PUBLIC LECTURE: Spins, Bytes and Cures: the magnetism menagerie

Abstract: Magnetism is well known as a powerful force that causes refrigerators to be attracted to certain objects. Sometimes, it is also considered as a mysterious force that erases credit cards. Is there anything more to it? In this lecture, Kannan Krishnan will discuss the basics of magnetism and explore its applications from information storage, to practices in mainstream and alternative medicine.

Biographical note: Kannan Krishnan presently holds the Campbell Chair in Materials Science at the University of Washington, Seattle. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Physics.

His many awards include the Burton Medal from the Microscopy Society of America (1992), the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship (2002) and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (2004). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics (London) and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Phys. D: Applied Physics and Journal of Materials Science.

Professor Krishnan’s current research interests are multidisciplinary and include magnetism, thin film heterostructures, functionalised nanocrystals, spin electronics, materials characterisation and structure-property correlations at relevant length scales. All the projects are vertically integrated from the underlying science to their engineering (information storage, MEMS, magnetoelectronic devices) and biomedical (diagnostics and therapeutics) applications.

Professor Krishnan is also well-recognised for his dedication to teaching and received the University of Washington College of Engineering Outstanding Educator award in 2004. He serves on the Steering Committee of the interdisciplinary PhD program in Nanotechnology at UW. His current teaching portfolio includes graduate course in Magnetism and magnetic materials, Bonding, Symmetry and Crystal Properties and an innovative undergraduate course as well as a Freshman seminar, involving significant cooperative learning strategies in Science and Technology of Nanostructures.

ALL WELCOME. NO RESERVATION REQUIRED.