BPI Seminar by Dr. Jorge Avendano

Thinking Inside the Channel: Microfluidic Approaches to Scientific Challenges in Porous Media

Location: CHBE #202, 2360 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4

Agenda

• 12:00 PM Introduction
• 12:05 PM Presentation by Dr. Jorge Avendaño, Microfluidics Team Leader at LMMP (DEM) and Assistant Professor (DEQM) at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Brazil
• 12:45 PM Q&A

*Sandwiches & coffee will be provided from 11:45 AM.

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Abstract

Microfluidic systems offer an unparalleled approach for tackling critical challenges by analyzing fundamental mechanisms through direct visualization, using minimal sample volumes, and accelerating experimental throughput with faster, more controlled studies. This seminar will demonstrate how microfluidics, particularly through the lens of interfacial science, serves as a powerful platform for understanding complex fluid behaviors and designing innovative solutions.

At the Laboratory of Microhydrodynamics and Porous Media Flow (LMMP) at PUC-Rio (Brazil), we focus on core research areas including biphasic flow, phase transitions, flow and transport in geological formations and microencapsulation, where our platform enables precise characterization and optimization of multiphase systems. Building on these foundations, we will showcase how we have been expanding our collaboration network to include bacteria cultivation, development of analysis for live cell dynamics, soil remediation, analytical methodologies, and gastroresistant microcapsules development.

This presentation will highlight common ground with biomaterials research, emphasizing that microfluidics is fundamentally a versatile tool that has proven to accelerate discovery and deepen scientific understanding, aligning with the BioProducts Institute's mission for sustainable innovation.
 

About the Speaker

Jorge Avendaño is a Tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering (DEQM) at PUC-Rio, a position he began this year. Concurrently, he has served for 10 years as the Microfluidics Team Leader at the Laboratory of Microhydrodynamics and Porous Media Flow (LMMP) from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM).

His research focuses on interfacial phenomena, microfluidics, and rheology for complex fluid systems. He holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from the University of Los Andes (ULA) and a Ph.D. from IFP Energies Nouvelles - Université Paris-Est. His work emphasizes microscale flow visualization, applied to oil displacement mechanisms and complex fluid interactions. At LMMP, he has worked on several industrial projects and actively seeks new challenges in microfluidics applications.
 

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