Jennifer Vail
Friction scientist | TED speaker exploring the hidden forces that shape our world
About
Jennifer Vail is a scientist who studies one of the most fundamental yet overlooked forces in our daily lives - friction. Her groundbreaking research reveals how this ubiquitous physical phenomenon extends far beyond simple mechanics to influence countless aspects of human experience and technological advancement.
At TED 2019, Vail delivered her acclaimed talk "The science of friction - and its surprising impact on our lives," where she illuminated the hidden role friction plays in everything from the shoes we wear to the technologies we depend on. Her work demonstrates how understanding friction at a deeper level can lead to innovations in materials science, product design, and even human behavior.
Through her research, Vail bridges the gap between complex scientific principles and practical applications, showing audiences how fundamental physics concepts directly impact their everyday experiences in ways they never considered.
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The science of friction -- and its surprising impact on our lives
Tribology: it's a funny-sounding word you might not have heard before, but it could change how you see and interact with the physical world, says mechanical engineer Jennifer Vail. Offering lessons from tribology -- the study of friction and wear -- Vail describes the surprisingly varied ways it impacts everyday life and how it could help us make a better world.
| Event | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TED@DuPont 2019 | 2019 |
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