SSP Awards Ceremony & Former Chairmen Night

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
Power Center Ballroom

Lecture Hall (located in Mellon Hall)
Technical Program Speaker’s Presentation: 8:15 PM – Laura Falk Lecture Hall (located in Mellon Hall)

TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM – 8:15PM
Dr. Rick McCreery, University of Alberta

“Molecules in Circuits: A Revolution in Microelectronics”
Molecules may be considered electronic systems, with electrons rapidly moving through molecular orbitals and also long distances in biological metabolism and photosynthesis. The prospect of incorporating molecules into microelectronic circuits based on silicon and metallic conductors has great potential for enhancing consumer electronics, providing solar energy conversion and permitting new functions not possible with silicon. In order to combine the electronic properties of molecules with conventional microelectronics, we need to understand how to “connect” to molecules as well as how electronics are transported through molecules.

Once the “rules” of charge transport through molecules are understood, it should be possible to “rationally design” new molecular

electronic devices for valuable functions not currently possible with silicon. While Molecular Electronics holds great promise, it also

presents significant challenges in handling and fabrication of devices with dimensions of only a few nanometers. We use surface chemistry, spectroscopy and conjugated organic molecules to make “molecular junctions” consisting of a single layer of molecules between conducting carbon and copper electrodes, then we study the behavior of molecules as circuit elements. The primary goal is to design and build functional molecular electronic components to greatly enhance the already powerful world of silicon microelectronics.

TECHNICAL FORUM – 5:30 PM
Eric Helm, M.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

“The Integrative Approach

to Treating Lower Back Pain”
The incidence of an episode of low back pain ranges from 5% to 36%, with 1 year episode re-exacerbation rates around 50%. Multiple etiologies exist in

low back pain. The treatment approach should be multi-faceted, utilizing physical therapy, exercise programs, medications, interventions, and holistic methods.