Meet Dr. Diandra
Diandra Leslie-Pelecky is a nanomaterials researcher and teacher, as well as a master at making scienaccessible to anyone from science fans to sciencephobes. As Director of the West Virignia Nano Initiative and Professor of Physics at West Virginia University, she has a long record of excellence in research and preparing future researchers. She also is committed to sharing her enthusiasm about science to people who are positive they can't possibly understand it. By painting vivid pictures and relating fundamental
scientific principles -- yes, the same ones you wondered when you'd ever use -- to everyday life, she makes science not only fun and fascinating, but also emminently understandable.
"...one of the most intriguing and educational books ever written about the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. "The Physics of NASCAR" may be one of the most intellectually challenging books you've read in a while. That's a good thing, because Leslie-Pelecky does a splendid job of balancing the hard-core scientific aspects of the sport (there are a lot of them) with the human side." –Mark Davis, Daytona Beach News-Journal
Research
Our research group at West Virginia University focuses on developing novel nanoparticles that can be used for drug delivery, diagnosis, and to enhance magentic resonance imaging.
We investigate the fundamental behavior of disordered magnetic materials, with a focus on magnetic glassiness and correlating nanostructure with macroscopic magnetic properties.
Education
The NSF-funded Building Speed program uses motorsports to teach math, science, and critical thinking.
Scientertainment
From the web to radio to television, sometimes the best way to educate people is when they are least expecting it. Wrapping science in a story is one of the most effective ways of engaging your audience.
Projects
- Cocktail Party Physics
- Building SPEED blog
- The Science of Speed video series
- The Physics of NASCAR
- Green Racing videos for the American Le Mans Series