Syracuse University will kick off Stevenson Biomaterials Lecture Series on Nov. 16

Syracuse University will kick off Stevenson Biomaterials Lecture Series on Nov. 16October 30, 2007Tricia Hopkinsthopkins@syr.edu

Kristi L. Kiick, associate professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Delaware, will deliver the inaugural presentation in the Stevenson Biomaterials Lecture Series on Friday, Nov. 16.

She will speak on “Tailoring Macromolecular Interactions through Designed Multivalent Architectures” during a luncheon from noon-2 p.m. in the Kilian Room, Room 500 of the Hall of Languages. The lecture is free and open to the public. Those planning to attend the luncheon are requested to R.S.V.P. to Karen Low at kplow@syr.edu.

The Stevenson Biomaterials Lecture, made possible through the support of Ann McOmber Stevenson ’52 and SU Trustee Emeritus Milton F. Stevenson III ’53, brings pioneering biomaterials researchers to the SU campus each semester. Presenters are selected based on their leading roles in research in biomaterials — natural and synthetic substances designed to treat, augment or replace tissues and organs of the human body as treatments to disease or injury. In addition, Stevenson Lecturers visit with faculty and students to exchange ideas, build bridges and become familiar with the broad range of biomaterials research at Syracuse University.

“This event is expected to create a spark among faculty and students that engenders dialogue, planning and ultimately collaboration — across disciplines — in biomaterials,” says Patrick T. Mather, Stevenson Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and director of the Syracuse Biomaterials Institute. “Invariably, when scientific minds learn about the challenges and benefits of materials for medical applications, they become inspired to activity. The Stevenson Biomaterials Lecture Series will provide the perfect forum for this desired outcome.”

Within her lecture, Kiick will discuss how the design of multivalent macromolecular structures that are capable of selectively and efficiently engaging cellular targets offers important approaches for mediating biological events. Her current research focuses on combining biosynthetic techniques, chemical methods and bio-inspired assembly strategies for the production of novel protein-polymer architectures with advanced multifunctional behaviors. Her research is funded in part by a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation New Faculty Award, a Beckman Young Investigator Award, a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and a DuPont Young Professor Award. She holds a doctorate in polymer science from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.