Zoomposium 2: 28 May 2020

Published: 4 May 2020

Prof JANINE ILLIAN: 'What's the point? Applications of realistically complex point process models' Dr KUMAR SHANMUGAM: 'Multifunctional Materials Enabled by Additive Manufacturing and Nanoengineering' Prof NIGEL MOTTRAM: 'Anisotropy: from microfluidics to flocking birds'

Watch Zoomposia 2 (password: 4U=%e+89)

Speakers:

Prof Janine Illian, School of Mathematics and Statistics
'What's the point? Applications of realistically complex point process models'

Janine B Illian joined the University as Chair in Statistical Sciences in 2019. Prior to this she was a senior lecturer in statistics and Head of Statistics, within the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of St Andrews. She held a Professor II position at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, 2013-2016.

Her work focuses on spatial point process methodology and she is the author of “Statistical Analysis and Modelling of Spatial Point Patterns” (Wiley, 2008), which has become a standard work on point process modeling since its publication. Her research profile focuses on the development of modern, realistically complex, spatial statistical methodology that is both computationally feasible and relevant to end-users. She taken spatial point processes from the theoretical literature into the real world and encouraging statistical development by fostering strong relationships with the user community.

Her research has impacted on spatial modeling and biodiversity research in the context of ecology, and she has diversified to applications in crime modelling, earthquake forecasting, environmental modelling and terrorism studies.

 

Dr Kumar Shannugam, James Watt School of Engineering
'Multifunctional Materials Enabled by Additive Manufacturing and Nanoengineering'

The emergence of micro-, nano-, and molecularly-tailored multi-material systems, particularly those enabled by additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, facilitates the design of new and enhanced functionalities. This talk will provide an overview of four such multidisciplinary research activities of my group enabled by AM and Nanoengineering: (i) enhanced performance of multilayers, (ii) biomaterials and bio-inspired design of materials, (iii) multiscale and multifunctional fiber composites and (iv) architected and metamaterials. I am keen on engaging with larger set of colleagues who have complementary expertise in the following areas: nano-, micro-, and multiscale-composites; materials energy storage and harvesting; 4D printing & nanomaterials; materials for sensing & actuation; biomaterials & biomimetics; camouflage & soft composites; lightweight, cellular, architectured and metamaterials; thermal barrier, protective & functional coatings; sustainable materials & technologies.

 

Dr Nigel MottramSchool of Mathematics and Statistics
'Anisotropy: from microfluidics to flocking birds'

My research interests lie in the mathematical modelling of real-world systems, generally focussing on those that include the dynamics of non-Newtonian fluids. I am particularly interested in anisotropic fluids such as liquid crystals, where viscoelasticity is an important consideration, as are surface effects, the movement of defects and the behaviour of the fluid under electric fields. The main applications of this research are in the area of optoelectronic devices where thin films, channels and droplets of liquid are deposited and flow on surfaces.

Current projects also include investigations of active fluids, such as the organisation of bacteria, micro-organisms or even fish and birds within fluid flows. Most of my projects include collaborations with experimental and industrial researchers, particularly my work on Liquid Crystal Displays.

Connections sought include anyone with an interest in:

  • flow and elasticity of liquid crystals and other anisotropic materials
  • microfluidics, particularly for anisotropic and/or vicsoelastic liquids
  • optoelectronic devices, particularly LCDs
  • sensors that need to react to piconewton forces or detect organic molecules
  • flow of living organisms, e.g. bacterial swarms, but also larger scale organised motion such as in insects, birds, plankton, fish
  • biaxiality in solid and fluid systems

First published: 4 May 2020