Category: 2025

MiniTec Oct 2025 Program

Posted on by Theresa Shafer
Medical polymers innovations, challenges and opportunities

A one-day conference where presentations from the industry will discuss the latest developments in the area of medical plastics.

Online Registration: https://xpressreg.net/register/mdmm1025/landing.asp

October 21, 2025 – Schedule of Events: 

8AM REGISTRATION & POSTER SETUP

9AM – 5:30PM MINITEC PROGRAM

9-11:15 AM MORNING SESSIONS

12-1:15 PM LUNCH & SPE POSTER SESSION

1:15-5 PM AFTERNOON SESSIONS

  • Mark Wehde, Mayo Clinic – How Technology is Helping Us Reimagine Healthcare
  • Theresa M. Reineke, University of Minnesota, Machine Learning Reveals Chemical Features in Polymer Micelles Determines mRNA Binding, In Vitro, and In Vitro Performance and Tropism
  • Heather Baeten, Boston Scientific – Leveraging Material Characterization Partnerships to Accelerate Failure Investigations and Manufacturing Solutions in Medical Devices
  • Mike Kratochvil, Exponent – Protein-Plastic Interactions

4:15-5:30 PM SPE MPD RECEPTION, INDUSTRY NETWORKING & POSTER SESSION

  • Don’t miss the networking. Students invited to join leaders from the industry.  

Dynamic Team at Hamline University

Posted on by Theresa Shafer

Joanne Moody, a dedicated member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), recently visited the summer research program led by the Chemistry Department at Hamline University. The visit highlighted the department’s commitment to hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing scientific knowledge through student-faculty partnerships.

During her time on campus, Moody had the opportunity to meet with a dynamic team of undergraduate students and faculty members who are actively engaged in a variety of research projects. 

Faculty leading these initiatives include:  

  • Dr. Nick Schlotter, the chemistry department chair at Hamline University with expertise in Nanotechnology, Materials Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. 
  • Francesca Ippoliti, a professor that specializes in small molecule synthesis.
  • Urvashi Sanhir teaches chemistry at Hamline, researches PFAS degradation and plasma chemistry, mentors undergraduates, and leads outreach through HIPAL and ACS Women Chemists.
  • Professor, John Matachek, specializes in organometallic and conductive polymers. 

Moody’s visit underscored the value of fostering connections between professional organizations like SPE and academic institutions.