CHRISTOPHER BETTINGER

Professor, Carnegie Mellon University, USA • Editorial Board Member, MRS Bulletin

What are you (and your research group) doing differently to continue research during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We are mostly an experimental group that relies heavily on polymer processing, characterization, and device microfabrication to realize new types of medical devices. So being in the lab is essential for us. During the quarantine period, my group members have focused a lot on mechanical/electrical simulations, data analysis, and manuscript writing. While it’s difficult not being in the lab, I feel like the change of pace can help students catch up with the literature, think more deeply about their projects, and plan out the next phase of their experiments with intention. As for me, I have been on sabbatical in Europe during the quarantine. Therefore, I already had procedures in place for remote meetings and mentoring of my students in my lab back in the US. Spending some time in Europe has also allowed me to observe the cultural differences in how the pandemic is being handled, which has been interesting.   

What is one research topic/area that the materials community can focus on over the next 3–5 years to prevent future pandemics? 

In my opinion, there are many exciting opportunities to improve diagnostics using advanced optoelectronic devices and flexible electronics. In the context of a pandemic, distributed flexible electronic devices that reliably measure even very simple biomarkers such as temperature could help monitor disease states in communities. These data could help identify local outbreaks and monitor spreading of the disease in certain populations or geographies.

How are you coping with not being able to attend scientific conferences in person? 

I miss attending scientific conferences. As much as I appreciate webinars and other virtual formats, in my opinion, there is no substitute for the energy, excitement, and engagement of a large scientific conference like the Materials Research Society semi-annual meetings. I'm very much looking forward to a return to normalcy and eventually attending the next MRS meeting!