Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance and Preventing the Next Pandemic | Richard Spontak | TEDxNCState

The pandemic was an example of an acute global healthcare problem whereas hospital-acquired infections (especially involving drug-resistant microbes) constitute a chronic problem that will only become worse. An important
development here at NC State is a previously unknown mechanism by which plastic surfaces can quickly and continuously kill a broad spectrum of microbes. Dr. Richard J. Spontak is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Alumni Distinguished Graduate and Undergraduate Professor at NC State University. In 1992, he accepted a faculty position at NC State, where he supervises the Macromolecular Materials & Morphology Group. He has published over 300 peer-reviewed journal papers and over 35 scholarly works as book chapters and invited monographs, and his work has been featured on 32 journal covers and cited over 15,000 times. His primary research relates to the morphology/property development of nanostructured polymers, polymer nanocomposites and coatings, electron microscopy, and stimuli-responsive soft materials. Spontak is a highly acclaimed educator and academic mentor, having received the Board of Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and has served as a Fulbright Senior Specialist and delegate to the Faculty Senate and Faculty Assembly. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx