Meet the Mentor:

Dr. Ann Fornof

3M Senior Research Specialist

Electrical Markets Division

As a senior research specialist in the Electrical Markets Division, Dr. Fornof works with diverse teams of scientists, engineers and other experts from across 3M to develop new technologies that make all sorts of innovative products from dental fillings that are more robust to adhesives that keep fiber optics in place to DIY window film to solvent-free manufacturing of vinyl electrical tape.

Ann is dedicated to spreading her passion for science and helping young people believe they can, too, be successful scientists or engineers. She speaks to groups about STEM, works with startups through the 3M-supported accelerator program, Tarmac TX, and regularly mentors aspiring engineers and scientists. Professionally, Ann is also a strong advocate for scientists and engineers. Ann is currently chair of Women in Chemical Engineering for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Community. Previously, Ann was chair of 3M’s Tech Forum, where she was responsible for connecting 3M’s technical community, and served as a 3M ambassador at external events to showcase the technical community’s achievements.

Ann holds a Ph.D. in macromolecular science and engineering from Virginia Tech and a B.S. in chemical engineering from Columbia University. Outside of work, she enjoys eating, reading, and running!

As an inventor with more than 25 granted patents, Dr. Ann Fornof brings practical knowledge of technology development to help 3M business divisions commercialize its innovative products.

Mentees

2021 Winner

Sarah Park

Spark Care+: Personalized Music Therapy for Mental Health Disorders

Meet Sarah. Sarah developed Spark Care+, a personalized music therapy treatment for mental health disorders using artificial intelligence (AI), galvanic skin response (GSR), and photoplethysmography (PPG).

2020 Winner

Anika Chebrolu

Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic: In-Silico Molecular Docking Study of Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus to develop Novel Antiviral drug

Anika used in-silico methodology for drug discovery to find a molecule that can selectively bind to the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an attempt to find a cure for the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Finalist

Harsha Pillarisetti

Honey Comb: An alternate approach to reduce indoor air pollution

I will have two sections with a divider. The first section will be about one and a half foot in diameter and will be circular, then there will be a divider that dips into the water that prevents the oil from coming on the other section because oil is more dense than water it floats.

2019 Finalist

Camellia Sharma

Water Conservation

Camellia developed a water leakage detection system to identify underground water leakage and reduce the water lost annually through current distribution systems worldwide.

2018 Finalist

Anna Du

Smart Infrared Based ROV to Identify and Remove Microplastics from Marine Environments

Anna created an underwater device that uses infrared light to detect harmful microplastics in the ocean.