Materials scientists often look ahead to the next big thing—but sometimes looking back may inspire future research. Katherine Faber, Simon Ramo Professor of Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology, shares her journey to researching ceramic materials, how she got involved with studying objects of cultural heritage, and describes some of her recent projects.

View the transcript for this episode here.

About the guest
Katherine Faber is the Simon Ramo Professor of Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology. Her group focuses on the fracture of brittle materials and mechanisms by which such materials can be toughened and strengthened. Their studies comprise  ceramics for energy-related applications, including thermal and environmental barrier coatings; porous solids for filters and flow; and scientific studies of cultural heritage objects. She is an ACerS Distinguished Life Member and past ACerS president (2006–2007).

About ACerS
Founded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.