LAS Dean's Distinguished Lecture

"From Atoms to Innovation: The Science and Impact of Separating Rare Earth Materials," Jared Anderson, Alice Hudson Professor in the Department of Chemistry. A live Q&A session will follow the lecture, which also will be available via a livestream.

Anderson’s lecture will trace the evolution of rare earth separation science, beginning with Ames National Laboratory’s historic contributions during World War II and extending to current advances that address today’s pressing needs. Rare earth element separations have a distinguished history at Ames National Laboratory, where pioneering work during the Manhattan Project first established methods for isolating strategic materials. That legacy continues to resonate today, as rare earths once again occupy a central role in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national security. From the magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles to advanced electronics and defense applications, these elements underpin the transition to clean energy and the functioning of high-tech society.