Nanowire-filled hollow silica spheres, referred to in our lab as geodes, exhibit a captivating cosmic display when observed with a Keyence Digital Microscope. These geodes display vivid colors perceptible to the unaided eye, a result of the optical properties inherent to nanowires. The colors correspond to their diameters, which can be controlled by utilizing distinct sizes of nanowire gold catalysts. The light scattering attributes of these geodes have potential use in pigments with electronic functionalities.
Image credit: Grace Henderson, Filler Lab
Research Image Contest - ChBE 125th Anniversary Edition
Share your amazing images of your research in the lab or in the field!
Who is eligible?
Open to all current ChBE students (undergraduate and graduate) and post-docs in ChBE labs. (Only one image submission per person)
When are submissions due?
Sun April 12 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be announced by late April.
What are we looking for?
Compelling images of your research! Images can depict an object or phenomenon from ChBE research. Examples include photographs, including via microscopy; spectra, flow diagrams, visualizations of data or computational simulation results, etc. No AI-generated images.
What could you win?
• 1st place will win $500; 2nd place $300; and 3rd place $150.
• Your image may be published on the ChBE website and on our social media.
• Winners’ images may be framed for display in the Ford ES&T building
In nature, cephalopods, particularly squids, achieve exceptional maneuverability and propulsive efficiency by combining fin activity with jet propulsion….Their rhythmic mantle contractions coupled with a flexible funnel generate pulsed jets. Inspired by the biological funnel, we design passively deforming, flexible nozzles for underwater propulsion. Using ARCHER2, we conduct three-dimensional, strongly coupled, partitioned fluid-structure interaction simulations based on the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian framework. Our study probes how nozzle flexibility and geometry govern wave propagation, vortex dynamics, and hydrodynamic impulse.
Image credit: Paras Singh, Bhamla Lab
Specific criteria: Images will be judged on aesthetic and informational qualities:
- Visually compelling and creative image that highlights science and engineering phenomena or principles
- Reflects actual research or scholarly work undertaken by ChBE students and faculty
- Caption (115-word limit) expresses meaning and importance to a non-technical audience. No use of AI permitted.
Who will decide? A panel of ChBE faculty and communication professionals as well as ChBE alumni will serve as judges.
How to Enter?: 2026 Stunning Science ChBE Research Image Contest – Fill out form
Submission guidelines:
Image quality: Please submit high-resolution image files.
Caption: When writing your caption, avoid scientific jargon. A non-scientist should have no problem understanding your image’s significance. We will take the caption into consideration during judging. No more than 115 words. AI-written captions not allowed.
Questions? Contact Brad Dixon or Jacqueline Snedeker