BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Advanced Science Research Center - ECPv6.14.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Advanced Science Research Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Advanced Science Research Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T130000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20260203T202214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T202921Z UID:10001557-1770724800-1770728400@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Nanoscience Guest Speaker: Dr. Saptarashmi Bandyopadhyay\, "Distributed AI Agents for Scientific Discovery and Real-World Decision-Making" DESCRIPTION:Talk Topic: \nDistributed AI Agents for Scientific Discovery and Real-World Decision-Making \nSpeaker Bio: \nSaptarashmi Bandyopadhyay is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the City University of New York at the City College of New York and the Graduate Center. He graduated with his Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Maryland\, College Park (UMD) advised by Prof. John Dickerson and Prof. Tom Goldstein\, in Summer 2025. His research on Multi-Agent AI for Autonomous Decision Making in the Real World addresses the challenges and opportunities of building AI Agents to plan\, reason\, and navigate in AR/VR\, Supply Chains\, Recommender Systems\, Robotics\, Self-Driving Cars\, Climate Conservation\, and other domains. He works with Reinforcement Learning\, Imitation Learning\, Model Predictive Control\, LLMs\, VLMs\, and Game Theory algorithms to train AI Agents with Social Intelligence to take actions and provide insights at scale. He has been a Ph.D. Student Researcher at Google Augmented Reality and Google DeepMind in the Multimodal Conversational AI and Astra AR teams creating Multimodal (Audio\, Vision and Language) AI Agents to proactively assist users. At UMD\, he has been the Lead PhD RA of a DoD project on Explainable AI Agents. Saptarashmi has published twenty-six research papers in top AI venues including AAAI\, ACM AAMAS\, NeurIPS\, EMNLP\, ACL\, SPIE\, and others. He chaired the Multi-Agent AI in the Real World Workshop at AAAI-25 and created the MARL Seminar at UMD\, hosting prominent speakers from industry and academia including Turing Award Laureates. Previously\, Saptarashmi was an AI Resident at Google X\, and did research internships at CNRS LORIA and INRIA in France (as a Charpak Scholar)\, and DFKI and the University of Saarland in Germany. He is a Do-Good Fellow and Dean’s Summer Fellow at UMD. Further research details can be found on his websites https://sites.google.com/view/saptarashmi/about and https://www.gc.cuny.edu/people/saptarashmi-bandyopadhyay  \nTalk Abstract: \nArtificial Intelligence (AI) Agents are increasingly being deployed in Robotics\, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality\, Self-Driving Cars\, Scientific Discovery\, Network Communications\, and other domains. Agents need to reliably cooperate with humans using algorithms such as Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) and Imitation Learning (IL). In this talk\, Saptarashmi will introduce an imitate-then-commit algorithm for AI Agents by unifying concepts from IL and Computational Game Theory to cooperate and align in settings where they have similar goals but different priorities. Guarantees on this approach are stronger than a naive reduction of the alignment problem to IL. Saptarashmi will then share a Multimodal Agentic Model Predictive Control framework to allow fine-grained tuning of Imitation Learning demonstrations\, using VLMs\, to train autonomous vehicles with better spatio-temporal reasoning and improved control dynamics. Next\, Saptarashmi will share real-world applications of AI Agents\, including YETI (YET-to-Intervene) Multimodal Agents which efficiently detect when to autonomously intervene while interacting with users in AR for planning\, guidance\, navigation\, fixing mistakes or other tasks. He will introduce his research on improving automated scientific discovery in protein structures\, neuroscientific modeling\, accelerated photonics and material design. His focus on improving on scalable and dynamic exploration and dynamic prediction of protein structures has led to domain-specific improvements over Alphafold. He will introduce solutions to the problem of energy and system efficiency for these intelligent agents with a Multi-Agent AI Designer to reliably assist and stabilize these challenges. He will also share his research on AI Agents for Climate Conservation\, Education\, Supply Chain Orchestration\, Building Engineering Automation and other areas. Saptarashmi will highlight the importance of training such AI Agents at scale efficiently and introduce JAXMARL\, the fastest open-source MARL library with up to 12\,500× speedup over alternatives. Together\, his talk shows the promise of efficient and generalizable Deep Learning algorithms\, guiding AI Agents and Multi-Agent Decision Making with human interaction to solve real-world problems which add new capabilities to AI Agents such as planning\, reasoning and navigation while optimizing system performance by distributed processing. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/nanoscience-guest-speaker-dr-saptarashmi-bandyopadhyay-distributed-ai-agents-for-scientific-discovery-and-real-world-decision-making/ LOCATION:ASRC 5th Floor Data Visualization Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/nanoscience-guest-speaker-dr-saptarashmi-bandyopadhyay-distributed-ai-agents-for-scientific-discovery-and-real-world-decision-making/Nano-Photonics-Seminar-Dr.-Shomeek-Mukhopadhyay-Feb-10th-2026.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T133000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20260114T195118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T195252Z UID:10001548-1769603400-1769607000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:LinkedIn Training for Academics DESCRIPTION:Join us for a practical\, beginner-friendly workshop on how academics can use LinkedIn to showcase their expertise\, expand professional networks\, and increase the visibility of their research and teaching. This session will cover optimizing profiles for academic and public-facing work\, understanding how the platform’s algorithm works\, and crafting posts that highlight publications\, projects\, events\, and career milestones without feeling self-promotional. Participants will also learn strategies for engaging with scholarly\, nonprofit\, and industry communities; building credibility over time; and using LinkedIn in ways that support public scholarship\, career development\, and institutional visibility. The training will be held live on Zoom and includes time for questions and real-world examples. \nRegister to attend at https://bit.ly/4pD08nK URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/linkedin-training-for-academics/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/bluesky-training-for-academics/GettyImages-1311107708_1280x852.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T140000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20260112T145738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T152229Z UID:10001547-1768395600-1768399200@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Nanoscience Joint Guest Presentation: Dr. Luke Baldwin & Dr. Peter A. Mirau\, Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) DESCRIPTION:“Harnessing dynamic covalent chemistry for reprocessable elastomers”\nDr. Luke A. Baldwin\, Research Chemist\, Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) \nAbstract: Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are a promising route to develop next-generation materials with enhanced reprocessability and repairability. In this presentation\, I will present our recent work on oligosiloxane-based epoxy-thiol CANs designed to manufacture self-healing elastomers. By systematically varying the oligosiloxane side chains\, we synthesized a library of elastomers with properties ranging from near-supersoft (elastic modulus < 250 kPa) to highly stretchable (>180% strain). These networks utilize an amine catalyst to facilitate dynamic covalent bonding\, enabling fast stress relaxation and excellent mechanical recovery. I will also discuss our efforts toward a bio-based hardener for accessing supersoft networks\, focusing on the atomic-level characteristics that control macroscopic properties. Finally\, I will highlight how we are harnessing Bayesian optimization and flow chemistry to accelerate the optimization of synthetic reactions. \n~20-25 minute presentation. \nShort Biography (one paragraph) of Dr. Luke A. Baldwin: \nLuke Baldwin is a Research Chemist working to understand organic materials and artificial intelligence (AI) coupled synthesis at the Air Force Research Labs (AFRL). He received a BSc from Carroll University and PhD in Chemistry from The Ohio State University. Luke began his independent career at AFRL in 2018 and has since received many early career allocated including two prestigious 3-year Fellowships from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (2021\, 2026)\, the ACS-PMSE Emerging Investigator Award (2025)\, and the AFRL Early Career Award (2025). Broadly\, his research focuses on harnessing organic materials chemistry\, continuous flow chemistry\, and digital chemistry methods to investigate structure-property correlations within synthesis materials. \n“Nonnatural Materials from Nature”\nDr. Peter A. Mirau\, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate\, Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) \nAbstract: The focus of our research is to use nature to create new materials with emergent properties\, including discovering DNA aptamers to bind biomarkers of human performance and the engineering organic-inorganic biocomposites. The biocompostes are created from the interactions of low complexity protein domains with polyphosphate. The combination of synthetic biology and materials characterization has been used to identify the reaction mechanisms that can be borrowed from nature to create these new materials. \n~20-25 minute presentation. \nBio: Peter A. Mirau received a BA in chemistry from the University of California Santa Barbara and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of California at San Francisco studying drug-DNA interactions. Following a post doc at the University of California at San Diego he transitioned to AT&T Bell Laboratories where he studied polymer physics\, mainly using NMR spectroscopy. He moved to the Air Force Research to study biomaterials and is the author of many publications on biomaterials and polymer physics and is the author and coauthor of several books on NMR. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/nanoscience-joint-guest-presentation-dr-luke-baldwin-dr-peter-a-mirau-air-force-research-laboratories-afrl/ LOCATION:ASRC 5th Floor Data Visualization Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/nanoscience-joint-guest-presentation-dr-luke-baldwin-dr-peter-a-mirau-air-force-research-laboratories-afrl/Nano-Guest-Speakers-AFRL-January-14th-2026.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T133000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20260107T214617Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T215450Z UID:10001546-1768307400-1768311000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Bluesky Training for Academics DESCRIPTION:Join us for a practical\, beginner-friendly workshop on how academics can use Bluesky to share research\, build a public profile\, and connect with scholarly and professional communities. We’ll cover everything from account setup and posting basics to best practices for engagement\, visibility\, and credibility. Participants will also learn strategies for promoting publications\, events\, teaching\, and public scholarship in a way that feels authentic and manageable. This training will be held live on Zoom and includes time for questions. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/bluesky-training-for-academics/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/bluesky-training-for-academics/GettyImages-1311107708_1280x852.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T183000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20251118T224251Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T165928Z UID:10001540-1765902600-1765909800@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Alumni and Friends Community Science Night DESCRIPTION:Join us on Tuesday\, Dec. 16 to reconnect and learn all about what’s happening at the CUNY ASRC! All are welcome — especially former and current students\, interns\, summer researchers\, and their friends and family. The night will include fun science activities for all ages and an updated tour of the the CUNY ASRC’s state-of-the-art research facilities. \nHere is the RSVP form: https://bit.ly/3JGRh5V \n \n\nDownload and share flyer URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/alumni-and-friends-community-science-night/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/alumni-and-friends-community-science-night/TAYB7879_1280x720.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T120000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20251030T130826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T184428Z UID:10001536-1763636400-1763640000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Nanoscience Initiative + Photonics Initiative Seminar: Dr. Shomeek Mukhopadhyay DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nMaterials Synthesis Using Low Temperature Plasmas – from energy storage to superconductivity \nPlasmas comprise of a quasi-neutral assembly of gaseous ions and electrons which exist at high temperatures (fusion) or low pressure (sputtering\, fluorescent lamps etc.)\, has been the workhorse for manufacturing semiconductor materials in the last 50 years. This talk will introduce a different\, ‘non -equilibrium’ plasma system which works at ambient pressure where the electrons are decoupled from ions and neutral atoms\, known as low temperature or atmospheric pressure plasma\, which has gained increasing attention in the last decade. Such systems are commercially used in ozone generation\, PFAS remediation and dental applications. In particular\, low temperature plasmas offer a versatile\, economic and scalable method for fabricating materials that are difficult using standard techniques like sputtering\, e- beam evaporation\, MOCVD or ALD. I will focus on two synthesis applications; \n\ncomplex oxides used in batteries\, supercapacitors and other energy storage applications\nsynthesizing nanocomposites with metal in layered materials like graphene and Boron Nitride which gives rise to disordered superconductivity\n\nFinally I will conclude with some thoughts and observations on materials synthesis under extreme ‘non-equilibrium’ conditions which can allow synthesis and stabilization of phases that normally occur at pressures in the earth’s core. \nResearch is funded by NSF\, ONR and ARO. \nBio: Shomeek Mukhopadhyay is currently a research scientist in Chemical engineering at Yale University. He received his PhD in Physics from Duke University in 2008. After postdoctoral positions at Levich Institute\, Columbia University and UC Riverside he joined Yale University in 2012 working with Eric Brown in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. His main research interests are in nanomaterials synthesis with applications in catalysis\, superconductivity\, energy storage and quantum sensing with Lisa Pfefferle. One of the central themes in the current work is to understand and harness the role of strain in 2D and layered materials. The work on plasma based material synthesis is a collaborative effort with York Plasma Institute\, Britain’s largest center for Plasma Research. In addition to research and teaching\, he also founded three startups focused on Synthesis\, PFAS remediation and Additive Manufacturing respectively and holds 5 patents. His work is funded by DOE\, NSF\, ARO and ONR and collaboration with York funded by the Royal Society. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/nanoscience-guest-speaker-materials-synthesis-using-low-temperature-plasmas-from-energy-storage-to-superconductivity-by-dr-shomeek-mukhopadhyay/ LOCATION:ASRC 5th Floor Data Visualization Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience,Photonics END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T183000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20251110T213328Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T224647Z UID:10001538-1763483400-1763490600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:The Brain and The Environment Family Night DESCRIPTION:Join us for The Brain and The Environment Family Night at the CUNY ASRC on Nov. 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This fun and educational evening will explore how the environment affects the brain through hands-on science activities for all ages. Guests will have the opportunity to see live EEG demonstrations where you can see your brain activity in real time\, meet our leading science researchers\, tour the research facilities\, and enjoy light food and drinks. \nRSVP today at https://forms.gle/E2htnPbQEwsZTtir9 \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/the-brain-and-the-environment-family-night/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/the-brain-and-the-environment-family-night/TAYB8682_1280x720.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T190000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250925T125634Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T133237Z UID:10001525-1763024400-1763060400@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:2nd Nanofabrication Research Showcase Day DESCRIPTION:We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming Research Showcase Day at the City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center Nanofabrication Facility. \nWe invite all members of our state-of-the-art\, shared-user cleanroom facility to come together for an annual day of connection\, collaboration\, celebration\, and learning! \nThis event will feature invited talks by prominent researchers from CUNY\, NYU\, Columbia\, Cornell\, and more. There will also be sessions dedicated to presentations by ASRC Nanofab users\, an interactive poster session\, networking activities\, complimentary food and beverages\, and an evening social. Users with exceptionally outstanding research will be recognized by awards\, cash prizes\, and exclusive ASRC Nanofab merchandise. You won’t want to miss out! \nAccess the webpage \nRegister to attend! \nInvited speakers \n​Call for Abstracts\nThe Nanofabrication Research Showcase invites students and postdocs to submit abstracts for the opportunity to present their work at the event. Selected participants will give a 10-minute in-person oral presentation\, followed by a 5-minute Q&A with the audience. \nSubmit your abstract here! \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/2nd-nanofabrication-research-showcase/ LOCATION:ASRC Auditorium & Cafe\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/2nd-nanofabrication-research-showcase/Abstract-Submission_FOR-newsletter.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T183000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20251007T001942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T001942Z UID:10001531-1761669000-1761676200@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Family Science Night DESCRIPTION:Don’t be afraid of science; join us for Family Science Night at the CUNY ASRC. We will have fun science activities for all ages\, braaiiinns\, crystals\, lasers\, and more! Plus\, a tour with trick-or-treating on every floor. See you on October 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.\n\nRSVP today at https://bit.ly/4pWKPrD\n\n\nDownload and share the flyer URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/family-science-night/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/family-science-night/TAYB8667_1280x720.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251006T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251006T120000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250922T133617Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T171654Z UID:10001524-1759748400-1759752000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Nanoscience Guest Speaker: Coordination Self-Assembly: From Origins to the Latest Advances - Dr. Makoto Fujita DESCRIPTION:Register HERE! Space is limited.\nAbstract: Molecular self-assembly based on coordination chemistry has made an explosive development in recent years.  Over the last >30 years\, we have been showing that the simple combination of transition-metal’s geometry (typically\, a 90 degree coordination angle of Pd(II) center) with organic bridging ligands gives rise to the quantitative self-assembly of nano-sized\, discrete organic frameworks.  Representative examples include square molecules (1990)\, linked-ring molecules (1994)\, cages (1995)\, capsules (1999)\, and tubes (2004) that are self-assembled from simple and small components. Originated from these earlier works\, current interests in our group focus on i) molecular confinement effects in coordination cages\, ii) solution chemistry in crystalline porous complexes (as applied to “crystalline sponge method”)\,[1] and iii) and giant self-assemblies[2]\, as disclosed in this lecture. \nBio: Makoto Fujita is a University Distinguished Professor at Tokyo College\, The University of Tokyo\, Japan. He earned his Ph.D. from the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1987. After holding positions at Chiba University and the Institute for Molecular Science (IMS) in Okazaki\, he became a full professor at Nagoya University in 1999. In 2002\, he moved to The University of Tokyo\, where he was appointed a full professor. He received his current title as a University Distinguished Professor in 2019. \nHis research interests include: (1) Coordination Self-Assembly: He focuses on constructing nanoscale\, discrete frameworks\, such as MnL2n​ Archimedean/non-Archimedean solids\, through self-assembly induced by transition-metal ions. (2) Molecular Confinement Effects: His work involves developing and creating new properties and reactions by confining molecules within the cavities of self-assembled coordination cages. (3) Crystalline Sponge Method: This groundbreaking technique utilizes single-crystal-to-single-crystal guest exchange within the pores of self-assembled coordination networks. It’s a new X-ray method that doesn’t require the crystallization of target compounds. \nHe is a recipient of the 2018 Wolf Prize in Chemistry. This year\, he was selected as an honorary foreign member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) and will be attending the induction ceremony in Boston after this seminar in the weekend. \n  \n \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/nanoscience-guest-speaker-dr-makoto-fujita-coordination-self-assembly-from-origins-to-the-latest-advances/ LOCATION:ASRC Auditorium\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/nanoscience-guest-speaker-dr-makoto-fujita-coordination-self-assembly-from-origins-to-the-latest-advances/Dr.-Makoto-Fujita-Mon.-October-6th-2025_9-26-2025-Cropped-Up.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T173000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250828T174558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T174558Z UID:10001517-1758272400-1758303000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:3rd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium DESCRIPTION:The 3rd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium will highlight CUNY student and faculty researchers making advancements in Bio-Inspired Nanoscience. This all-day\, in-person event will feature talks from NanoBioNYC mentors and fellows exploring diverse topics from Green Materials and Energy Solutions to Cross-Cutting Computational Research. Join us to learn about cutting-edge developments and connect with groundbreakers in these dynamic fields. \nNanoBioNYC aims to foster the next generation of researchers bridging the gap between biological systems and the exciting world of nanotechnology. This event will serve as an opportunity for students to present and explain their research to a broad audience. See Call for Abstracts below. \nKeynote Speakers: \nProf. Robert Macfarlane\, Massachusetts Institute of Technology \nProf. Sarah Perry\, University of Massachusetts Amherst \nWatch highlights from last year’s Symposium and don’t forget to register to join us for this year’s event! RSVP here\n \n​Call for Student Abstracts\nThe 3rd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium is inviting students and postdocs to submit their abstracts for a chance to present their research. The event will include 10-minute oral presentations by students and postdocs\, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. There will also be an opportunity to present a poster during the poster session. Please submit a 1-page (max) abstract for a chance to have your work showcased during the event and win a $200 award!  Click here to submit your abstract. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/3rd-annual-nanobionyc-symposium/ LOCATION:ASRC Auditorium & Cafe\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T120000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250829T190708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T191431Z UID:10001518-1757588400-1757592000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Nanoscience Guest Speaker: Dr. Tell Tuttle DESCRIPTION:Abstract: Peptides provide a powerful framework forexploring molecular function\, offering routes to biomaterials\, nanostructures\, and bioactive assemblies. However\, their immense design space makes systematic exploration a daunting task. In this talk\, I will describe our efforts to merge computational chemistry with artificial intelligence to accelerate peptide discovery. I will begin with our studies on tripeptides that form soft materials\, showing how machine learning can expose the hidden principles of molecular assembly. From there\, I will discuss how targeted models enable the design of peptides with specific functions\, including pore formation. Finally\, I will present our ongoing work on using structural descriptors as design objectives and leveraging generative AI to predict peptide co-assemblies. These advances suggest new ways of approaching peptide discovery where algorithms not only guide experimental exploration but also inspire new concepts in molecular design. \nSpeaker Bio: Tell Tuttle is Professor of Theoretical Chemistry and Head of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. His research brings together molecular simulation\, machine learning\, and artificial intelligence to explore peptide self-assembly and design functional nanostructures. He has published extensively on the computational discovery of minimal peptide motifs\, the use of AI for targeted sequence design\, and the prediction of peptide co-assemblies. As Head of Department\, he also leads a large research community spanning fundamental and applied chemistry\, with strong links to both industry and interdisciplinary collaboration. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/nanoscience-guest-speaker-dr-tell-tuttle/ LOCATION:ASRC 5th Floor Data Visualization Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/nanoscience-guest-speaker-dr-tell-tuttle/Nanoscience-Guest-Speaker-Dr.-Tell-Tuttle.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250718T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250718T150000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250624T154221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T192718Z UID:10001501-1752836400-1752850800@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Harlem Community Job Fair DESCRIPTION:Calling all Harlem Residents and students! Attend our job fair on Friday\, July 18\, 2025\, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about local career opportunities and job training programs. RSVP at https://bit.ly/40jkjxe \nJoin us at the CUNY ASRC to meet representatives from City and Government-related organizations\, non-profits\, educational programs\, employment certification programs\, and more. This job fair is ideal for those seeking entry-level positions or wishing to change career paths. The recommended age is above 18 years old. Companies will have information tables and will be taking resumes and contact information from interested candidates. \nThis Job Fair is led by the Harlem community organization\, Rozelle’s Work in partnership with the IlluminationSpace at the CUNY ASRC. \n \nDownload the Flyer URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/harlem-community-job-fair/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/harlem-community-job-fair/TAYB1547_1280x720.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250509T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250509T170000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250410T165916Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T165916Z UID:10001489-1746784800-1746810000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:CUNYSciCom's 2025 Symposium DESCRIPTION:A panel of judges (a science professor\, a trained public liaison\, and an undergraduate student) will give feedback to all participants\, and cash prizes of up to $500 will be awarded! Sponsored by the Doctoral and Graduate Student Council\, the GC Biology Department\, and external donor funding. \nHosted By \n\nBiology\nDoctoral and Graduate Students’ Council\nAdjunct Project\n\nAdmission Price \nFree \nRegister \nRegister to attend in-person or virtually here (Non-CUNY attendees will need a photo ID). \nWrap up the academic year with CUNYSciCom’s annual Communicating Your Science Symposium where students can win prizes for the best science presentations. The annual symposium challenges student scientists to present and explain their research to two different audiences—their peers and the general public—in short\, contained presentations that include contextual descriptions of the work\, visual aids\, and an audience Q&A. \nEmail us with any questions! cunyscicom@gmail.com \nLocation \nThis event is taking place in-person at the Advanced Science Research Center’s Main Auditorium (85 St. Nicholas Terrace New York\, NY 10031). \nFeatured Student Presenters \nTBA \nKeynote Speaker \nBen Taylor\, Nerd Nite \nFull Schedule \n9:30 a.m. – Registration + coffee\n10:00 a.m. – Welcome/Overview Talk\n10:10 a.m. – Presentation Block 1\n11:30 a.m. – Keynote Speaker; Mini activity; Intro to lunch thought activity\n12:15 p.m. –  Lunch\n1:10 p.m. – Presentation Block 2\n2:30 p.m. – Dismiss judges to discuss awards\n2:35 p.m. – Discuss lunchtime thought activity\n2:45 p.m. –  Announce Awards\n3:00 p.m. – Social Hour (until 5:00 p.m.) URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/cunyscicoms-2025-symposium/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/cunyscicoms-2025-symposium/CUNYSciCom-Symposium-2025-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250320T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250320T153000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250310T134835Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250310T173000Z UID:10001479-1742479200-1742484600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Guest Speaker: Steve Eichhorn\, PhD DESCRIPTION:Using Cellulose to Store and Harvest Energy\nAbstract: This talk will cover the use of cellulosic materials for the harvesting and storage of energy. The talk will cover the history of cellulosic materials used in both batteries and capacitors\, introducing the use of nanocellulose\, and carbon materials derived from this material for use as electrodes and also as the separators in batteries. Work carried out on supercapacitors will also be discussed\, and how things are progressing with the use of biomass for capacitive deionisation devices. Finally\, some very recent work on the combination of graphene and cellulose for the production of triboelectric nanogenerators will be introduced and discussed\, showing how it might be possible to have an all-cellulose/polymer device\, and potentially place such devices on clothing and other structures for the generation and storage of power. \nBio: Steve Eichhorn graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Leeds in 1993. He then went on to do a Master’s degree and PhD (1995-1998) at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in the Paper Science Department. Following that he carried out postdoctoral research under the supervision of Professor Bob Young FRS in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (1999-2002). He was hired as a new lecturer in 2002 in the Materials Science department\, which then became the School of Materials in 2004 when UMIST merged with the Victoria University of Manchester. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer and Reader and then went to become Chair of Materials Science at the University of Exeter in 2011. At Exeter he built an activity around sustainable materials research\, and also took on leadership roles as a co-Director of an EPSRC funded doctoral training centre and he was the Head of Engineering (from 2014-2017). In September 2017 he moved to the University of Bristol and into the newly formed Bristol Composites Institute\, and was interim Head of School (for the CAME School of Engineering) in 2020. He has been awarded the Rosenhain Medal and Prize in 2012 from the Institute of Materials\, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) for his contributions to Materials Science\, the Hayashi Jisuke prize from the Japanese Cellulose Society (in 2017)\, the Swinburne Medal and Prize (IOM3) in 2020\, and was the Chair of the ACS’s Cellulose and Renewable Materials Division. He was also made a Fellow of the Division in the same year. In 2021 he was awarded an EPSRC ED&I fellowship on Biobased Composites. The ED&I programme of work has a specific emphasis on Black and Black heritage staff and students. \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/guest-speaker-steve-eichhorn/ LOCATION:ASRC Auditorium\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T121500 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20250124T144633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T144633Z UID:10001469-1738063800-1738066500@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Guest Speaker: Mathijs Mabesoone\, PhD. DESCRIPTION:Automation and AI in Molecular Materials Discovery\nAbstract – In my talk\, I will focus on our first results towards establishing a high-throughput synthesis and analysis platform for peptides and peptide derivatives. This platform enables us to perform data-driven active learning for peptide design\, in which we combine experiments with machine learning and AI. We have been using this platform for both fundamental and more applied investigations\, and I will show some results on analysis of fundamental molecular properties\, such as solubility\, and more applied properties\, such as interfacial tension. Lastly\, I will show some of our recent efforts involving infusion of prior literature into our active learning decisions through agentic AI. \nBio – Mathijs received his BSc. and MSc. in chemistry from the Radboud University\, before moving to the Eindhoven University of Technology for a PhD in the group of Bert Meijer. Here\, he worked on model-driven understanding of competitive interactions of solvents and additives in supramolecular polymerizations. In 2021\, Mathijs changed fields and joined the lab of Jörn Piel at the Intsitute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich. During his time at ETH\, Mathijs developed data-driven workflows for natural product discovery and engineering of polyketide synthases. In 2024\, Mathijs joined the Radboud University and Big Chemistry consortium as a group leader. Merging his prior experience in supramolecular chemistry and protein engineering\, his group aims to develop data-driven methods to for peptide material design\, combining high-throughput experimentation with machine learning\, for applications in biomedicine and materials science. \n  \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/guest-speaker-mathijs-mabesoone-phd/ LOCATION:ASRC 1st Floor Seminar Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T190000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20241120T154606Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T163605Z UID:10001314-1733504400-1733511600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Boosting Your Academic Career Though Science Communications DESCRIPTION:Are you looking to elevate your STEM career? Effective science communication is key to standing out as a researcher\, securing funding\, fostering collaborations\, and broadening the impact of your work. Join us on Friday\, December 6\, 2024\, for an engaging panel discussion with Nerd Night Founder Ben Taylor\, ASRC Photonics and CUNY Graduate Center Physics Professor Matthew Y. Sfeir\, and Social Media Coordinator at the Graduate Center and Journalist Coralie Carlson who will share valuable insights on how mastering science communication can enhance your academic trajectory. There will be a social hour with food and drinks immediately following the panel discussion. \nRegistration: bit.ly/SciComPanel2024 \n For more information\, contact Shawn Rhea at srhea@gc.cuny.edu \nThis event is hosted by BrainE Hour\, CUNYSciCom\, CUNY Women in STEM and the CUNY ASRC Communicating Your Science event series. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/boosting-your-academic-career-though-science-communications/ LOCATION:DGSC Lounge\, Room 5409\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/boosting-your-academic-career-though-science-communications/CYS-SciCom-BrainE_border.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241119T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241119T150000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20241111T190815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241111T190815Z UID:10001310-1732024800-1732028400@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:NanoBioNYC workshop: A glance at using National Laboratory Facilities DESCRIPTION:Join us for an informative online workshop on Tuesday\, November 19 at 2:00 pm on the application process for using facilities at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL)\, BNL Center for Functional Nanomaterials and other synchrotron facilities. \nThis workshop will be presented by Dr. Maya N. Nair\, Research Assistant Professor and core facility staff at the Surface Science and Nanofabrication facilities at the Nanoscience initiative at ASRC and Dr. Kübra Kaygisiz\, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Prof. Rein Ulijn’s lab. They will share their experiences and insights into navigating the process and maximizing the opportunities at these facilities. \nRSVP now to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there! \n  \n \nBio-Maya N. Nair is a research assistant professor and core facility staff at surface science and nanofabrication facilities at nanoscience initiative at ASRC\, CUNY since 2019. She earned her PhD in Physics from University of Haute Alsace Mulhouse\, France. Following her doctoral work\, she held research positions at Synchrotron SOLEIL\, Paris\, Indian Institute Science\, Banglore\, India and KU Leuven\, Belgium. Dr. Nair conducts research in nanomaterials mainly focusing on nanoelectronics applications. Her research interests include synthesis of two-dimensional(2D) materials\, functionalization and their characterization using various scanning probe microscopies and synchrotron-based photoemission spectroscopies. \n \nBio-Kübra obtained her Ph.D degree in 2023 from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research\, Germany. Now\, in her postdoctoral research in Prof. Rein Ulijn’s lab she focuses on the bottom-up synthesis of complex and adaptive peptide systems. For her research on discovery of peptide formulations for drug delivery she collaborates with the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory\, where she works with an automated liquid handling system. \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/nanobionyc-workshop-a-glance-at-using-national-laboratory-facilities/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241111T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241111T140000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20241104T151344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241104T151344Z UID:10001304-1731328200-1731333600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Thesis Defense: Seungri (Victor) Kim DESCRIPTION:The Effects of Nanoconfined Liquid Properties on the Water-Responsive Behavior of Bacterial Cell Walls\n  \nAbstract: Water-responsive (WR) materials have the ability to mechanically swell and shrink in response to changes in relative humidity (RH). These WR materials are used by many biological systems to perform essential tasks; for example\, pinecones use WR materials to release their seeds in dry environments\, and wheat awns open and close to propel seeds into the soil\, driven by daily RH changes. The WR actuation of some biomaterials is extremely powerful\, for example Bacillus subtilis cell walls display record-high actuation energy and power densities of 72 MJ m-3 and 9.1 MW m-3\, surpassing those of all existing muscles and actuator materials. They hold great potential to be used as high-performance actuators for various applications\, including energy harvesting\, robotics\, and morphing structures. However\, the fundamental mechanisms of WR actuation are still poorly understood. Despite the unclear WR mechanism\, recent studies have provided compelling evidence of the critical role that the properties of nanoconfined water play in these observed high-power WR actuation\, and thus\, adjusting the properties of nanoconfined water should substantially affect WR behavior and performance. \nThis thesis investigates the role of nanoconfined liquids in the WR actuation of bacterial cell walls\, focusing on how modifying their behavior can improve WR performance. In this research\, cell walls of E. coli\, S. aureus\, S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis were extracted and used to investigate the properties of their nanoconfined water. Based on these findings\, we further explored the effects of kosmotropic and chaotropic solutes\, known to stabilize or disrupt hydrogen bonding networks\, on the WR performance of B. subtilis cell walls. We discovered that cell walls treated with low-concentration kosmotropic solutes exhibited a significant increase in WR actuation energy density\, reaching 103.3 MJ m-3. However\, higher concentrations of kosmotropic or chaotropic solutes led to decreased WR performance. Our observations suggest the presence of an optimal range for kosmotropic and chaotropic treatments to enhance WR energy density. These findings could be explained by the impact of the solutes on hydration forces and intermolecular interactions\, which affect the ultimate WR pressure. This\, in turn\, provides a pathway towards achieving superior WR actuation performance and advancing the development of high-work-density actuator materials for diverse industrial applications. \n  \nPlease use the Zoom meeting link below if you cannot attend in person. \nMeeting ID: https://ccny.zoom.us/j/8366033109?pwd=WTZZVzRNZllQUWhsc2RnRHdiN1hWUT09 \nLink to Announcement \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/thesis-defense-seungri-victor-kim/ LOCATION:ASRC 5th Floor Data Visualization Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241025T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241025T170000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240919T180225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T152610Z UID:10001451-1729868400-1729875600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Communicating Your Science Series Open House Event DESCRIPTION:Join us for our rescheduled kickoff of our 2024/25 Communicating Your Science Series\, which helps CUNY STEM students\, postdocs and faculty bone up on their science communications skills. Sponsored by the CUNY ASRC IlluminationSpace Hub\, CUNYSciCom\, BRAINE and CUNY Women in STEM\, this open house event will showcase the resources CUNY offers to help you communicate your science to the public and across STEM disciplines. The new date is: \nFriday\, October 25\, 2024\, 3-5 PM \nAdvanced Science Research Center \n85 Saint Nicholas Terrace \nCafé & Auditorium \nNew York\, NY \n  \nEvent Features \n\nTabling Event – Meet the student-led organizations focused on science communications\nLightening Talks – Short talks by CUNY students across different STEM disciplines showcasing how they make their research accessible and exciting\nGC Resources – Representatives from the Teaching & Learning Center\, Career Planning & Professional Development\, Writing Center\, Library and CUNY ASRC IlluminationSpace will be on hand to discuss their resources\nTour – Take a tour of the ASRC’s facilities and the IlluminationSpace.\nSnacks & Beverage – There will be light fare.\n\nPlease register here for the October 4th Communicating Your Science event. \nFor more information\, contact Shawn Rhea at srhea@gc.cuny.edu URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/communicating-your-science-series-open-house-event/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/communicating-your-science-series-open-house-event/CYS-Open-House-Invite.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241018T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241018T123000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20241009T141302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241009T141337Z UID:10001457-1729249200-1729254600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Guest Speaker: Tanja Weil\, PhD DESCRIPTION:Synthesis of Interactive Peptide Nanostructures in Living Systems \nTanja Weil\, PhD \nMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research\, Germany \nAbstract- We explore controlled chemical reactions in complex living systems to generate drug molecules\, synthesize peptide nanofibers\, or build new cellular compartments. The introduction of bioresponsive groups enables us to control peptide self-assembly inside the living cell. These groups react in a controlled fashion with cellular stimuli\, including pH\, reactive oxygen species\, glutathione\, and light. The synthetic intracellular peptide nanostructures can interfere with cell respiration\, metabolism\, they can induce controlled cell death\, or activate T-cells. Additionally\, peptide nanostructures can be integrated into the extracellular matrix\, where they facilitate virus binding and enhance the uptake of viral vectors. To optimize the amphiphilic peptide sequences of self-assembling peptides with regard to their multiscale structure formation and bioactivity\, we employ data mining and machine learning tools. \n \nFigure 1. Bioresponsive caged peptide monomers enter living cells and undergo chemical transformations initiated by cellular stimuli and form supramolecular peptide nanofibers that can affect cellular processes. \n\nChagri\, S.; Ng\, D. Y. W.; Weil\, T. Nat. Rev. Chem. 2022\, 6\, 320–338.\nPieszka\, M.; Han\, S.; Volkmann\, C.; Graf\, R.; Lieberwirth\, I.; Landfester\, K.; Ng\, D. Y. W.; Weil\, T. J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 2020\, 142\, 37\, 15780–15789.\nZhou\, Z.; Maxeiner\, K.; Moscariello\, P; Xiang\, S.; Wu\, Y.; Ren\, Y.; Whitfield\, C. J.; Xu\, L.; Kaltbeitzel\, A.; Han\, S.; Mücke\, D.; Qi\, H.; Wagner\, M.; Kaiser\, U.; Landfester\, K.; Lieberwirth\, I.; Ng\, D. Y.W.; Weil\, T. J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 2022\, 144\, 27\, 12219–12228.\nRoth\, P.; Meyer\, R.; Harley\, I; Landfester\, K.; Lieberwirth\, I.; Wagner\, M.; Ng\, D. Y. W.; Weil\, T. Nat. Syn. 2023\, 2\, 980–988.\nKaygisiz\, K.; Rauch-Wirth\, L.; Dutta\, A.; Yu\, X. Q.; Nagata\, Y.; Bereau\, T.; Münch\, J.; Synatschke\, C. V.; Weil T. Nat. Commun. 2023\, 14\, 1\, 5121.\nRen\, Y.; Zhou\, Z.; Maxeiner\, K.; Kaltbeitzel\, A.; Harley\, I.; Xing\, J.; Wu\, Y.; Wagner\, W.; Landfester\, K.; Lieberwirth\, I.; Weil\, T.; Ng\, D. Y. W. 2024\, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 146\, 17\, 11991.\n\nBio– Prof. Dr. Tanja Weil joined the Max Planck Society in 2017 as one of the directors of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research\, heading the division “Synthesis of Macromolecules”. She studied chemistry (1993–1998) at the TU Braunschweig (Germany) and the University of Bordeaux I (France) and completed her PhD at the MPI for Polymer Research under the supervision of K. Müllen. In 2003\, she received the Otto Hahn Medal of the Max Planck Society. From 2002 to 2008 she managed different leading positions at Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH (Frankfurt) from Section Head Medicinal Chemistry to Director of Chemical Research and Development. In 2008 she accepted an Associate Professor position at the National University of Singapore. Tanja Weil joined Ulm University as Director of the Institute of Organic Chemistry III / Macromolecular Chemistry in 2010. She has received numerous competitive funding at both national and international level including a Synergy Grant of the European Research Council (ERC). She serves in many advisory boards and steering committees: she is a member of the senate of the German Research Foundation\, a member of the senate of the Leibniz Association and of the Leibniz evaluation panel. Tanja is an associate editor for JACS and a member of the editorial advisory board of ACS Nano. Her scientific interests focus on innovative synthesis concepts to achieve functional macromolecules and hybrid materials to solve current challenges in biomedicine and material science. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/guest-speaker-tanja-weil-phd/ LOCATION:ASRC Auditorium\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241010T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241010T150000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20241008T190007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T190007Z UID:10001455-1728568800-1728572400@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Guest Speaker: Job Boekhoven\, PhD DESCRIPTION:Regulating molecular assembly with chemical fuels—Spinning ribbons\, dissipative structures\, and an approach towards synthetic life \nJob Boekhoven\, PhD\nDepartment of Bioscience\, Technical University of Munich \nAbstract-Molecular self-assembly is the process in which molecules combine into superstructures held together through non-covalent interactions. Over the last decades\, supramolecular chemists have perfected this art\, and we can now create Gigadalton structures in which each atom is placed with angstrom precision. More importantly\, the unique properties of the emerging assemblies have found their way into everyday life\, like\, for example\, the liquid crystals in our displays. Nevertheless\, biology entirely overshadows us regarding assembly with molecular building blocks. Indeed\, the biological cell has the same molecular toolbox for creating structures; it also uses non-covalent interactions to hold molecules together. Biology uses another trick. Biological structures are governed not only by non-covalent interactions but also by reactions forming covalent ones. Arguably\, molecular self-assembly offers the structures; chemical reactions govern the dynamics and functions of these structures. Biological structures are sustained and regulated in the non-equilibrium regime through chemical reaction cycles that convert energy. The implications\, rules\, and mechanisms there are poorly understood. \nIn this lecture\, I will discuss my team’s effort to elucidate the rules of non-equilibrium self-assembly regulated by chemical reaction cycles. Next\, I will describe a simple yet versatile chemical reaction cycle that can be coupled to self-assembly to create chemically fueled assemblies. Finally\, I will highlight three recent examples of chemically fueled\, non-equilibrium assemblies with vastly different properties than their in-equilibrium counterparts—ribbons that spin spontaneously as they consume fuel and dissipative droplets that periodically form and dissolve when fueled continuously. I will close the lecture with our vision towards synthetic life. \nBio-Job Boekhoven is an Associate Professor at the Bioscience Department of the Technical University of Munich in Germany. He received his PhD in Chemistry under Prof. Jan van Esch and Prof. Rienk Eelkema from the TU Delft in 2012. After a postdoc at Northwestern University (2010-2013)\, he started his independent group in 2016 at the Institute for Advanced Study at the Technical University of Munich as a Rudolf Mössbauer Professor. His honors include an ERC Starting grant (2016) and an ERC Consolidator grant (2024). He has received the VCI – Dozentenpreis and is a Max Planck Fellow in the school Matter to Life. \nJob Boekhoven is developing tools to regulate the self-assembly of molecules the way biology does. He is best known for his work on chemically fueled reaction cycles that control the ability of molecules to assemble or phase separate. The resulting materials show exciting new properties\, such as their intrinsic ability to self-heal or their controllable lifetime. Moreover\, the chemically fueled assemblies manifest features we usually associate with living cells\, like the ability to emerge\, decay\, or even self-divide. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/guest-speaker-job-boekhoven-phd/ LOCATION:ASRC 5th Floor Data Visualization Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240913T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240913T123000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240905T132525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240905T132525Z UID:10001447-1726225200-1726230600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Guest Speaker: Dr. Ayala Lampel\, PhD DESCRIPTION:Charge-Mediated Interactions Affect Enzymatic Reactions in Peptide Condensates\nAyala Lampel\, PhD\nShmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research\, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences\, Tel Aviv University\, Tel Aviv\, Israel. Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Tel Aviv University\, Tel Aviv\, 69978\, Israel Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology Tel Aviv University\, Tel Aviv\, 69978\, Israel Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems Tel Aviv University\, Tel Aviv\, 69978\, Israel \nAbstract- Biomolecular condensates\, formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)\, act as enzymatic reaction centers in cells by increasing the local concentrations of enzymes and substrates\, thus facilitating reaction kinetics and regulatory mechanisms. Inspired by these natural systems\, synthetic condensates are increasingly being developed for diverse applications\, including payload delivery\, sensing\, and as microreactors where enzymatic reaction kinetics can be modulated by factors such as pH\, viscosity\, and enzyme-substrate co-localization. We investigated how the physicochemical properties of enzymes and substrates influence condensate formation and their function as microreactors. For this\, we employed a minimalistic complex coacervation system of oppositely charged LLPS-promoting peptides\, and focused on two simple enzymatic model systems\, cellulase and alkaline phosphatase\, which differ in molecular weight and isoelectric point. Our findings demonstrate how electrostatic forces within condensates influence their role as microreactors. Specifically\, the ability of condensates to encapsulate or exclude phosphatase\, cellulase\, and their substrates—which is pivotal for the regulation of reaction kinetics—is determined by enzyme surface charge\, substrate charge\, and condensate charge stoichiometry. These results highlight the potential of utilizing electrostatic forces within condensates to modulate enzymatic reactions\, providing critical insights for the development of synthetic condensates as microreactors in biotechnology and materials science. \nBIO– Ayala Lampel is an assistant professor (senior lecturer) at Tel Aviv University. She obtained a BSc in Neuroscience and a PhD in Biotechnology at Tel Aviv University\, where she worked on virus protein self-assembly in the group of Prof. Ehud Gazit. Ayala performed her postdoctoral research in the group of Prof. Rein Ulijn at the Advanced Science Research Center (ASCR) of the City University of New York (CUNY) between 2015-2019\, where she developed bioinspired peptide-based materials. In 2019\, she started her independent research group at Tel Aviv University. Her group develops synthetic cells and biomolecular condensates. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/guest-speaker-dr-ayala-lampel-phd/ LOCATION:ASRC Auditorium\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240827T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240827T123000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240821T144041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T144041Z UID:10001440-1724756400-1724761800@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Guest Speaker: Dr. King Hang Aaron Lau\, PhD DESCRIPTION:Peptoid Self-Assembly: from Minimal Peptoids to Cell Membrane Interactions\n  \nKing Hang Aaron Lau\, PhD\nAssociate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Materials and Bionanotechnology\nDepartment of Pure and Applied Chemistry\, University of Strathclyde\, Glasgow\, UK \n  \nAbstract- N-substituted glycine “peptoids” are close structural isomers of peptides and can be synthesized with both natural and non-natural sidechains. Their self-assembly is of great interest not only because they represent a “control set” to probe the fundamental requirements of peptide assembly but also because\, firstly\, they expand the range of assembled structures possible\, and secondly\, they can exhibit simplified sequence design rules due to the elimination of intra-backbone hydrogen bonding. This presentation will introduce our work in recent years to investigate the behavior and biofunctionality of peptoid assemblies based on a range of sequence lengths and chain-end modifications. In terms of “minimal” peptoids\, we recently discovered that certain single C-amidated monomers may form novel 2D crystalline layers at the water-air or water-oil interface that we term interfacial crystals. We were also the first to report the ability of water-soluble peptoid trimers to assemble into pH stable\, sequence-dependent morphologies\, including uniform nanofibers. The unique π-interactions originally observed in fluorescence spectroscopy are now supported by atomistic computation studies. For longer sequences\, by introducing a backbone bending linker in lipo-peptoid amphiphiles and by balancing the peptoid and hydrophobic tail lengths\, we have been able to modify the cytotoxicity of antibacterial sequences. Finally\, with free-floating peptoid nanosheets assembled from long amphiphilic alternating sequences\, we recently are also observing the potential to direct stem cell osteogenesis based simply on physical contact interactions. Based on these synthetic peptoid assemblies\, we hope to demonstrate the expanded possibilities in bioinspired materials enabled by non-canonical sequence-specific polymers and considerations of biophysical effects more generally. \n  \nBIO– Aaron is associate professor in materials chemistry at the University of Strathclyde. He obtained his ScB and ScM at Brown\, PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research\, and postdoctoral training at Northwestern. He then started his lab at Strathclyde as a founding member of its Bionanotechnology initiative. Aaron’s experimental research seek to deepen our biophysical chemistry understanding of macromolecules at surfaces and interfaces\, including self-assembly and membrane interactions. This fundamental knowledge is applied to the development of novel bio-\, nano-\, and sustainable bioinspired materials. The main molecular platforms are “peptoids”\, a highly convenient and designable peptide-mimetic synthetic platform\, and tannic acid\, a versatile and multifunctional molecular “integrator”. Current projects include peptoid self-assembly\, antimicrobial peptoids\, acoustically functional structures\, and polyphenol water remediation sorbents. \n  URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/guest-speaker-dr-king-hang-aaron-lau-phd/ LOCATION:ASRC 1st Floor Seminar Room\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240517T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240517T150000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20230908T221333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240129T155057Z UID:10001385-1715940000-1715958000@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:CUNY Student SciCom Symposium: Communicating Your Science DESCRIPTION:Wrap up the academic year with CUNYSciCom’s annual Communicating Your Science Symposium where students can win prizes for the best science presentations. The annual symposium challenges student scientists to present and explain their research to two different audiences—their peers and the general public—in short\, contained presentations that include contextual descriptions of the work\, visual aids\, and an audience Q&A. Interested in presenting your work? Apply at https://bit.ly/3Ujiiix \nRegister to attend: https://bit.ly/3On92pJ URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/cuny-student-scicom-symposium-communicating-your-science/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/communication-your-science-series-tba-2/2023-24-CYSGraphic.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240507T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240507T170000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240330T220206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T190500Z UID:10001434-1715072400-1715101200@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:2nd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium DESCRIPTION:Visit the webpage of the 2nd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium\n  \nThe 2nd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium will highlight CUNY student and faculty researchers making advancements in Bio-Inspired Nanoscience. This all-day\, in-person event will feature talks from NanoBioNYC mentors and fellows exploring diverse topics from Green Materials and Energy Solutions to Cross-Cutting Computational Research. Join us to learn about cutting-edge developments and connect with groundbreakers in these dynamic fields. \n\nNanoBioNYC aims to foster the next generation of researchers bridging the gap between biological systems and the exciting world of nanotechnology. This event will serve as an opportunity for students to present and explain their research to a broad audience. See Call for Abstracts below. \nKeynote Speaker: Omar Farha\, Northwestern University​ \n*This event will include an evening reception from 5 – 7 PM. \nCall for Student Abstracts \nThe 2nd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium is inviting students and postdocs to submit their abstracts for a chance to present their research. The event will include 10-minute oral presentations by students and postdocs\, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. There will also be an opportunity to present a poster during the poster session. Please submit a 1-page (max) abstract for a chance to have your work showcased during the event and win a $200 award!  Click here to submit your abstract. \nDate & Time \n\n\nTuesday\, May 7th\, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 AMEvening reception: 5 – 7 PM \nRegistration \nClick here to register for the 2nd Annual NanoBioNYC Symposium. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/2nd-annual-nanobionyc-symposium/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/2024-NanoBioNYC-Annual-Symposium.pdf END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T183000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240226T205317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T143354Z UID:10001424-1714062600-1714069800@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:ASRC Earth Week Community Science Night DESCRIPTION:PLEASE REGISTER HERE. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/asrc-earth-week-community-night-spring-2024/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/asrc-earth-week-community-night-spring-2024/4.25.24night-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T163000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240226T204831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240313T164555Z UID:10001423-1714041000-1714062600@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:Bring Your Friends/Family to Work Day DESCRIPTION:All visitors must be added to the building access list by noon April 24th. Along with registering for activities\, please ensure all non-ASRC members names have been provided to your initiative’s admin coordinator or Genevieve Nieson  at \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/asrc-bring-your-child-to-work-day/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Environmental Sciences,Nanoscience,Neuroscience,Photonics,Structural Biology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/asrc-bring-your-child-to-work-day/Bring-FamilyFriends-to-work-day.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240418 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240420 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240313T172017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T155123Z UID:10001431-1713398400-1713571199@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:3rd Annual Bio-Inspired Green (BIG) Science and Technology Symposium DESCRIPTION:Bio-Inspired and Green (BIG) Science and Technology Symposium\nThe Bio-Inspired Green (BIG) Science & Technology Symposium is an annual meeting at the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) that brings together researchers who develop solutions to environmental problems. Held during Earth Week\, the symposium will highlight advances in science\, engineering\, and policy that push us closer to sustainable living. \nClick here for our program. \n\n\n\nDate\, Time & Venue\nThursday & Friday April 18-19\, 2024\, 9:00am – 5:00pm \nIn-person at the Advanced Science Research Center and online via Zoom \n\n\n\nRegistration\nClick here to register for the Bio-Inspired Green Science & Technology Symposium \n\n\n\nEvent Sponsorship\nBecome a sponsor and feature your brand to world-leading scientists\, research institutions\, and event attendees. Contact Alma Pérez Perrino (aperezperrino@gc.cuny.edu) for more information. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/3rd-annual-bio-inspired-green-big-science-and-technology-symposium/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/3rd-annual-bio-inspired-green-big-science-and-technology-symposium/BIG-Speaker-Flyers_3.15.pdf END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240417T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240417T190000 DTSTAMP:20260307T154910 CREATED:20240330T214936Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240330T215833Z UID:10001433-1713358800-1713380400@asrc.gc.cuny.edu SUMMARY:3rd Annual CAT Symposium DESCRIPTION:3rd Annual CAT Symposium\n\n\nThis symposium will showcase CUNY-wide academic-industry research and workforce development partnerships that further innovation and entrepreneurship in NY State. Specifically\, the event will feature CUNY entrepreneurs and start-up founders in conversation with industry leaders to discuss the present and future of hard technology development and applications to advance human and planetary health. \n\nDate\, Time\, & Venue\n\n\nWednesday April 19\, 2023\, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm  \nIn-person at the Advanced Science Research Center\, followed by an evening reception at Taystee Lab Building  \n\n\nRegistration\n\n\nClick here to register. \nEvent Sponsorship​\nBecome a sponsor and feature your brand to world-leading scientists\, research institutions\, and event attendees. Contact Yuki Chen at xchen4@gc.cuny.edu for more information. URL:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/event/2nd-annual-sensor-cat-symposium/ LOCATION:Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC)\, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace\, New York\, NY\, 10031\, United States CATEGORIES:Nanoscience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/media/event/2nd-annual-sensor-cat-symposium/4.17.24.pdf END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR