Raphael Kay, Aizenberg Group, Harvard University

12pm-1pm May 2nd 2025; LISE 303

Abstract: Across biology, organisms move liquids within cavities, through networks, and along surfaces to accomplish an incredible diversity of optical and thermal energy-regulation functionalities. We’re working on translating these fluidic behaviors synthetically, hoping to demonstrate that a modular liquid-filled ‘building block’ can be generally configured through its geometry, surface structure, fluid chemistry, and dispersion composition to dynamically manipulate nearly every important optical and thermal property. Designing the combination and operation of modules can make available new classes of energy regulation, harvesting, and storage technologies.

About the speaker: Raphael has degrees in architecture (BA) and mechanical engineering (MASc) from the University of Toronto and is currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering at Harvard. His interests sit between optics, fluid mechanics, adaptive materials, and nature-inspired design, and, to this end, he has developed pinecone-inspired moisture-driven robots, decapod-inspired self-organizing sunshades, slime-mold-inspired city design tools, and squid-inspired windows. Currently, Raphael spends most of his time leading the development of a liquid building wrapping capable of curating indoor climates using mostly water.