Imagine, February 2026

From brain scans to alloys: Teaching AI to make sense of complex research data

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to analyze medical images, materials data and scientific measurements, but many systems struggle when real-world data do not match ideal conditions. Measurements collected from different instruments, experiments or simulations often vary widely in resolution, noise and reliability. Traditional machine-learning models typically assume those differences are negligible — an assumption that can limit accuracy and trustworthiness.

To address this issue, Penn State researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence framework with potential implications for fields ranging from Alzheimer’s disease research to advanced materials design. The approach, called ZENN and detailed in a study that was featured as a showcase in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, teaches AI models to recognize and adapt to hidden differences in data quality rather than ignoring them. Read more

Electric eel biology inspires powerful gel battery

A team at Penn State used a unique approach to develop non-toxic batteries for use in medical devices and more

Power sources used in devices found in or around biological tissue must be flexible and non-toxic, while still powerful enough to support demanding technologies such as medical devices or soft robotics. To achieve this balance, researchers at Penn State are taking inspiration from a “shocking” place: electric eels. Read more

Q&A: Growing novel ultra-pure materials for tomorrow’s electronics

Pairing elements such as sulfur, selenium or tellurium with metals produces compounds whose atomic interactions give them unusual and useful electrical, optical and magnetic behavior. These materials, called chalcogenides, are the focus of Qihua “David” Zhang’s work as a postdoctoral researcher in the Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium (2DCC) at Penn State in the laboratory of Stephanie Law, Wilson Family Fellow and associate professor of materials science and engineering. Zhang recently earned the 2025 American Vacuum Society’s Thin Film Division Distinguished Technologist Award for his contributions to growing these materials with extreme purity and precision. Read more

Penn State nominates four undergraduates for Goldwater Scholarship

Penn State has nominated four undergraduates for the 2026 Goldwater Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that recognizes potential leaders in research in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. 

This year’s nominees include Matias Moreno, materials science and engineering undergraduate student. Read more

MRS elects new officers for 2026

The Penn State Chapter of the Materials Research Society (MRS) has elected its 2026 officers: President Erdem Ozdemir, Vice President Michaela Luebbers, Treasurer J Goodman, Secretary Ben Woollven, Outreach Chair Win Lawson, Professional Development Chair Maximillian Urban, Marketing/Social Chair Selena Lamborn.

MRS brings together students, faculty, and professionals who focus on materials-related work to further the exchange of knowledge and promote professional development. MRS host events to further members’ technical development within the materials fields and additionally foster a sense of community among members through social events and monthly meetings. MRS is heavily involved in outreach events to disseminate knowledge of materials science with the greater community.

Dipanjan Pan named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Professor Dipanjan Pan, the Dorothy Foehr Huck & J. Lloyd Chair Professor in Nanomedicine at Penn State has been named a 2025 fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Being named an NAI Fellow is the highest professional distinction currently awarded to inventors in the nation. Read more

Professor Zi-Kui Liu recently caught up with Professor Emeritus Michael Coleman and his wife Mary Jane Coleman. During their conversation, Coleman reminisced about his early years in Africa and his educational journey across the UK and the U.S.

We’re happy to share that at 88 years young, Coleman is in great spirits, full of stories, curiosity, and looking forward to better weather so he can get back to playing golf. Read more

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