Elena Shevchenko has joined the Department of Chemistry faculty as a part-time Professor. She is recognized as one of the top scientists worldwide in the synthesis of colloidal nanocrystals and nanocrystal superlattices.
Shevchenko can assemble these nanoparticles into complex structures with useful properties. These resulting materials could lead to ultra-efficient solar cells, small powerful magnets, super-dense hard disks, and faster computers.
To create these unique materials using nanoparticles that measure one-billionth of a meter, Shevchenko explains that she relies on her intuition. “I have some ideas that are kind of crazy,” laughs Shevchenko, “the problem is that sometimes I go forward to explore these questions but if I hesitate then someone else does it.”
Shevchenko hopes to teach her students to approach their research holistically. “When I was a Ph.D. I was working on creating a magnetic material. While it didn’t end up being a magnetic material it, later on, became a useful kinetic material. I knew that potential at the time but I didn’t pursue it. It is very important for students to understand all aspects of the systems they study,” says Shevchenko.
Shevchenko is excited to join the University of Chicago community and bring her passion for nanoscience. “Nanoscience is a trial and error labor-intensive field but is incredibly rewarding,” explains Shevchenko, “I look forward to collaborating with researchers from different backgrounds. The University of Chicago has an incredible reputation and I appreciate how they approach science.”
Shevchenko was named by MIT Technology Review as an innovator under 35 in 2009 and is also a scientist at the Argonne National Laboratory.