Sessions and Chairs

Robert Hurt

Geoff Bothun

Barbara Karn

Dr. Robert/Bob Hurt is eminently worthy of a SNO tribute session. In addition to being a world expert on carbon nanomaterials, he is an outstanding teacher and mentor, a long time supporter of SNO, editor and advisor to journals, and all around great guy.

Professor Hurt received his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in 1987 and, before joining Brown, held positions in the Central Research and Development Division of Bayer AG in Leverkusen, Germany, and at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, California. He served as Director of the NIH-supported Superfund Research Program Center at Brown, and from 2013-2018 as Editor-in-Chief of the materials science and nanotechnology journal CARBON. He is currently on the editorial advisory board of the Royal Society Journal Environmental Science Nano. He served as Technical Program Chair for the international conference, Carbon2004, and in the same year received the Graffin Lecture Award of the American Carbon Society. Prof. Hurt also received the Silver Medal of the Combustion Institute in Naples, Italy in 1996 and an NSF CAREER Award in the same year. In 2013 he received the Charles E. Pettinos Award for "recent outstanding research accomplishment in the science and/or technology of carbon materials"

We invite papers to this session that highlight work that was accomplished as mentored by Dr. Hurt, in collaboration with him, and inspired by him. All former and current students, collaborators and colleagues of Bob are welcome.

Candace Tsai, UCLA

Stacey Louie

The session invites abstracts on research that explores topics relevant to the fate and transport of natural, incidental, and engineered nanoparticles – including nanomaterials of emerging interest, such as nanoplastics and viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) – in natural and built environments. Topics in nanoparticle transport include migration and assessment of nanoparticles in air, water, and soil causing human and environmental exposure. Fate studies include nanoparticle transformations and surface interactions in environmental and biological samples. This session will share state-of-the-art experimental and modeling efforts to answer mechanistic questions about nanomaterial fate and transport.

Nirupam Aich

Tonoy K. Das

Wensi Chen

These sessions will comprise of talks on a broad range of topics to include the applications of nanotechnology and nanomaterials for the energy, water, and environmental sustainability. The topics will include, but not limit to: advanced nanomaterials and processes for renewable energy generation, novel materials and catalysts for water and gas pollutant adsorption or degradation, nanocomposite membranes for water and gas separations, emerging and legacy pollution (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS) remediation and treatment, and nanomaterials for microbial disinfection (e.g., bacteria and viruses). Nanotechnology applications for addressing emerging contaminants and field applications of technology for energy, water, and the environment are of particular interest for the session

Chris Dimkpa

Swadeshmukul Santra

Nanotechnology applications continue to add value to numerous aspects of human life. Several advances have been recorded in the specific area of nano-agriculture that can change how crop production and food systems are challenged by diverse factors, including climate, environment, biotic events, and human management. The session on nano bioeconomy covers a wide range of discussion topics from agriculture, energy, food, and their nexus with nanotechnology. Specific topics within the scope of the session includes materials for sustainable development of nano-enabled product, including fertilizers, pesticides, and sensors among others; advanced analytical tools for understanding nanomaterial interaction in soil-plant-food systems; agrochemical pollution (nitrogen, phosphorus and others) reduction using nanoscale strategies; mitigation of plant disease stress and pest infestations with nanomaterials; facilitating crop quality and yield; use of nano-scale sensors to predict, identify and mitigate external abiotic and biotic perturbations to agriculture and agroecosystems; and nanoscale strategies for food safety, including food preservation against post-harvest pathogens and pests. As the need for cleaner production systems continue to gain traction, the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant and microbially derived molecules (enzymes and reductants) and their application in agriculture and the management of the environment have been brought to the fore. Topics here will explore the biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials and the nano-enablement of conventional materials using nanoscale biomaterials. The energy saving potentials of such green systems will also be discussed. Importantly, the regulatory aspects of nanotechnology application in agriculture and food systems, as well as the cost and benefit analysis of such nanoscale systems to meet some aspects of industry feasibility will be covered.

Deb Newberry

NanoEducation and associated research are rapidly developing and evolving. Educators and educational institutions are looking for new ways to teach nanotechnology as a stand-alone discipline and by integrating nanoscale concepts into traditional classes. The breadth and depth of nanotechnology as well as the multi-disciplinary and market impact pose substantial challenges for educators at all levels. This session will focus on sharing the successes as well as the challenges from existing programs and also serves as a forum for discussion on new ideas and approaches, and, of course, offer opportunities for networking. The session will explore different strategies to include nanotechnology and sustainability in course curricula. We will also talk on how nanotechnology can be used for outreach programs. We would also like to dwell on the correlation of education content and student outcomes as they relate to employer requirements in developing the needed workforce for the future. Abstracts for presentations on any of the above areas and beyond are welcome.

Daniel Roxbury

Irene Andreu

Nanomedicine holds immense potential to transform diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. By harnessing the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale, scientists and clinicians are unlocking a new era of personalized and precise healthcare, paving the way for remarkable advancements in medical science. This session serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts from various disciplines, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and clinical medicine. During the course of this session, we will explore a multitude of topics, ranging from drug delivery systems, nanotherapeutics, nanoapplications, and nanodiagnostics. We strongly encourage the discussion about translational nanomedicine. As we embark on this journey, we encourage you to engage in vibrant discussions, share your valuable insights, and forge new connections with like-minded professionals. Together, let us delve into the realm of nanomedicine, where innovation and discovery hold the potential to redefine the landscape of healthcare and improve countless lives around the world.

Howard Fairbrother

Mohiuddin Quadir

Nanoscale polymeric materials such as polysaccharides and cellulose, lipids, poly peptides poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), polylactide (PLA), and others are described as safe alternatives to engineered nanomaterials used in a wide range of environmental applications. This session will highlight the latest advances in understanding the interactions between biological (e.g. cells/organisms/ecological components) and chemical (organic and inorganics) species and sustainable polymeric materials. Talks will cover themes related to biological effects of naturally derived and synthetic polymeric nanoparticles, novel applications of such nanomaterials for medicine, agriculture, the food industry, biotechnology, environmental remediation and water treatment. Possible risks associated with bio-polymeric nanomaterials being in the environment and food chain will be also discussed.

Wunmi Sadik

Nanosensors have gained significant attention in various fields due to their potential applications in areas such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety, and security. With the advancement in Artificial Intelligence, nano-sensors and associated technologies has paved the path for numerous futuristic applications in almost all fields. While nanosensors hold great potential, there are challenges to address, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and safety considerations. Nonetheless, ongoing research and development in nanotechnology continue to advance the field of nanosensors, opening up new possibilities for diverse applications. The Nanosensors Session aims to provide a platform for researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to present and discuss the latest advancements, discoveries, and applications in the field of nanosensors. Your expertise and contributions would greatly enrich the session and contribute to its success. We welcome abstracts that cover a wide range of topics related to nanosensors, including but not limited to: chemical nanosensors, biological nanosensors, physical nanosensors, novel nanosensor materials and fabrication techniques, applications in Microplastics, PFAS, and Smart Agriculture, and Integration of nanosensors with other systems or devices. We are confident that this session will foster valuable discussions, collaborations, and knowledge exchange among the participants. Selected abstracts will have the opportunity for oral or poster presentations, providing a platform to showcase your work to a diverse audience of experts in the field.

Xing Xie

Adeyemi S. Adeleye

We invite researchers, scientists, and innovators to contribute to our special session at the upcoming SNO conference focused on harnessing the power of nanotechnology to improve sustainability. In today's world, sustainability is a critical goal for ensuring the long-term health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Sustainable development requires us to find efficient and cost-effective pathways to separate economic growth from environmental degradation. As traditional approaches to sustainability reach their limits, nanotechnology and nanomaterials offer unprecedented opportunities to address some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges. This session provides a platform to explore these opportunities and to highlight the transformative potential of nanotechnology in creating a sustainable future. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, carbon capture, storage and conversion, green chemistry, renewable energy, resource recovery and waste valorization, ecological engineering, and environmental remediation.

Illya Medina Velo

Cyren Rico

Posters in all areas of sustainable nanotechnology are encouraged. The poster session will offer a unique opportunity to students, post-doctoral fellow, young and senior research to interact in an informal and relax setting. There will be student poster awards.