The Royal Society of Chemistry has elected Emma Fan, associate professor in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas as a 2021 Fellow. Fan is being recognized for her work with micro/nanostructured particles, 3D hierarchical porous materials, and stimulus-responsive materials, most recently with the Texas Materials Institute.
Fan’s work is very multi-disciplinary, with research in chemistry, physics, materials science, and electrical engineering. Among six awarded and three pending patents, she was granted two patents for her innovative ‘Electric Tweezers’ technique based on combined AC and DC electric fields that can precisely manipulate longitudinal nanoscale materials in aqueous suspension.
“It’s my life’s responsibility to realize the ideas in my mind and make them into practical things that people can see and use,” Fan says.
Fan believes that this is just the first step, and she hopes to receive more fellowships throughout her research career. She is excited about what contributions she’ll be able to make to the society through her work.
As a female engineer this fellowship means even more to Fan. She encourages young women in this field to “believe in yourself, you will do better and better as you keep working. Do not be discouraged by how other people may see you.”
The Royal Society of Chemistry was originally formed in 1841 as the Chemical Society of London and was granted a Royal Charter seven years later. The Society now has 54,000 across the world and focuses on advancing chemistry, developing its applications, and disseminating chemical knowledge.
