In her doctoral dissertation, Yasaman Nemati studied how liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) can express different life inspired functionalities, in particular multi responsiveness, biomimetic shape changes, and autonomy. She discovered that multi responsive functionality was achieved by combining optical and magnetic stimuli within a single material, enabling versatile control and operation in aqueous environments. In her research, controlled shape changes were demonstrated through spatiotemporally programmed light actuation, producing wave like deformations similar to biological motion. Nemati found that autonomy is realised in a light powered self oscillating system, where intrinsic feedback between deformation, illumination, and heat dissipation sustains rhythmic motion under constant energy input. Her findings illustrate how LCEs can serve as a platform to translate behaviors observed in nature into the realm of synthetic soft actuators.
The doctoral dissertation of MSc Yasaman Nemati in the field of Chemistry titled Towards Multi-Responsive and Autonomous Soft Actuators Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomers will be publicly examined at the of Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University on Friday 27 March 2026.
The Opponent will be Cavendish Professor Helen F. Gleeson from the University of Leeds in United Kingdom. The Custos will be Arri Priimägi from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University.