On Monday, March 3, 2025, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, hosted the Hassel and Marianne Ledbetter Colloquium lecture. The event featured Professor Jim Pfaendtner, dean of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, staff scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and recipient of the International Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. His research focuses on harnessing computational simulations to design new materials.
"One of the cool things about computational simulations is that you can really control your experiments," Pfaendtner explained during the seminar.
His discussion delved into his cutting-edge efforts to calculate binding energies of solid-binding peptides using computational methods, illustrating the transformative potential of these techniques in driving innovative materials research and lowering computing costs. Pfaendtner also underscored the importance of mental health in academia. He emphasized the need to better understand mental illness and to learn from the experiences of those affected, highlighting that a supportive academic environment is crucial for fostering both personal well-being and professional excellence.
Assistant Professor Antonia Statt encapsulated her high regard for Pfaendtner’s activism, remarking, "I think he’s a really great steward of the field."
In closing, the event celebrated Pfaendtner’s inspiring scientific achievements and leadership. The colloquium not only showcased groundbreaking research but also provided a platform for open discussion on critical topics affecting the academic community.
Illinois Grainger Engineering Affiliations
Antonia Statt is an Illinois Grainger Engineering professor of materials science and engineering and is affiliated with the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the Beckman Institute and the Materials Research Laboratory.