My research interests include biological materials, biomaterials, and biomimetics, or the transfer of biological principles to technology. We design and manufacture by directional solidification ("ice-templating") novel multifunctional composites with unusual combinations of structural, mechanical, magnetic, electrical, thermal, and optical properties. 

The highly interdisciplinary FOE symposium provided a fantastic opportunity to learn more about other fields of research and to explore my own from a new perspective through newly formed collaborations. I particularly enjoyed it as an excellent opportunity for cross-disciplinary inspiration and serendipity.