Energy/Chemical
While at DuPont Chemical Company, Charles Kettering, from Loudonville, was responsible for Freon, used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Roy J. Plunkett, from New Carlisle, discovered Teflon in 1938. Today, along with DuPont, many companies along the energy supply chain have made their homes in the Buckeye State.
Energy Conversion
The old adage goes, “it’s what’s inside that counts.” While most people aren’t talking about proteins when they say it, it certainly applies. Approximately half of all known proteins contain metal ions which play a crucial role in energy conversion reactions: think photosynthesis or carbon dioxide fixation.
Visual Perception
If two cups sat in front of you, one blue and one purple, and someone asked you to pick up the purple one, you would know which cup to grab and how to pick it up. Have you ever thought about why? Julie Golomb, Ph.D., spends most of her days answering this question and others related to how the brain perceives, processes and memorizes sensory input.
Nanostructure Defects
Hamed Attariani’s lab can’t look past the flaws in the materials they study – and that’s exactly the point. Attariani, assistant professor in Wright State University’s department of mechanical and material engineering, is flipping the script in the field of nanostructures by exploring how inherent defects in materials could enhance their mechanical properties rather than deteriorate them.
Fluid Performance
From wind turbines to motorcycles, Virginia-based Afton Chemical Corporation produces fuel and lubricant additives to increase performance and efficiency such as fuel economy. To stay on the cutting edge of fluid performance as well as industry standards, Afton’s scientists have to create new additives and formulations.