Grad Student Attends 65th Annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
Kyle Klavetter, a chemical engineering graduate student, recently returned from attending the 65th Annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany, June 28 to July 3.
Klavetter, a member of Dr. Charles “Buddie” Mullins’ research group, was selected to join 64 Laureates and 651 young scientists representing the disciplines of chemistry, physics and physiology or medicine gathered to foster international and inter-generational scientific collaboration.
This prestigious invitation was awarded by a scientific review panel appointed by the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings after reviewing applicants’ academic and research achievements, appraisals, merits and recommendations. It is a tribute to the quality of research at The University of Texas that its engineering and chemistry programs produced two of the 55 Americans selected to attend the Lindau Meeting this year.
It was Klavetter’s accomplishments in researching graphite-alternative anode materials that earned him this honor. His research focuses on studying advanced materials to be used to improve the energy density, safety and rapid-charge capability of lithium ion batteries, commonly used to power a variety of electronic devices including cell phones, laptops, and electric cars.
During the week of lectures, round table discussions and academic dinners, Klavetter had the opportunity to talk with Laureates, to learn the story of how they persevered through challenges and frequently overcame strong skepticism to discover ground-breaking scientific truths.
As inspiring as he found the Laureates, in their lectures and in conversation, Klavetter found that the lasting impact of the conference was in the interactions he had with fellow young scientists.
One such researcher who made an impression on Klavetter was a young woman studying molecular biology in South Africa. The woman had overcome extreme hurdles while pursuing her education, such as regular burglary of her apartment and even being mugged at gunpoint.
Despite the many societal obstacles she had faced, Klavetter said the woman, “had a passion for a career in science that was equaled by her commitment to doing good,”
“Her story captured the purposes of the Lindau meeting: to remind and inspire young scientists that it is our duty to direct our efforts – in research, development or in whatever field of science or engineering – so that we contribute to the improvement of the condition of our fellow man,” Klavetter said.
“The Lindau Meeting was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Klavetter said, motivating him to conduct his research like that of the assembled Laureates and fellow scientists, in pursuit of discovery of the new and for the good.
For more information and to view videos of the lectures and discussions held at the 65th Annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, visit their online meeting repository.
Tags: 65th Annual, chemical engineering, chemistry, Dr. Buddie Mullins, Germany, Kyle Klavetter, Lindau, Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas, Texas ChE, The University of Texas Austin, UT