Sharp Minds
Explore Exciting Topics With Local Scientists and Researchers
Sharp Minds Lecture Series
Start the month the smart way, by attending a Sharp Minds lecture at the Fleet Science Center. At Sharp Minds, you’ll hear from local scientists about their latest research and discoveries in a friendly, inviting environment. These lectures address hot topics on the first Monday of every month and are held in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. Lecture is free with a general admission ticket or a Senior Monday ticket.
SCHEDULE
July 4
No Lecture in observance of 4th of July
August 1
10:30-11:30 a.m.
12 p.m. screening of "Volcanoes"
How Batteries Are Changing the World!
The first true battery, made about 220 years ago, could not produce a voltage strong enough to produce sparks. Today, from cell phones to electric vehicles and renewable grids, advanced batteries are changing the way we are living. How are today’s batteries different from the old generations? How can our new batteries store so much more energy, allowing us to drive 300 miles on one single charge? Do these batteries hold the key to transitioning to a renewables-powered world? This lecture will talk about some of the basic principles of batteries as well as how to design and apply emerging battery technology to possibly enable a sustainable future world.
Bio:
Dr. Zheng Chen is an Associate Professor in Department of NanoEngineering and Program of Chemical Engineering at UC San Diego. His research group has been focusing on energy storage and conversion materials as well as green processes He has published over 100 journal papers and holds 10 patents, with a total citation of 10000 times. Dr. Chen has received numerous awards by organizations such as NASA and has been named Emerging Investigator in Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and Nanoscale Engineering by peer-reviewed journals
