Meet Your Host!
Kasha Patel
Kasha Patel returns after hosting the online chemistry game show "ChemClash: Rival Reactions" in 2021 with ACS. Kasha was named one of the “Best Undiscovered Comedians” in the U.S. by Thrillist magazine because of her unique voice that couples life as an Indian-American and her love for science. She produces science-themed comedy shows through her company DC Science Comedy. She gave a TEDx talk called “Sneaking Science into Stand-Up,” where she shares a series of surprising revelations pulled from her analysis of more than 500 of her stand-up jokes. She has been featured on NPR, BBC World, Travel Channel, The Science Channel, The Weather Channel, and hosted a miniseries on NASA TV.
Featuring…
Enrique Gomez
Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, and Interim Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion, The Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Gomez's research focuses on connecting the chemical structure of soft materials to macroscopic properties for the advancement of a sustainable society. The Gomez group pushes the limits of X-ray scattering and electron microscopy to refine descriptions of the microstructure of soft materials. His research group focuses on the relationship between microstructure and electrical properties in the active layers of organic thin film transistors and photovoltaics, on elucidating the key factors that govern aqueous transport through water filtration membranes, and in the development of microstructure control to enable sustainable materials.
Huiwang Ai
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia
Dr. Ai's lab uses interdisciplinary approaches in biophysics, chemical biology, molecular engineering, and optical imaging to study and manipulate complex biological systems, with a focus on the development of novel molecular biosensors to peer into cells and organisms to dissect biological pathways related to redox signaling, metabolism, and neuronal activity. As an emerging direction, Dr. Ai's lab is also working on the development of biosensors that can serve as self-wellness alert devices or diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
