Presented By: Museum of Natural History
Science Café: Zapping 'Forever Chemicals': A Michigan-Made Solution
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub, 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), the “forever chemicals,” have been detected in water sources across Michigan, posing a persistent threat to our communities and environment. But how do you destroy something designed to never break down?
In this Science Café, Dr. Angela Violi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Dr. Paolo Elvati, Associate Research Scientist in Mechanical Engineering will tell the story of PFAS from our water taps to the atomic scale.
Using advanced supercomputer simulations, these two University of Michigan researchers are studying how non-thermal plasma technology can shatter these resilient compounds. Learn about this homegrown research that aims to turn “forever chemicals” into a problem of the past.
Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current research topics with experts in an informal setting.
Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.; program 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Seating is limited—come early.
UMMNH would like to thank Conor O’Neill’s for 15 years of support for our Science Cafés. Their continued commitment brings U-M faculty into the Ann Arbor community to discuss current research topics.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub, 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), the “forever chemicals,” have been detected in water sources across Michigan, posing a persistent threat to our communities and environment. But how do you destroy something designed to never break down?
In this Science Café, Dr. Angela Violi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Dr. Paolo Elvati, Associate Research Scientist in Mechanical Engineering will tell the story of PFAS from our water taps to the atomic scale.
Using advanced supercomputer simulations, these two University of Michigan researchers are studying how non-thermal plasma technology can shatter these resilient compounds. Learn about this homegrown research that aims to turn “forever chemicals” into a problem of the past.
Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current research topics with experts in an informal setting.
Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.; program 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Seating is limited—come early.
UMMNH would like to thank Conor O’Neill’s for 15 years of support for our Science Cafés. Their continued commitment brings U-M faculty into the Ann Arbor community to discuss current research topics.
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