The ASR is excited to announce AMAR 2026 international plenary speaker and rheo-school lecturer!

Todd M. Squires
University of California, Santa Barbara, Chemical Engineering

Title:  Dynamics of poroelastic materials, from swollen membranes to collapsing hair gels

Abstract:

Poroelastic materials are hybrid materials, in which an elastic network is permeated by a viscous fluid. The ability of the fluid to move relative to the network, and couplings between elastic and viscous stresses, introduce a richness to their dynamical response that are not apparent from conventional shear rheometry, but that impact various processes in geology, biology, technology and products. We will describe examples where understanding this mesostructured is key in troubleshooting formulations, in understanding the complex flows and dynamic responses of yield-stress materials ubiquitous in formulated products, and in resolving a multi-decade debate on the mechanism governing solvent transport through swollen polymer membranes.

We are looking forward to hosting Todd all the way from California and hearing about his work!

We would like to thank the Theo Murphy Initiative for sponsoring the Rheoschool and allowing us to invite Prof Squires.