May 20 2009
Dr. Graciela Blanchet, a pioneer in the field of organic electronics, has been named Chief Technology Officer at Nano Terra, Inc., a leading surface engineering and nanotechnology development company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Dr. Blanchet joins Nano Terra from DuPont where she was a Fellow in the Central Research Department. During her 25-year tenure at DuPont, Dr. Blanchet made important scientific and development contributions and led multiple early-stage discovery programs:
- Her innovative research in the area of carbon nanotube conducting composites earned DuPont recognition by Scientific American as one of the top 50 leaders shaping the future of technology.
- Her work on laser ablation of polymers led to business opportunities in digital color proofing, thermal color filters and printed electronics.
- Most recently, Dr. Blanchet, an expert in materials for nano- and micro-scale patterning, printing techniques and fabrication methods, led a DuPont team working on high resolution printing of electronic circuits.
Dr. George Whitesides, Nano Terra’s Chairman and Head of Scientific Advisory Board, said, “It is an exciting opportunity for Nano Terra to have a talent of Graciela’s caliber on board. Her deep experience in printed electronics, material sciences and physics match very well with the Company’s core scientific competencies. Her extraordinary talents and experience will complement our impressive bench of world-class scientists. We are delighted to be working with her as a collaborator and partner.”
Dr. Blanchet said, “It is a privilege to be working with Professor Whitesides and his talented team at Nano Terra. The company’s collaborations with leading companies – like 3M, Merck, Bayer MaterialScience and Honeywell Aerospace – to apply unique nano- and micro-scale technologies to meet specific demanding technology needs underscore the breadth of Nano Terra’s intellectual property and the depth of its scientific team. I am thrilled to be here.”
“This reflects another step in our company’s growth and an affirmation of our model,” said Nano Terra CEO Myer Berlow. “Graciela’s expertise in real-world applications of nano- and micro-technology will strengthen our ability to undertake an even wider range of new projects in collaboration with top industrial and manufacturing companies. We are excited to have her on board to lead our scientific teams.”
Dr. Blanchet is a member of scientific advisory boards at several institutions, including Cornell University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She holds more than 100 U.S. patents and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles. A native of Argentina, Dr.
Blanchet received a M.Sc. from the University of Buenos Aires and a PhD in Physics from Brown University. She held a post-doctoral position in Prof. A. Heeger’s group at the University of California at Santa Barbara.