Soft Materials Modelling
Professor Maria Sammalkorpi
Valuable lessons from nature: Professor finds inspiration in spider silk
Tenured Aalto professor Maria Sammalkorpi explains how the phenomena in nature can be used to understand and improve manufactured materials
I’ve always been interested in natural sciences and nature. The phenomena in nature can be also used to understand and improve manufactured materials. Nature's design strategies offer us valuable lessons. For instance, spider silk is incredibly strong. It illustrates how nature finds ways to adapt and survive, via for example exceptional materials. We can imitate or learn from it for materials design in industrial production.
Physics gives a solid understanding of how materials behave and provides a strong mathematical and theoretical base for advancement. My research is computer simulations and fundamental theory that enables creating materials-based applications across various fields. Doing multidisciplinary work with experts from different fields is sometimes challenging but also very rewarding, as it is required that we all bring our expertise to the table to create the materials of today and the future.
Theorists can sometimes be difficult to approach, but I encourage engaging them in discussions – also about practical applications – and seeking deep understanding. I also encourage students to go beyond superficial learning – it’s better to gain broad expertise and genuine understanding through thorough study.
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