Gordon Attends International Winter School

Chemical and biomolecular engineering graduate student Brad Gordon attended the International Winter School of Chemistry of Materials in Bangalore, India in December 2006. The school was administered by the Center for Materials Research in Santa Barbara, California, and the Jawarharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research at the Indian Institute of Science. The weeklong program, hosted by the Institute, focused on bringing students and professors together to share their knowledge of a diverse field through a series of lectures and discussions.

Gordon, who is currently modeling the diffusion of gas through porous media with advisor Sheryl Ehrman, was excited about the opportunity to travel to learn more about topics that could enhance his own research experience. "I was looking for expanded views, new ideas on approaching research, and connections in academia," he explained. Making academic connections is especially important—Gordon will graduate with an M.S. this spring, but will be staying with the department to pursue a Ph.D, and ultimately hopes to become a professor.

Gordon recommends the International Winter School of Chemistry of Materials to other graduate students studying any aspect of materials, regardless of their major. "The whole experience was pretty life-changing," he said. "Seeing another country and a different culture opened my eyes...it's good to get out and get exposed to something new."

Published February 5, 2007