•Bringing foundational science to the public: At RIT’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute—a program for adult learners aged 50+—I gave a public lecture as part of the PfaudlerSeries, sharing how physics and biomaterials modeling explain the resilience of soft tissues like cartilage, and provide design principles for regenerative medicine and soft robotics. The talk drew over 60 participants in person and online and featured a lively, extended Q&A.

•Stimulating curiosity and connection: Audience members asked thoughtful questions about synthetic biology and how physics can help design new materials to support human health. This provided an opportunity to highlight two research efforts supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF): a recently completed BMAT project on how cartilage structure relates to function and failure, and a current DMREF project developing new types of programmable living materials.

•Deepening impact and public trust: Audience members expressed strong appreciation for the NSF’s role in advancing both basic discovery and real-world solutions that improve lives. Organizers of the Pfaudler Lecture Series shared that the talk was a great success and noted it would help inspire future events focused on STEM research and innovation.

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