Ep37: Hybrid Scientist and Engineer – Alon Gorodetsky

April 28, 2017 in Season 3

Illustration of squid interacting with electronics. — Interdisciplinary research. Image credit: Alon Gorodetsky.

Alon Gorodetsky is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of California, Irvine. We talk about his experience of working in academia and on being a researcher in an interdisciplinary field.

Photograph of Alon Gorodetsky. — Image credit: Alon Gorodetsky

I think it’s really important to find a healthy work-life balance that’s appropriate for you

In his work Alon explores the boundary of materials, biology, engineering and more. We talk about how he self-identifies not as an engineer or a scientist per se - but a researcher, and also a manager of his group.

We discuss the impact of winning the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, and how it enabled him to pursue more blue skies research, and also reflect on how the efficiency of scientists is assessed.

You can find out more about Alon’s research into the colour-changing, shape-shifting properties of squid and other creatures in the video below, and on his group website.

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