Spring Technical Meeting keynote speaker announced
Akron, OH – The Rubber Division, ACS announced Rose Hernandez, PhD as the Spring Technical Meeting Keynote Speaker.
Dr. Rose Hernandez is a Science Program Director for In-Space Production Applications at the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. She is responsible for championing R&D programs for a diverse research portfolio of applied science for advanced materials and the manufacture of products in space to benefit life on Earth. Rose began her career as a research scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 1997 and graduate studies at Penn State University in the Intercollege Graduate Program in Material Science & Engineering in 1998. She worked in a variety of laboratory divisions and projects including analytical chemistry, biotechnology and surface and microanalysis science. In 2005, Rose pivoted to the private sector R&D; developing and advancing the commercialization of new technologies and products for chemical, OTC-pharmaceutical, consumer products and cosmetic industries. Rose has bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in materials sciences & engineering from Penn State University. Rose credits her growth and career to STEM initiatives and its supporters and will forever be an advocate for STEM. As a dedicated mother of two daughters and two dogs, she is passionately committed to fighting for equity and inclusion. Recognizing the unique challenges women face in today’s world, her goal is to create a future workplace where her daughters can thrive based on their contributions, free from any biases.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: The Science and Engineering of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing in the International Space Station National Laboratory
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory serves as a unique platform for advancing the science and engineering of materials and manufacturing. In the microgravity environment of the ISS, researchers can explore the fundamental properties of materials without the interference of Earth’s gravity. This allows for the development of unique atomic and molecular arrangements that lead to advanced materials with enhanced properties, such as improved strength, durability, and thermal resistance. Experiments conducted in the ISS National Laboratory have led to breakthroughs in various fields, including metallurgy, polymer science, and nanotechnology, paving the way for innovative applications in industries ranging from aerospace to healthcare.
Moreover, the ISS National Laboratory provides an unparalleled opportunity for manufacturing research. The absence of gravity enables the study of fluid dynamics, combustion, and other processes in ways that are not possible on Earth. This has significant implications for the production of high-quality materials and the development of new manufacturing techniques. By leveraging the unique conditions of the ISS, researchers are driving technological advancements to benefit humanity as a whole.
The Spring Technical Meeting will take place on March 4-6, 2025 at Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Click here for more details: https://spring2025.events.rubber.org/