A Big Thank You to Poster Presenters – MiniTec at MD&M West Feb 2026

By Joanne Moody

One of the highlights of our recent event was the poster sessions. These presentations showcased the curiosity, creativity, and commitment that drive innovation in medical plastics and biomaterials. We are grateful to all of our presenters for sharing their work and engaging in thoughtful discussions with attendees

Our academic researchers brought forward impressive and impactful projects. 

  • Block CoPolymer-Directed Self-Assembly of Optically Active Nanoparticles by Jayme Chow from UC Irvine
  • Preparation of pNIPAAm-HA Hydrogels for the Use in Treatment of Corneal Ulcers by Snigdha Rayala and Judith Praba Prabhahar Albert from San Jose State University
  • Influence of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement on the Shape Memory Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of PETG by Viswanath Aditham and Yanika Schneider from San Jose State University

We were equally pleased to feature strong industry-focused research and real-world perspectives.

Thank you to all our presenters for raising the bar and inspiring the next generation of materials and medical device professionals.

IGS GeboJagema and SPE MPD Student Scholarship 2025-2026

SPE logo_Medical Plastics-HG

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Medical Plastics Scholarship

IGS GeboJagema

IGS GeboJagema and SPE Medical Plastics Division are proud to announce the Awardees of the Student Scholarship in the topic of Molding of Medical Plastics and Polymers. The winners are:

OVERALL WINNER:

Dakota Antcliff

Plastics Engineering student at Ferris State

Molly Garber
FINALIST:

Molly Garber

Plastics Engineering student at UW Stout

Ethan Graetz
FINALIST:

Ethan Graetz

Plastics Engineering student at UW Stout

We were incredibly impressed with the quality of the student candidates – and can’t wait to see the impact they have on the world!

Dynamic Team at Hamline University

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.