chair, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He received his PhD degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland in 2018, and his MS and BS degrees in materials science and engineering at Shandong University. His research focuses on developing advanced materials for electrochemical energy storage, particularly solid-state batteries.
The Kavli Foundation Early Career Lectureship in Materials Science
This honor recognizes significant novel contributions to materials science by a young researcher in early stages of his/her career.
The Kavli Foundation is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity, promoting public understanding of scientific research and supporting scientists and their work.
Babak Anasori
Purdue University
Talk Title: Atomic Order-Disorder and Compositional Tunability in 2D MXenes
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, are one of the largest families of nanomaterials due to extensive compositional tunability in their few-atom-thick layered structures. When multiple transition metals are incorporated into MXenes' metal (M) layers, both random solid solutions and ordered arrangements—either in-plane or out-of-plane—can occur. With their ~1-nm thickness, MXenes represent one of the thinnest material systems available to study the effects of composition, phase boundaries and enthalpic and entropic contributions that govern atomic order-disorder. This knowledge unlocks new pathways for the discovery of novel materials with tailored properties through atomic-scale design.
Biography
Babak Anasori received his PhD degree from Drexel University in 2014, where MXenes were first discovered. He is the Reilly Rising Star Associate Professor at Purdue University, with joint appointments in the Schools of Materials Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. He has co-discovered different subfamilies of MXenes, including out-of-plane ordered and high-entropy MXenes. Anasori has been recognized as a Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher since 2019, and ranked fourth among the Rising Stars of Science in the USA by Research.com since 2023. His laboratory focuses on developing novel MXenes for energy generation and conversion, electromagnetic interference shielding and ultra-high temperature ceramics.
In our materials science community, there are many individuals whose contributions make a real difference. I encourage you to recognize these colleagues by nominating them for an MRS Award. Our awards cover a range of achievements, from research and leadership to mentorship and education. By nominating a colleague, you're not only acknowledging their hard work but also helping to highlight the diversity and excellence in our field. Let's take this opportunity to celebrate the talents and efforts of our peers.
Lia Stanciu
Awards Committee Chair, Purdue University