Innovation Café: Coffee-Derived Artificial Micromotors for Sustainable Low-Cost Water Treatment
Microscopic machines that swim through water. Pollutants captured by particles made from used coffee grounds. Science fiction? Not quite.
Join Dr. Jeff Moran, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at George Mason University, for a fascinating look at the world of artificial micromotors. These tiny particles can propel themselves through liquids and could transform applications ranging from medicine to environmental cleanup. Dr. Moran will also share the story behind CoffeeBots, a technology developed at George Mason that turns spent coffee grounds into magnetically controlled micromotors capable of removing oil, microplastics, textile dyes, herbicides, and other pollutants from water.
The Innovation Café, hosted by Nexus234, is a free monthly evening seminar series that brings exciting ideas in science, technology, and entrepreneurship to the community. Each event features an engaging talk from a leading expert followed by an interactive Q&A and an opportunity to meet the speaker. Students, families, professionals, lifelong learners, and curious minds of all ages are welcome.
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We are currently experiencing a system issue that is preventing us from sending an immediate confirmation email. Our team will send reminder emails with additional event details as the event approaches.
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Where should I park?
Please park in the Tower Lot (Zone 4902), located beyond the Hylton Performing Arts Center, or the Discovery Parking Lot (Zone 4903), located beside the pond across from Discovery Hall. Parking fees can be paid through the ParkMobile app or by calling (877) 727-5758.
Date
- Oct 20 2026
- Expired!
Time
- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Speaker
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Jeff MoranAssociate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, George Mason UniversityDr. Jeff Moran is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. His research leverages microscale transport phenomena to enable new solutions to fundamental problems including clean energy generation and storage, water desalination and remediation, and targeted drug delivery. One major focus of his research is the capabilities and applications of active colloids, which are micrometer-size particles (50 times smaller than the width of a human hair) that can propel themselves through liquids, like tiny submarines. These particles show promise for microscale manufacturing, oil/water separation, and even cancer treatment.
Outside of research, Dr. Moran has conducted outreach activities in Washington, D.C., and at local science museums, and has lectured at both general and technical levels in the United States and internationally.
When he’s not in the office or the lab, you can find him playing jazz on his upright bass, competing in a triathlon, or hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
