Science on surfaces - Tips, Tricks and Tools

How important is it to be productive to succeed in academia? And what about being creative?In this episode, we once again have the pleasure talking to Prof. Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano and Biophysics, at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of technology. Prof. Hook was our guest in episode 29. Then we had an interesting conversation around several aspects related to research and life in science. At the end of the session, there were still lots of questions that I was curious to ask, and fortunately, Prof. Hook kindly agreed to continue the discussion in an additional episode. This time, we talk about some of the challenges of an academic career path and how to strategically relate to these. We pick up the conversation essentially where we left it - Prof. Hook had just mentioned that he decided to go for a career in science despite all the risks and uncertainties involved. We talk about what those uncertainties are, and how they can be addressed and related to. We also discuss the potential need for a backup plan, the role productivity, inspiration, and if it is important to be creative to succeed with an academic career. Prof. Hook shares his best advice to those of you that dream about pursuing a career in science but who hesitate, or think it seems too risky. He also shares his view on what personal qualities that are needed to be successful in academia. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog 

What is an initial value problem? And why do many of us find mathematical modelling so challenging? In this episode, we again have the honor of talking to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology. This is the third time Prof. Axelson-Fisk is a guest in Science on Surfaces – tips, tricks and tools, and this time she shares some of her vast knowledge on mathematical modelling and how this is used in science. As always, we started with the basics and Prof. Axelson-Fisk explained what mathematical modelling is, when it is typically used, and what is important to consider when doing this type of analysis. Prof. Axelson-Fisk also described a few examples of common models and their characteristics, how to improve a model and how to find the set of parameter values that best fit the data. We also talked about assumptions, limitations, and validation, as well as challenges encountered when modelling, and pitfalls to avoid. She also shared her thoughts are on why so many of us find modelling so challenging and how this limiting barrier can be addressed. This episode really is packed with information.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

What is life in research like? How ambitious and performance-oriented do you have to be to do a PhD? And - what is the difference between Food science and Food engineering?I this episode, we talk to Dr. Holly Huellemeier, Graduate Research Assistant at the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at the Ohio State University, to learn more about what it is like to spend years in research to earn a doctoral degree.At the time of the recording, Dr. Huellemeier had just graduated and was preparing to take on a postdoc overseas. With the experience fresh in mind, she generously shared some of her insights and perspectives on her years as a PhD student. We talked about why she decided to go for a career in science, what a typical day looked like, what aspects she enjoyed the most and what she found challenging. We also talked about her research project which was on the mechanisms of fouling and cleaning during thermal milk processing, and she also explained what the difference between food science and food engineering is. Finally, Dr. Huellemeier shared some advice to those of you who are considering doing a Ph.D.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Data analysis basics and how to make the most of the collected dataHow do you maximize the information extraction from that data that you may have spent weeks collecting? And what is the difference between ‘precision’ and ‘accuracy’?In this episode, we talk to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology about Data analysis, to learn more about how to make the most of the data that you have collected.In this informative conversation, Prof. Axelson-Fisk guides us through a range of different data analysis types such as exploratory-, descriptive-, and predictive analysis and explains when to use which method. We also talk about the data analysis process from start to end; how to handle the data before you analyze it, requirements on the data input, and how to assess the analysis output. We then move on to briefly discuss data modelling and key aspect related to this procedure. Prof Axelson-Fisk’s explains key terminology such as repeatability, replicability and reproducibility. And, finally and once and for all, we get the difference between precision and accuracy explained. Last but not least, we talk about the main challenges with data analysis, what pitfalls to look out for, and we get a recommendation on data analysis software to use.  By the way, the English translation of ‘supraledare’ is of course ‘superconductor’Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Collecting quality data with QCM-D – what to consider and pitfalls to avoidHow do you maximize your chances of a measurement being successful? And which are the main pitfalls to avoid when planning and executing experiments?In this episode, we talk to Jennie Ringberg, Global Technical Product Manager for QSense at Biolin Scientific, to learn more about the practical aspects of data collection and experimental design with the ambition to maximize the data quality. The conversation focuses on the QCM-D measurements, but some of the principles discussed are relevant also for other types of analysis of surfaces and interfaces.In this educational conversation, Jennie takes us through the five main steps of preparing and running QCM-D measurements. One by one, we go through the steps and discuss what’s important to consider for the measurement to be successful with the ambition to optimize the quality of the collected data. We talk about what aspects to pay particular attention to and why these are important for the result. We also cover common challenges, and what will be the consequence if important aspects are ignored.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Why are surface analytical tools useful when scrutinizing virus infections and when trying to figure out ways to tackle them? And what makes research successful?In this episode, we talk to Prof. Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano and Biophysics, at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology, about his research and work related to biological nanoparticles, virus infections, and vaccine development.This inspiring and intriguing conversation covered multiple facets of academic life - from the bigger perspectives, drivers, and challenges of a career in science, to the quest for solutions to long-lasting problems and discussion on specific scientific detail. We talked about the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of Prof. Hook’s research and work, and what he and his team are striving to achieve. He also revealed a question that did keep him awake at night for decades, but to which he now finally found the answer. We talked about model systems and instrumentation, and what surface analytical tools they are using in their work. We also discussed more philosophical aspects of life in science, such as what makes research successful, and what pieces of the puzzle must come together for everything to fall into place.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Is it possible to be more time-efficient when planning, executing and evaluating experiments? And what do the latin squares have to do with it?In this episode, we talk to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology about Design of Experiments, DoE, to learn more about how to efficiently plan your work and to make the most of the time spent in the lab.As always, we start with the basics, and Prof. Axelson-Fisk takes us through what DoE is, when it could be used and who will benefit from using this methodology. We then move on to talk about how DoE works in practice. Prof. Axelson-Fisk describes a few examples to demonstrate how this method to plan, execute and evaluate experiments could be used in real life. We talk about what challenges and difficulties that may arise, and what pitfalls to look out for. Finally, we get to learn about some key concepts in DoE, and Prof. Axelson-Fisk explains terminology such as analysis of variance - transformations, model validation and residual analysis; factorial design with fixed, random and mixed effects, latin squares and confounding, just to mention a few.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

What is Quartz Crystal microbalance with Dissipation monitoring? And what’s the deal with all the harmonics?In this episode, we talk to Fredrik Pettersson and Erik Nilebäck, both Senior Application Scientists at Biolin Scientific, about the QCM-D technology. Erik has a MSc in Engineering Biology and Devices and Materials in Medicine and a Ph.D. in Bioscience, and Fredrik has a MSc in Biophysical engineering.Both Erik and Fredrik have extensive experience working with the QCM-D technology and in this episode, they share lots of useful information and insights that they have gathered over the years. The conversation starts with the basics, and we talk about what QCM-D technology is, what information it provides, and when it is typically used. We then move on to talk about different versions of QCM:s and their respective strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we go into how a QCM-D measurement is run in practice, and Erik and Fredrik share some useful tips and tricks on how to get the most out of this surface-sensitive technology.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

How is the gut-microbiota related to human health? And why do some Lactobacillus strains show health-promoting properties?I this episode, we talk to Dr. Joana Ortega-Anaya, postdoc researcher at the Department of Food Science and technology, at the Ohio State University, to learn more about probiotics and how food can be used to support the symbiotic microbes in the gut microbiome. Dr.Ortega-Anaya specializes in the study of milk components and how they affect probiotics and human health. The conversation starts with Dr. Ortega-Anaya explaining what the microbiome is and what role it plays in the body. She describes the so-called “gut-brain axis” and how different lifestyle factors, such as stress and diet affect the composition of the microbiota – a composition which in turn affects our wellbeing. We then move on to talk about Dr.Ortega-Anaya’s research. Using QCM-D technology and other methods, she has studied four different lactobacillus strains, and how the bacterial adhesion, one of the key aspects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria, was affected by the presence of milk fat.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

What analytical instrumentation should you have in your biointerfaces lab? And which equipment should you prioritize investing in if the funding available for new instrument purchase is limited?I this episode, we talk to Dr. Jenny Malmstrom, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland to learn more about lab instrumentation and analysis methods. With a background in bioengineering and nanoscience, Dr. Malmström has long experience characterizing and understanding the interaction between biomolecules and surfaces. Today, her research is all about interfaces. In this episode, she shares her knowledge and expertise on which analytical methods are used in this field. Using her own research as a starting point, Dr. Malmström exemplifies what characterization that is needed to answer key questions, and describes some of the technologies used by her team. She also shares advice on what equipment to focus on if you are starting up a new lab and have limited funding available for investment, and how to handle a situation where your lab is not equipped with all the instrumentation that you need for your research.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog