Location
MC 6460
Speaker
Dr. Veronika Magdanz, Assistant Professor in Systems Design & Biomedical Engineering, University of Waterloo
Title
How sperm and microbes move: a look at Intelligent active matter on the microscale
Abstract
Microrobots capable of autonomous motion could transform medical procedures, including targeted drug delivery and noninvasive surgery. Designing such wireless, small-scale machines has become a central focus of recent nano- and microtechnology research. By studying natural microswimmers like sperm cells—how they propel themselves in low-Reynolds-number environments, coordinate their movement, and interact intelligently with their surroundings—we gain valuable insights for engineering. This talk will showcase ongoing work in creating biohybrid and bioinspired microrobots that leverage biological components for medical robotics. It will also examine sperm behaviors such as bundling and explore potential applications from an interdisciplinary perspective.