Zhifeng Ren

Often when heat and electricity are thought of together, it is in the context of a month's rent. But for Zhifeng Ren, professor of physics at Boston College, the connection between the two is more than a conversation on utilities; instead, it has provided a unique way to think about and possibly change the way energy and efficiency are conceptualized.

For Ren, the connection between heat and electricity is important because of what is called the thermoelectric effect: a scientific event where certain matter can transform from electricity into heat, or vice versa. After the mid-20th century, thermoelectrics had mostly been ignored in the sciences as research on the phenomenon showed little progress or potential. Then in the '90s, the nano-scale provided a new approach to the science. This approach, however, proved costly and useless for practical devices.

But with Gang Chen, professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, Ren's concentration on this process within his background of nanotechnology has paid off. This year, they were able to increase thermoelectric efficiency by using nanotechnology in a new way. With a focus bound by cost and efficiency, though, Ren and Chen have made this obscure process relevant to our lives with a unique approach based on large quantities of nano- products. This achievement has allowed for the possibility to use the thermoelectric effect in new ways that are not only accessible but useful. "Any time it is possible to move science one step further, I'll do it," Ren says.

Ren's research proves particularly relevant to the BC community as part of the University's efforts to evolve. "It brings notoriety, in a good way, and prestige. Most of all it reflects all the hard work that Ren and his students are doing," says Dr. Michael Naughton, chairperson of the physics department at BC.

Ren's study and publication in Science is part of BC's steady advancement in research, demonstrating a certain realized potential that has built up in recent years. "Over the past seven years, we have been building up the department. Ren's work is an indication of the continued progress of all of the sciences, particularly physics," Naughton says.

This research project also proves a marked difference in BC's relationship with other research universities. This particular project was a collaboration between MIT and BC, but it was headed by BC. BC's leadership demonstrates a new evolution in the University's position in the science community at large.

But Ren's recent achievement is only a small part of his place at BC over the years. While at BC, Ren has proved to be a leader in nanoscience and nanotechnology in output at BC. "I'm the kind of person interested in fundamental science, but I also ask, is there any good product made out of this science? I try to take it one step further," Ren says.

Ren and his work demonstrate BC's unique approach to research. The way that Ren approaches research and science connects to the BC philosophy. "It shows that we have both fundamental science and technologically applied science here. We are doing things here that are useful to society," Naughton says.