Dear Engineer is a regular series where we tap into the minds of the vH Lab Team to answer some of our most pressing questions about life and science. Like, how many balloons would it take to lift a person off the ground? Let’s find out.
How can AI help accelerate replacing plastic and leather with plants, and what are its limits?
AI has the potential to accelerate innovation in sustainable materials by streamlining research and optimizing production processes. However, it relies heavily on data and still requires human expertise for validation and implementation. It’s a powerful tool, but its success depends on collaboration with scientists and researchers to drive meaningful progress. - vH Senior Polymer Chemist
What’s a myth about sustainability or materials that you’d love to bust once and for all?
One myth I’d love to bust is the idea that cellulose-based materials can’t replace petroleum-based ones. Many believe cellulose isn’t scalable or durable enough, but in reality, it’s an abundant, renewable, and sustainable material with huge potential. With the right innovations, cellulose can effectively replace plastics and leather—what’s needed is more focus and investment in developing it at scale. - vH Director of Innovation
If you could borrow a superpower from nature (like photosynthesis or spider silk production), what would it be and how would you use it?
I would love to have gills and be able to breathe underwater. A majority of the ocean and marine life is so beautiful and unexplored, and even much of what we have discovered will always be subject to the barrier of whatever instrument or vehicle we use. To be able to take a “hike” in the deep ocean the way we do in the forest or mountains would be a dream come true. - vH Material Scientist
What’s one scientific breakthrough you wish you could witness in your lifetime?
One breakthrough I’d love to witness is fully automated chemical reactions. Imagine inputting a reaction, and a machine automatically weighs, heats, and purifies the chemicals. On the flip side, the ability to image individual molecules using electrons, something once considered impossible, is a huge advancement I’ve already seen in my lifetime. - vH Senior Polymer Chemist
Most importantly, if I wanted to fly, how many balloons would it take to lift me off the ground?
Doesn’t matter how many balloons as long as there’s enough helium. It could be one massively strong balloon or 500 tiny ones. Good luck steering and dodging birds once you get up there, though! - vH Material Scientist