AV俱乐部

	Joe Zwanziger

For Joe Zwanziger, coming to AV俱乐部's Department of Chemistry and the脢Institute for Research in Materials (IRM) last year was a "dead-easy decision."

Canada's research funding environment attracted the former Indiana University chemist to become the Canada Research Chair in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Materials. And at AV俱乐部, he uses a spanking new $2.8 million spectrometer. The best available in Canada, the machine gives a precise picture of a material's structure at the脢atomic脢level.

Seeing substances in microscopic detail helps the脢researcher create innovative materials to solve real problems. Zwanziger is just one of 80 IRM researchers who are creating everything from stronger dental materials to newer, better artificial joints.

Zwanziger's own research involves finding new plastics for batteries. But he also participates in other research partnerships, including a project to create tougher concrete.

His spectrometer is also attracting partnerships with researchers from other Atlantic universities. As he says, "There's not enough time to do all the collaborations that crop up."

Professionally, his new home has been a great fit. "The research is going really well. I'm having a blast."