Vinod Sarin Elected to National Academy of Inventors
BU materials scientist, who says nature gives him some of the best ideas for new technologies, has been elected to the National Academy of Inventors
Q&A
Vinod Sarin
BU materials scientist, who says nature gives him some of the best ideas for new technologies, has been elected to the National Academy of Inventors
Vinod Sarin
When Vinod Sarin isn’t conceiving of a new surface coating, you might find him trying to grow orchids in his apartment. Those two activities aren’t totally disparate from one another in Sarin’s eyes, since plants provide him with endless inspiration for new ideas in his materials science lab. In honor of his creativity and relentless passion for innovation, Sarin, a Boston University College of Engineering professor of mechanical engineering and materials science engineering, has been elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.
Sarin:After graduating from high school in India, I entered my freshman year at the University of Wisconsin as a 17-year-old with no background, so to speak, in either science or engineering. My first materials science course led me to immediately switch my major from electrical engineering to metallurgy, which is the study of the physical and chemical behaviors of metals. Several years later, after graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with my ScD, I joined Sandvik in Stockholm, Sweden, where my first assignment was to improve and develop new wear-resistant surface coatings using chemical vapor deposition technology, a method commonly used to produce thin films.
For me, the challenge lies beyond the surface, in the depth and understanding of the material within. Inspiration comes from nature (especially how plants—specifically flowers—develop and bloom), the exchange of ideas, and the will to never give up. My frustration comes from never being truly satisfied with my results—I am always striving for the next level or improvement and as a result, sometimes moving backwards.
The application really determines the choice of material. Keeping that in mind, if I had to focus on one thing, it would be developing better transparent optical ceramic thin films to enhance the detection of breast cancer.
The most meaningful thing has been to pursue my passion for research and technology without sacrificing family time and all my other passions. I approach challenges with an open mind, trying to analyze and learn from my mistakes—to me, that and the desire to solve problems is the path to innovation.
We can all find time for what we consider to be important—the key is being flexible and not making all your decisions based on career optimization. My greatest passion—a notch above all others—are my three grandchildren, Maya (8 years), Nina (6 years), and Zian (4 months).
Photography, tennis, and trying to grow orchids.
By Kat J. McAlpine
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