Directory profile for Dr. Peter Ludovice

Pete Ludovice’s research includes modeling of polymer photoresists, biomimetic systems, transdermal drug delivery, and the development of highly efficient stochastic simulation algorithms. This work has produced useful insight into polymers that possesses structural order in between amorphous and crystalline materials. He is currently simulating the effect of specific co-solvents for use with supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of plant alkaloid compounds. We are hopeful that this work will help to leverage Alabama’s new medical cannabis law to produce new therapeutic products and help stimulate this industry in the state.

Pete also initiated research on the use of humor in the STEM classroom through an NSF-funded project. This work has catalyzed improvements in STEM education, communication, and innovation. Inspired by his stochastic simulation algorithms, he uses improvisational humor to search through idea space for engineering design alternatives. This workshop has been taught to various corporate and educational groups to improve innovation creativity. He is working with various students to teach these workshops and recreate them in an application using AI. For his applied humor work, Pete received the 2019 award for Innovation in Education from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Pete served on the board of CREATE-X, Georgia Tech’s overarching entrepreneurship program. He also advised and helped select finalists for their InVenture Prize Competition at Georgia Tech. Now, he is trying to streamline the entry of engineering students into the entrepreneurship pipeline through both a certificate and a Master of Science program at the University of Alabama.