====== News ======
==== 2025 ====
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|-
| Jun\_2025
| **New VMEC Summer Students:** We welcome Allan Cheng and Ryan Hatfield to the lab as part of the Virginia Microelectronics Consortium Summer Scholar program! Allan is from Virginia Beach and Ryan hails from Jacksonville, FL.
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_vmec.jpg?48|}}
|-
| May\_2025
| **Graduating Seniors:** Congratulations to our graduating seniors Lizzie Arthur, Jonah Oxman, Brian Janicki, Sebastian Parker, Harrison Callis, Garison Obcemea, and Kai Bermudez!
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}
|-
| May\_2025
| We received an award from the prestigious **Green Fee Fund**, established by students at W&M in 2008 to fund sustainability-related projects all around campus from new unobstructive pathways to high-octane laboratory research. 
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_green.jpg?48|}}
|-
| Apr\_2025
| Aidan participated in an outreach program called Skype a Scientist where he taught a materials science class to a group of high schoolers from Greenhill School in Addison, TX. 
| {{ :public:thumbs:thum_skype_sci.png?48|}}
|-
| Apr\_2025
| Aidan received the **Sanderson Award** for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring. This award, given out by W&M Arts & Sciences, recognizes Aidan's devotion to helping others learn outside of the TA'ing responsibilities that once accompanied his research. He is one of 4 recipients across all of A&S recognized for going above and beyond with helping undergraduates in tasks such as thesis writing and research in a laboratory.
| {{ :public:thumbs:thum_aidan.jpg?48|}}
|-
| Apr\_2025
| The Flat Hat Newspaper had a [[ https://flathatnews.com/2025/04/08/applied-research-and-innovation-initiative-grants-awarded-to-global-research-projects/ | section]] by Margaret Norsworthy-Edghill, in which they further discussed the **ARII** grant and included Aidan Lucas' and Hannes Schniepp's takes on procuring funding for the Diatom project.
| [[https://flathatnews.com/2025/04/08/applied-research-and-innovation-initiative-grants-awarded-to-global-research-projects/ |{{ :public:thumbs:thum_flat_hat.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2025
| The W&M Alumni Magazine featured an article by Annie Powell, originally posted in January of this year, about the **ARII** grant and how it will fund future progress in our Diatom project by helping us expand into more disciplines working with the likes of Margaret Saha (Chancellor Professor of Biology here at W&M) and B.K. Song ( professor of Marine Science at W&M's Batten School and VIMS). You can view the article online [[https://magazine.wm.edu/issue/2025-winter/initiating-innovation.php |here]].
| [[https://magazine.wm.edu/issue/2025-winter/initiating-innovation.php |{{ :public:thumbs:thum_dt.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2025
| **Conference:** We presented at the Graduate Research Symposium here at W&M featuring graduate students from all established local institutions including U Georgia, UNC - Chapel Hill, Virginia Tech, etc. Aidan gave a talk in the morning of the 27th titled "Deeply Hierarchical Bioceramics from Harvested Diatom Frustules" and Jake gave a talk later that afternoon titled "The Cribellate Nanofibrils of the Southern House Spider: Extremely Thin Natural Silks with Outstanding Extensibility."
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}
|-
| Jan\_2025
| **New Publication:** **ACS Applied Biomaterials (2025)** — Peter, Stadlmayr, Naghilou, Ploszczanski, Hofmann, Riekel, Liu, Burghammer, Gusenbauer, Konnerth, Schniepp, Rennhofer, Sinn, Radtke, & Lichtenegger* [[public:publications:pub-67|"Exploring the Unique Properties and Superior Schwann Cell Guiding Abilities of Spider Egg Sac Silk"]]. We characterized different silk types for schwann cell guiding and revealed a significantly higher mobility of cells achieved on tubuliform silk vs. major ampullate silk.
| [[public:publications:pub-67|{{:public:thumbs:thum_eggsac_toc.png?48|}}]]
|-
|}
==== 2024 ====
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| Dec\_2024
| **Conference:** We traveled to Jake's hometown of Boston, MA for MRS 2024, Dec 1st-6th. Jake gave a talk titled "The Cribellate Nanofibrils of the Southern House Spider—Extremely Thin Natural Silks with Outstanding Extensibility," and Hannes gave 2 talks titled "Strong and Tough Tape-Based Quasi-Composites inspired by Spider Silk," and "Deeply Hierarchical, Multi-Functional Materials from Naturally Grown Biosilica." 
| {{ :public:thumbs:thum_mrs.jpg?48|}}
|-
| Oct\_2024
| **Phys.org** posted the W&M News article on their Nanotechnology page featuring our recent [[public:publications:pub-65|Advanced Functional Materials]] paper. You can view the article online [[https://phys.org/news/2024-10-nanofibrils-successfully-strength-spider-web.html |here]].
| [[public:publications:pub-65|{{ :public:thumbs:thum_physorg.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2024
| Laura Grove from **W&M News** wrote a fantastic news article featuring our recent [[public:publications:pub-65|Advanced Functional Materials]] paper. You can view the article online [[https://news.wm.edu/2024/10/30/wm-researchers-progress-in-unraveling-mysteries-of-invisible-spider-web-super-fibers/ |here]].
| [[public:publications:pub-65|{{ :public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2024
| **[[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2024-10_pressrelease|Press Release: The Cribellate Nanofibrils of the Southern House Spider: Extremely Thin Natural Silks with Outstanding Extensibility]]** for Jake's recent //[[:public:publications:pub-65|Advanced Functional Materials]]// paper. We were able to test the ultra-thin silk fibers of the southern house spider, and they have record-breaking extensibility!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2024-10_pressrelease|{{:public:thumbs:thum_toc_kuku.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2024
| **New Publication:** **Advanced Functional Materials (2024)** — Jake Silliman, Sean R. Koebley, and Hannes C. Schniepp* [[public:publications:pub-65|"The Cribellate Nanofibrils of the Southern House Spider: Extremely Thin Natural Silks with Outstanding Extensibility"]]. We characterized the world's thinnest known natural spider silk and performed mechanical tests on these nanofibrils discovering a new world record in spider silk extensibility.
| [[public:publications:pub-64|{{:public:thumbs:thum_toc_kuku.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Jun\_2024
| **Graduating Seniors:** Congratulations to our graduating seniors Ryan Yoder, Will Kobos, Yun Ma, Izak Johnson, Grace Cha, James St. Martin, and Aaron Ringberg!

| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}
|-
| Apr\_2024
| **Grant:** We were awarded an ARII grant alongside fellow collaborators Dr. Margaret Saha of WM Biology and Dr. Bongkeun Song of VIMS on the study and application of diatoms, photosynthetic algal microorganisms living in water.  

| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}
|-
| Mar\_2024
| **Conference:** We will be presenting at the TMS 2024 conference in Orlando, FL on bio-inspired materials based on silk and diatoms! Professor Schniepp will be speaking on March 4th at 8:30am on //"Strong and Tough Tape-based Quasi-composites"// and March 7th at 2pm on //"Measuring and Calibrating Interfacial Forces at Hard and Soft Interfaces via Force Spectroscopy for Quantitative Materials Description"//. Meanwhile, Aidan Lucas will be presenting a poster on //"Carbon Negative Deeply Structured Hierarchical Ceramics Derived From Biogenic Silica"// on March 5th at 5:30pm. 
[[https://www.tms.org/TMS2024/Programming/TMS2024_Technical_Program/TMS2024/Programming/TMS2024_Technical_Program.aspx?hkey=bfc48315-b2e2-4448-af33-a344c5dca7e5|TMS 2024 Technical Program]].
| {{:public:thumbs:tms.png?48|}}
|-
|}

==== 2023 ====
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|-
| Apr\_2023
| **Graduation:** We had a third and final Ph.D. defense this spring by Avishi Abeywickrama! Her dissertation was titled, //[[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-04_tripledefense|“Direct Measurements of Interfacial Interactions of 2D Materials”]]//. Excellent job!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-04_tripledefense|{{:public:team:avishi.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Apr\_2023
| **Graduation:** Ben Skopic defended his Ph.D. dissertation on, //[[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-04_tripledefense|“Tape-Based Structural Metamaterials”]]//. He will be going on to work for the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Alexandria, VA. Way to Go!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-04_tripledefense|{{:public:thumbs:thum_benskopic.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Apr\_2023
| **Graduation:** Samantha Applin successfully defended her dissertation titled, //[[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-04_tripledefense|“Investigation of Reversibly Assembling Materials Using Force Spectroscopy”]]//. She is part of the NASA Pathways Program working with the Langley Advanced Materials and Processing Branch. Congratulations!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-04_tripledefense|{{:public:team:samantha_150.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2023
| Ph.D. candidates Ben Skopic and Avishi Abeywickrama presented their work at William & Mary's [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-03_grs|Graduate & Honors Research Symposium]].
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2023-03_grs|{{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2023
| Hannes Schniepp traveled to Anaheim, CA to attend and present at the 2023 TMS meeting. He gave two presentations titled, "From Molecular Interactions to Macroscopic Properties: Studying
Protein-based Structural Materials Across the Scales" and "Bio-Inspired Composites and Metamaterials from High-aspect Ratio Ribbons".
| {{:public:thumbs:tms.png?48|}}
|-
|}

==== 2022 ====
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|-
| Dec\_2022
| **New Book Chapter:** in **Surface-Functionalized Ceramics: For Biotechnological and Environmental Applications (2022)** — Hannes C. Schniepp  and Laura Treccani. \\ [[public:publications:pub-60|"Chapter 4: Atomic Force Spectroscopy for Imaging and Chemical Analysis of Ceramic Surfaces"]].
| [[public:publications:pub-60|{{ :public:thumbs:thum_sds-go.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Nov\_2022
| Hannes Schniepp traveled to Boston, MA to attend and present at the 2022 MRS Fall meeting. He presented twice on 
 our spider silk projects in the Bioinspired and Biological Polymers symposium: "Reverse Engineering Spider Silk by Disassembly and Assembly" and "Protein Secondary Structure in Spider Silk Nanofibrils".
| {{ :public:thumbs:thum_mrs.jpg?48|}}
|-
| Nov\_2022
| **Graduation:** Dr. Dinidu Perera graduated with his Ph.D. in Applied Science. His dissertation is titled, [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-11_Dinidu Defense|"Structure, Formation, and Mechanics of Nanofibrillar Spider Silk."]] Congratulations!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-11_Dinidu Defense|{{ :public:team:dinidu.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2022
| **Popular Science** interviewed Hannes Schniepp for an article on the exciting research being done across all silk fields. The article focuses on new advances in spinning silkworm silk but Hannes is featured as the spider silk expert. You can view the article online [[https://www.popsci.com/science/silkworm-silk-spider-spinning/|Here]].
| [[https://www.popsci.com/science/silkworm-silk-spider-spinning/|{{ :public:thum_popular_science.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Sep\_2022
| William & Mary's student newspaper, **The Flat Hat** wrote a nice piece paper titled, "Biomaterials lab pioneers study of spider silk applications, publishes three groundbreaking papers". You can view the article on the Flat Hat's website [[https://flathatnews.com/2022/09/12/biomaterials-lab-pioneers-study-of-spider-silk-applications-publishes-three-groundbreaking-papers/|Here]].
| [[https://flathatnews.com/2022/09/12/biomaterials-lab-pioneers-study-of-spider-silk-applications-publishes-three-groundbreaking-papers/|{{ :public:thumbs:thum_flat_hat.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Aug\_2022
| **New Student:** The W&M Nano & Biomaterials lab takes on Jake Silliman as a PhD student. Jake completed his undergrad at W&M in 2022 with a BS in Physics EPAD, the new engineering focused physics degree.
| {{ :public:team:2022_silliman.jpg?48|}}
|-
| Aug\_2022
| Ben Swenson from the **Daily Press** wrote a fantastic newspaper article featuring our recent [[public:publications:pub-56|Nature Communications]] paper. You can view the article online [[https://www.dailypress.com/virginiagazette/va-vg-spiders-0813-20220819-oi237x7kybei5jw7igsg4oeaji-story.html |Here]].
| [[public:publications:pub-56|{{ :public:thumbs:thum_dailypress.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| The **Williamsburg Yorktown Daily** wrote a great article featuring our recent [[public:publications:pub-56|Nature Communications]] paper titled, "The Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: William & Mary Study Reveals Secrets of Spider Silk". You can view the article on the WYDaily website [[https://wydaily.com/news/2022/07/31/the-itsy-bitsy-spiders-william-mary-study-reveals-secrets-of-spider-silk/|Here]].
| [[https://wydaily.com/news/2022/07/31/the-itsy-bitsy-spiders-william-mary-study-reveals-secrets-of-spider-silk/|{{ :public:thumbs:thum_wydaily.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| **[[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-07_mat_horiz_press_release|Press Release: Super Strong Spider Silk Inspired Tape Junctions]]** for Ben's recent //[[:public:publications:pub-57|Materials Horizons]]// paper. Using inspiration from recluse spider webs, we describe how make an amazingly strong junction using any tape!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-07_mat_horiz_press_release|{{ :public:thumbs:thum_recluse_2022.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| **New Publication:** **Materials Horizons (2022)** — Ben H. Skopic, Sean R. Koebley, and Hannes C. Schniepp*. [[public:publications:pub-57|"Self-strengthening Tape Junctions Inspired by Recluse Spider Webs"]]. \\ When closely observing the loop junctions of recluse silk, we found that the spider implement a specific tape–tape contact geometry to generate impressive strength. We replicated this strength of this junction with ordinary Scotch tape and developed a general model the failure mechanics to be applied to any tape system.
| [[public:publications:pub-57|{{:public:thumbs:thum_2022_mat_horiz.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| **[[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-07_small_press_release|Press Release: Nanofibrillar Structure of Recluse Silk]]** for Dinidu's recent //[[:public:publications:pub-55|Small]]// paper. We developed a new method to determine the mechanical anisotropy of thin films. Using this technique we are able to determine the transverse modulus of recluse silk and the adhesive energy between adjacent nanofibrils for the first time.
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-07_small_press_release|{{public:thumbs:thum_anisotropy.png}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| **New Publication:** **Nature Communications (2022)** — Wang, et al., Greenwood, Cotten, Qazilbash, Schniepp*. [[public:publications:pub-56|"Protein secondary structure in spider silk nanofibrils"]]. \\ Our [[public:publications:pub-36|2018 paper]] determined that recluse silk is made of 100% nanofibrils. Here, we use vibrational spectroscopies to determine the secondary structure of the proteins within those nanofibrils!
| [[public:publications:pub-56|{{:public:thumbs:thum_vibrational.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| Beautiful [[https://news.wm.edu/2022/07/28/wm-study-reveals-novel-findings-on-internal-structure-of-spider-silk/|story in ]]**[[https://news.wm.edu/2022/07/28/wm-study-reveals-novel-findings-on-internal-structure-of-spider-silk/|W&M News]]** featuring our brand new //[[:public:publications:pub-56|Nature Communications]]//[[:public:publications:pub-56| paper]] on the molecularstructure of spider silk!
| [[https://news.wm.edu/2022/07/28/wm-study-reveals-novel-findings-on-internal-structure-of-spider-silk/|{{:public:thumbs:thum_WM.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| Our spider silk research was featured on TV! Reporter and news anchor Anthony Sabella from channel 3 WTKR came to the lab to interview Dinidu Perera and Ben Skopic and learn more about our spiders. You can watch the video feature on [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-07_wtkr|our blog]] or the **[[https://www.wtkr.com/news/this-spiders-bite-is-dangerous-but-local-scientists-say-studying-its-steely-silk-could-save-lives|WTKR website]]**!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-07_wtkr|{{:public:thum_wtkr.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| We are now on social media! Please follow our new //nano & biomaterials lab// **[[https://twitter.com/SchnieppLab|Twitter page @SchnieppLab]]** for research updates from our team!
| [[https://twitter.com/SchnieppLab|{{:public:thumbs:thum_twitter.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2022
| **New Publication:** **Small (2022)** — Dinidu Perera, Qijue Wang, and Hannes C. Schniepp \\ [[public:publications:pub-55|"Multi-Point Nanoindentation Method to Determine Mechanical Anisotropy in Nanofibrillar Thin Films"]]. In this article, we developed a new method to determine the mechanical anisotropy of thin films. Using this technique we are able to determine the transverse modulus of recluse silk and the adhesive energy between adjacent nanofibrils for the first time.
| [[public:publications:pub-55|{{public:thumbs:thum_anisotropy.png}}]]
|-
| May\_2022
| Follow our new //nano & biomaterials lab// **[[https://www.linkedin.com/company/nano-biomaterials-lab|Lab LinkedIn page]]** for updates of our research team!
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-03_aps|{{:public:thumbs:thum_linkedin.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2022
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-03_aps|Two Ph.D. candidates travel to APS 2022]] in Chicago, Il to give two presentations. Dinidu's talk was titled, “Preparation of Natural Spider Silk Nanofibrils by Assembling Molecules or Disassembling Fibers” and Avishi's presentation was titled, “Long-Range Hydrophobic Attraction Between Graphene and Oil–Water Interfaces”
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-03_aps|{{:public:thumbs:thum_aps.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2022
| Current Ph.D. candidate Ben Skopic and Hannes Schniepp traveled to Anaheim, CA to give [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-03-04_mrs2022|three talks at the 2022 TMS]] meeting. Ben's talk was titled, "Bioinspired Self-Strengthening Tape Junctions" and Hannes' two talks were titled, "Diatom Frustules: Universal Building Blocks for Novel Multi-functional Materials" and "Reverse Engineering Spider Silk by Disassembly and Assembly."
| [[public:news:blog:2021-2024:2022-03-04_mrs2022|{{:public:thumbs:tms.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Jan\_2022
| **New Publication:** **The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (2022)** — John M. Gardner, ... , Hannes C. Schniepp & Emilie J. Siochi [[public:publications:pub-49|"Environment control in additive manufacturing of high-performance thermoplastics"]]. In this article, we developed an open-source-based 3D printer with increased environment controls such as an enclosure and part heating using infrared energy.
| [[public:publications:pub-49|{{:public:thum_2022_3dprinter.png?48|}}]]
|-
|}
==== 2021 ====
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| Mar\_2021
| Current undergrad Victor Li won International Student Achievement Award. Students are nominated by faculty and staff for distinguishing themselves in academics, service, and leadership. Victor has done outstanding research in the lab investigating the fibrillar structure of silk. 
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}
|-
| Feb\_2021
| Hannes Schniepp gave two virtual presentations at the //2021 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition//. 
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_tms.png?nolink}}
|-
| Jan\_2021
| **New Publication:** **Macromolecular Bioscience (2020)** — Yujia Liang, ... ,  Dinidu Perera, ..., Hannes C. Schniepp, and  Rangam Rajkhowa [[public:publications:pub-48|"Silk Protein Paper with In Situ Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles"]].  In this article,  we collaborated with Deakin University in Australia to characterize silver nanoparticles synthesized in situ on silkworm silk nanofibrils. **([[public:publications:pub-48|paper]])**.\\
| [[public:publications:pub-48|{{:public:thumbs:2020_dpn_agnp_thumb.png?48|}}]]
|-
|}

==== 2020 ====
{|class="TableItemSpc"
|-
| Nov\_2020
| **New Publication:** **Macromolecules (2020)** — Ngoc Chau H. Vy, ... , Hannes C. Schniepp*, and Douglas H. Adamson.* [[public:publications:pub-47|"Surface-Initiated Passing-through Zwitterionic Polymer Brushes for Salt-Selective and Antifouling Materials"]].  In this article, we present an investigation of a passing-though approach that supplies the monomer from below the initiator-functionalized surface, inverting the concentration gradient found in the traditional growing-from technique that has been shown to increase the D̵ of brushes. **([[public:publications:pub-47|Paper]])**.\\
| [[public:publications:pub-47|{{:public:2020_polymerbrush_thumb.jpeg?48|}}]]
|-
| Nov\_2020
| Current PhD student Aaron Stapel won a W&M Green Fee Fund Grant for the Diatom Project. The grant will allow the group to build a high output bioreactor for mono cultures of diatoms. **[[https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2020/wm-awards-seven-sustainability-projects-green-fee-grants.php|W&M Article]]**
| [[https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2020/wm-awards-seven-sustainability-projects-green-fee-grants.php|{{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2020
| **New Publication: // Chemistry of Materials (2020)//** — Mahmoud S. Amin, Tucker Ethan Molin, Carlo Tampubolon, David E. Kranbuehl,
and Hannes C. Schniepp*\\
[[public:publications:pub-46|"Boron Nitride Nanotube Impurity Detection and Purity Verification"]]. In this paper, we evaluate the ability of thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction, and nonresonant Raman to detect BNNT’s boron, boron oxide, and varying forms of boron nitride impurities. **([[public:publications:pub-46|Paper]])**.\\
| [[public:publications:pub-46|{{:public:thumbs:bnnt_thumb.png?48|}}]]
|-
| May\_2020
| **Graduation:** [[:public:team:amin|Mahmoud Amin]] graduated with his Ph.D. His dissertation was titled //"Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) for Thermal Management and Structural Reinforcement"//.
| [[:public:team:amin|{{:public:team:mahmoud_amin.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| May\_2020
| **Graduation:** Angelica Lin graduated with her B.S. in Applied Science. She did an honors thesis on the self-assembly of native silk dope. 
| {{:public:team:angelica_headshot.png?48|}}
|-
| Mar\_2020
| 10-minute podcast on our silk research titled //The Superpowers of Spider Silk.//. Aired by the //National Nanotechnology Initiative// (//**[[http://nano.gov|nano.gov]]**//). Online since Mar. 16 on //**Nano Matters**//. ([[https://nano-matters.simplecast.com/episodes/the-superpowers-of-spider-silk|Episode Link]])
| [[https://nano-matters.simplecast.com/episodes/the-superpowers-of-spider-silk|{{:public:thumbs:thum_nni.png}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2020
| **New Publication: // Biomacromolecules (2020)//** — Liang,... Perera,...Schniepp*, and Rajkhowa* \\
[[public:publications:pub-42|"Protein Paper from Exfoliated Eri Silk Nanofibers"]]. We collaborated with Deakin University in Australia to characterize silkworm silk nanofibrils using our atomic force microscope expertise. We proved that their milling and high-shear mixing techniques can produce microfibers but not nanofibrils reproducibly. **([[public:publications:pub-42|Paper]])**.
| [[public:publications:pub-42|{{:public:thumbs:thum_acs.jpg?48}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2020
| **New Publication: // JOM (2020)//** — Ben H. Skopic and Hannes C. Schniepp* \\
[[public:publications:pub-45|"Peeling in Biological and Bioinspired Adhesive Systems"]]. Here we reviewed all biological systems for which peeling is an important failure mode. Gecko's feet and spider silk proved to be widely studied and therefore receive more attention in our review. **([[public:publications:pub-45|Paper]])**.
| [[public:publications:pub-45|{{:public:thumbs:thum_peelingreview.png?nolink&48|}}]]
|-
| Jan\_2020
| **New Student:** Aaron Stapel joined the group as a Ph.D. student. He will be returning to William and Mary after completing his undergraduate in 2016 to focus research on the diatoms. Welcome!
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_784.jpg?}}
|-
|}
==== 2019 ====

{|class="TableItemSpc"
|-
| Dec\_2019
| Recent graduate Dr. Qijue Wang traveled to the 2019 MRS Fall Meeting in Boston, Ma. His poster titled //"Nanofibrils as the Basic Building Blocks of Natural Spider Silk"// was nominated for **Best Poster**.
| [[public:news:blog:2017-2020:2019-12-05_qijue-mrsposter|{{:public:thumbs:thum_mrs.jpg?48|}}]]
|-
| Nov\_2019
| **Graduation:** Qijue Wang graduated with his Ph.D. His dissertation was titled //"Nanofibrils as the Basic Building Blocks of Spider Silk"//.
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_recluse.jpg?nolink&48|}}
|-
| Oct\_2019
| **New Publication: // Chemistry of Materials (2019)//** — Amin, Attwater, Pike, Williamson, Kranbuehl, Schniepp* \\
[[public:news:blog:2017-2020:2019-08-07_release_bnnt_purification|"High-Purity Boron Nitride Nanotubes via High-Yield Hydrocarbon Solvent Processing"]]. Here, we propose a mild, high-yield method that removes >99% of the h-BN impurities without any apparent loss or damage to the BNNTs..
| [[public:news:blog:2017-2020:2019-08-07_release_bnnt_purification|{{:public:thumbs:bnnt_thumb.png?48|}}]]
|-
| Sep\_2019
| **New Publication: // Fuel (2019)//** — Dickinson, Aravind, Higgins, Berg, Suijkerbuijk, Schniepp* \\
[[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236119315480|"Using atomic force spectroscopy to study oil/mineral interactions at reservoir temperatures and pressures"]]. We are the first ones to use newly developed crude-oil fictionalized AFM probes to investigate crude oil/brine/rock interactions at high pressures and high temperatures.
|{{:public:thumbs:thum_afm-nanofiber.png?}}
|-
| Jul\_2019
| **New Publication: // Carbon (2019)//** — Zhang, Schniepp*, Adamson \\
[[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008622319307961?dgcid=coauthor|"Characterization of graphene oxide: Variations in reported approaches"]]. This review summarizes the current state of GO characterization and advocates for the development of more standard approaches to characterization.
|[[:public:publications:pub-37|{{:public:thumbs:thum_exforev.jpg?}}]]
|-
| Jul\_2019
| Incoming PhD student Ben Skopic was awarded the Graduate Arts and Sciences Dean's Recruitment Fellowship.  The fellowship is awarded for outstanding accomplishments and for future potential.
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?}}
|-
| Jun\_2019
| **//Falter//** (weekly newspaper in Austria) **[[https://www.falter.at/heureka/20190619/warum-wir-die-braune-einsiedlerspinne-melken/573a312a35|"Warum wir die Braune Einsiedlerspinne melken"]]**. **, Total circulation: 271,000.**
| [[https://www.falter.at/heureka/20190619/warum-wir-die-braune-einsiedlerspinne-melken/573a312a35|{{:public:thumbs:thum_falter.png}}]]
|-
| May\_2019
| "Supermicroscope reveals the secret of the spider" — feature **//Science Illustrated//**, magazine 5/2019. Print edition published in Australia, Thailand, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, The Netherlands, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovenia. **Total circulation 400,000.** 
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_SciIll.png?nolink}}
|-
| May\_2019
| **Graduation:** Will Dickinson graduated with his PhD on //"Interfacial Forces of 2D Materials at the Oil-Water Interface"//.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_optical_graphene.jpg}}
|-
| May\_2019
| **Graduation:** John Gardner graduated with his PhD on //"Additive Manufacturing of Nanomaterials Based Hierarchical Structures"//.
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?|}}
|-
| May\_2019
| **Graduation:** Undergraduate Ben Skopic graduated with his BS in Physics and doing senior research on //"Mechanics of a Bio-Inspired One-Dimensional Thin-Film Mechanical Metamaterial"//.
| {{:public:thumbs:looped_silk_thumb.png?|}}
|-
| Apr\_2019
| Qijue Wang traveled to Phoenix, AZ to present his work on //"Vibrational Spectroscopy of Nanofibrillar Spider Silk"// at the MRS conference.
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_mrs.jpg?|}}
|-
| Mar\_2019
| PhD student Qijue Wang was the only Arts & Sciences winner of the International Student Achievement Award.
| {{:public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?|}}
|-
| Mar\_2019
| PhD students Qijue Wang, Dinidu Perera, and Avishi Abeywickrama present at William and Mary's Graduate Research Symposium.
|[[[[public:publications:presentations|{{public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?nolink|}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2019
| 12-minute radio feature of our silk research titled //Bulletproof Spider Silk//. Aired Feb. 15 on //**NPR**//'s show //"With Good Reason"// hosted by Sarah McConnell. ([[https://www.withgoodreasonradio.org/episode/the-human-ecosystem/|Episode Link]])
| [[https://www.withgoodreasonradio.org/episode/the-human-ecosystem/|{{:public:thumbs:thum_npr.png}}]]
|-
| Jan\_2019
| **New Publication: //JOM (2019)//** — Wang, Schniepp* \\
[[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11837-019-03340-y|"Nanofibrils as Building Blocks of Silk Fibers: Critical Review of the Experimental Evidence"]]. We experimentally determined that recluse silk is entirely made of nanofibrils.
|[[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11837-019-03340-y|{{:public:thumbs:capture1.png?|}}]]
|-
|}
==== 2018 ====

{|class="TableItemSpc"
|-
| Nov\_2018
| //**Science Magazine**// produced a video featuring our recent breakthrough on the nanofibrillar structure of spider silk on Nov. 20. ([[http://scim.ag/2TliJXP|Link to Video]])
| [[http://scim.ag/2TliJXP|{{:public:thumbs:thum_scimag.png?|}}]]
|-
| Nov\_2018
| Discussion of the recent //**ACS Macro Letters**// paper reaches #1 on the engineering subreddit for two days receiving over 32,000 upvotes and 800 comments. ([[https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/9zyt4d/spider_silk_is_5_times_stronger_than_steel_a_new/|Link to thread]])
| [[https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/9zyt4d/spider_silk_is_5_times_stronger_than_steel_a_new/|{{:public:thumbs:reddit-thumb.png?|}}]]
|- 
| Nov\_2018
| //**Danmarks Radio's**// Pernille Kjeldgaard Kristensen writes the online story "Edderkoppespind er stærkt som stål: Nu ved vi hvorfor" (Dec 2, 2018). **[[https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/viden/klima/edderkoppespind-er-staerkt-som-staal-nu-ved-vi-hvorfor|Link]]**.
| [[https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/viden/klima/edderkoppespind-er-staerkt-som-staal-nu-ved-vi-hvorfor|{{:public:thumbs:thum_dr.png}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2018
|PhD student Dinidu Perera participated in the 3MT Competition and won second place and the peoples' choice award with //"Making Spider Man's Silk Ropes a Reality"//.
|[[:public:publications:pub-36|{{:public:thumbs:3mt_thumb.png?|}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2018
| **New Publication: //ACS Macro Letters (2018)//** — Wang, Schniepp* \\
[[:public:publications:pub-36|"Strength of Recluse Spider's Silk Originates from Nanofibrils"]]. We experimentally determined that recluse silk is entirely made of nanofibrils.
|[[:public:publications:pub-36|{{:public:thumbs:thum_acs.jpg?|}}]]
|- 
| May\_2018
| **New Publication: //Nanoscale (2018)//** — Dickinson, Kumar, Adamson, Schniepp* \\
[[:public:publications:pub-34|"High-throughput optical thickness and size characterization of 2D materials"]]. We developed a simple method to measure the thickness of many graphene sheets with atomic precision **([[:public:news:blog:2018-05-04_release_optical_characterization|press release]])**.
|[[:public:publications:pub-34|{{public:thumbs:thum_optical_graphene.jpg}}]]
|-
| Apr\_2018
| Undergraduate student //[[:public:news:blog:2017-2020:2018-04-25_chloe-defense|Chloe Walsh]]// [[:public:news:blog:2017-2020:2018-04-25_chloe-defense|successfully defended her honors thesis]], "Self-Assembly of Native Spider Silk Protein" on April 25. 
|[[:public:news:blog:2017-2020:2018-04-25_chloe-defense|{{public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?nolink|}}]]
|-
| Apr\_2018
| **[[public:news:blog:2018-04-21_Poster-Earthday|Nanomaterials & Imaging Lab at William & Mary Earth Day 2018]]:** 
We highlighted the ability of **silk to replace synthetic plastics** and the importance of **our research** to achieve this goal.
|[[public:news:blog:2018-04-21_Poster-Earthday|{{public:thumbs:Earthweek2018.jpg}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2018
| [[:public:news:blog:2017-2020:2018-03-05_qijue-apstalk|Ph. D. student Qijue Wang presented his work]] on Mar. 5, in APS 2018 March Meeting in Los Angeles, CA.
| [[:public:news:blog:2017-2020:2018-03-05_qijue-apstalk|{{public:thumbs:thum_aps.jpg?nolink}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2018
| Prof. Schniepp presents an invited talk on "Toughness-Enhancing Linear Metastructure in the Recluse Spider’s Nanoribbon Silk" in the //Bio Nano Interfaces and Engineering Applications Symposium// at **//TMS 2018: Annual Meeting & Exhibition//** in Phoenix, AR.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_TMS.png?nolink}}
|-
| Jan\_2018
| Ph. D. student Qijue Wang is awarded Arts & Sciences Office of Graduate Studies and Research/Graduate Student Association Conference Funding, William & Mary.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?nolink}}
|-
| Jan\_2018
| Ph. D. student Qijue Wang is selected to present his work about the structure of recluse spider silk in APS 2018 March Meeting in Los Angeles, CA, Mar. 5-9.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_aps.jpg?nolink}}
|}

==== 2017 ====

{|class="TableItemSpc"
|-
| Dec\_2017
| Prof. Schniepp joins the editorial board of **[[http://journals.plos.org/plosone/|PLOS ONE]]**, one of the world's largest scientific journals as an **//Academic Editor//**. 
| [[http://journals.plos.org/plosone/|{{:public:thumbs:thum_plos.png?nolink|}}]]
|-
| Dec\_2017
| Prof. Schniepp speaks at the //**[[http://www.mechanicsofbiomaterials.com|7th International Conference on Mechanics of Biomaterials and Tissues]]**// about our most recent results on the hierarchical structure of silk. 
|[[http://www.mechanicsofbiomaterials.com|{{public:thumbs:thum_icmobt.jpg?nolink}}]]
|-
| Dec\_2017
| Prof. Schniepp presents four papers at the **2017 Fall MRS Meeting** in Boston, MA on topics including the brown recluse ribbon silk, thermal interface materials, and interfacial properties of graphene.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_mrs.jpg?nolink}}
|-
| Nov\_2017
| Ph. D. student Qijue Wang receives an //International Student Opportunity Award// from the Reves Center for International Studies, William and Mary.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?nolink}}
|-
| Sep\_2017
| **New publication: //Polymer (2017)//** — Hocker, Hudson-Smith, Smith, Komatsu, Dickinson, Schniepp & Kranbuehl: [[:public:publications:pub-33|"Graphene oxide reduces the hydrolytic degradation in polyamide-11"]]. A tiny amount of graphene makes plastics more durable.
|[[:public:publications:pub-33|{{public:thumbs:thum_go-pa11.jpg}}]]
|-
| Sep\_2017
| Prof. Schniepp gives an invited lecture on “The Strong, Tough & Sticky Silk Nanoribbons of the Recluse Spider: Revealing the Structure and Properties” in the Biomedical Engineering Department at **//Tufts University//**, Medford, MA. 
| {{public:thumbs:thum_Tufts.jpg?nolink}}
|-
| Sep\_2017
| Prof. Schniepp gives an invited lecture on “Synthetic and Biogenic 2D Materials: Interfacial Properties and Characterization” in the Chemical and Bioengineering Department at //**The Colorado School of Mines**//, Golden, CO. 
| {{public:thumbs:thum_Mines.jpg?nolink}}
|-
| Aug\_2017
| Prof. Schniepp gives an invited talk on “Graphene as a two-dimensional surfactant” at the //**Fall 2017 National Meeting of the American Chemical Society**//, Washington, D.C.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_ACS.jpg?nolink}}
|-
| May\_2017
| //**[[http://www.rtvs.sk/radio/archiv/1161/671926|Slovak National Radio (rtvs)]]**//, 5-minute radio interview carried out by host Martin Rajec on our latest research 
on the silk of the recluse spider. **//[[http://www.rtvs.sk/radio/archiv/1161/671926|Aired on May 13, 2017]]//**.
|[[http://www.rtvs.sk/radio/archiv/1161/671926|{{public:thumbs:thum_rtvs.png}}]]
|-
| Mar\_2017
| The **//U.S. National Science Foundation//** produces a **[[public:news:blog:2017-03-09_nsf_science_360|video feature of our breakthrough on the loops of the brown recluse spider]]** in their //**Science Now—Science 360**// show (Episode 50). 
|[[public:news:blog:2017-03-09_nsf_science_360|{{public:thumbs:thum_nsf.jpg}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2017
| //**Discovery Channel Canada]**// airs a **[[public:news:blog:2017-02-16_loops_tv|TV feature of our brown recluse looped silk discovery]]** in their science show //Daily Planet// (7:00 pm show on February 15).
| [[public:news:blog:2017-02-16_loops_tv|{{public:thumbs:thum_dailyplanet.jpg}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2017
| **//BBC radio interview//**: On Feb. 20, the BBC aired a 5-minute radio interview with Prof. Schniepp on the group's recent breakthough on the looped recluse silk. Now available [[https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/deadly-spiders-web-could-make-safer-space-travel|here]] (The Naked Scientists).
| [[https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/deadly-spiders-web-could-make-safer-space-travel|{{:public:thumbs:thum_bbc.png?nolink|}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2017
| **//ABC Australia radio interview//**: On Feb. 24, the BBC interview was also aired on the other side of the world. Now available [[https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/deadly-spiders-web-could-make-safer-space-travel|here]] (The Naked Scientists).
| [[https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/deadly-spiders-web-could-make-safer-space-travel|{{:public:thumbs:thum_abc.jpg?nolink|}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2017
| Prof. Schniepp gives an invited talk on the “Toughness-Enhancing Linear Metastructure in the Recluse Spider’s Nanoribbon Silk” at the //Bio Nano Interfaces and Engineering Applications Symposium// at the **//TMS 2017: Annual Meeting & Exhibition//**, San Diego, CA.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_TMS.png?nolink}}
|-
| Feb\_2017
| **//The Naked Scientists//**, a British science podcast, features Prof. Schniepp's BBC interview on their web page, including a written story and images:  [[https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/deadly-spiders-web-could-make-safer-space-travel|link]].
| [[https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/deadly-spiders-web-could-make-safer-space-travel|{{:public:thumbs:thum_naked_scientists.png?nolink|}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2017
| The //**[[http://www.dailypress.com|Daily Press]]**// has a **[[:public:news:blog/2017-02-15_daily_press_video_interview|video feature]]** on our silk research.
|[[public:news:blog:2017-02-15_daily_press_video_interview|{{public:thumbs:daily_press_thumb.jpg}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2017
| //**The Daily Press**// [[http://www.dailypress.com/news/williamsburg/william-and-mary/92579514-132.html|interviews]] Prof. Schniepp as part of their **[[http://www.dailypress.com/news/science/dp-nws-recluse-spider-silk-update-20170214-story.html|front page story]]** on our [[public:publications:pub-32|paper on the loops in the silk of the recluse spider]].
| [[http://www.dailypress.com/news/williamsburg/william-and-mary/92579514-132.html|{{:public:thumbs:thum_dailypress.jpg}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2017
| **New publication: //Materials Horizons (2017)//** — Koebley, Vollrath & Schniepp*: [[:public:publications:pub-32|"Toughness-enhancing metastructure in the recluse spider's looped ribbon silk"]]. Ribbon silk has the unique ability to enhance toughness and maintain strength via looping.
|[[:public:publications:pub-32|{{public:thumbs:looped_silk_thumb.png}}]]
|-
| Jan\_2017
| Our PhD student Sean Koebley gives an invited talk on “The looped, 2D ribbon silk of the brown recluse spider: unique model and inspiration for design” at //Virginia Commonwealth University//, Richmond, Virginia.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_VCU.png?nolink}}
|}

==== 2016 ====

{|class="TableItemSpc"
|-
| Dec\_2016
| **[[http://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2016/wm-grad-students-start-interdisciplinary-club-for-sharing-research.php|New story]]** on the William & Mary web page featuring our team member **Sean Koebley** as one of the two founding members of //[[https://www.facebook.com/groups/WMJournalClub/|William & Mary Journal Club]]//, a weekly gathering of William & Mary graduate students for sharing research.
| [[http://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2016/wm-grad-students-start-interdisciplinary-club-for-sharing-research.php|{{public:thumbs:thum_wm.png?nolink}}]]
|-
| Nov\_2016
| Prof. Schniepp and graduate students **[[public:news:blog:2014-2016:2016-11-28_qijue_mrs|Qijue Wang]]** and **[[public:news:blog:2014-2016:2016-11-30_will_mrs|Will Dickinson]]** present several papers at the **2016 Fall MRS Meeting** in Boston, MA on topics including the brown recluse ribbon silk, optical characterization of 2D materials/graphene, and oil recovery.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_mrs.jpg?nolink}}
|-
| Oct\_2016
| Our PhD student Sean Koebley gives an **invited presentation** “The looped, ribbon silk of the brown recluse spider: unique model and inspiration for design”, in the Chemistry Seminar, //Christopher Newport University//, Newport News, Virginia.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_cnu.png?nolink}}
|-
| Oct\_2016
| We have **two openings for new PhD students** in our group. Starting date: Fall 2017. For 
more information, click [[:public:opportunities|here]]. Application Deadline: February 2017.
| [[:public:opportunities|{{public:thumbs:thum_phd.jpg}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2016
| **Invited Presentation:** Our PhD student //Sean Koebley// presents the most recent breakthroughs in his investigations of the brown recluse ribbons silk in front of the William & Mary Graduate Studies Advisory Board. 
|[[:public:publications:pub-31|{{public:thumbs:thum_sean.jpg}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2016
| **New publication: //Energy & Fuels (2016)//** — Dickinson, Suijkerbuijk, Berg, Marcelis & Schniepp*
[[:public:publications:pub-31|"Atomic Force Spectroscopy Using Colloidal Tips Functionalized with Dried Crude Oil: A Versatile Tool to Investigate Oil–Mineral Interactions"]]. 
**[[:public:news:blog:2014-2016:2016-10-27_release-oil-recovery|Press Release]].**
|[[:public:publications:pub-31|{{public:thumbs:thum_energy-fuels.jpg}}]]
|-
| Oct\_2016
| Prof. Schniepp presents an **invited talk** “Revealing the Secrets of Nanomaterials: Pushing the Limits of Performance and Functionality” at //National Institute of Aerospace// Meeting, Virginia, U.S.A. (October 7, 2016).
| {{public:thumbs:thum_nia.png?nolink}}
|-
| Sep\_2016
| **[[http://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2016/integrated-science-center-phase-3-set-to-stun.php|William & Mary features our Lab]]**  in a news story about the new ISC building.\\
Our highly sensitive work on atomic force microscopy is highlighted. 
|[[http://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2016/integrated-science-center-phase-3-set-to-stun.php|{{public:thumbs:thum_wm.png}}]]
|-
| Sep\_2016
| **New publication: //Surface Innovations (2016)//** — Dickinson, Kranbuehl & Schniepp* 
[[:public:publications:pub-30|"Assessing Graphene Oxide/Polymer Interfacial Interactions via Peeling Test"]].
|[[:public:publications:pub-30|{{public:thumbs:thum_peeling.jpg}}]]
|-
| May\_2016
| Prof. Schniepp gives an **invited talk** “The Strong, Tough & Sticky Silk Nanoribbons of the Brown Recluse — Revealing the Structure and Properties of a Quasi-2D Protein Material”, //Air Force Research Laboratory// Seminar, Wright–Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_AFRL.png?nolink}}
|-
| Apr\_2016
| The physics department at the College of William & Mary has named Prof. Schniepp a  \\
**[[:public:team:schniepp|Courtesy Associate Professor of Physics]]**. 
| {{public:thumbs:thum_hasi.jpg?nolink}}
|-
| Apr\_2016
| **New publication: //Polymer (2016)//** — Hocker, Hudson-Smith, Schniepp & Kranbuehl* [[:public:publications:pub-29|"Enhancing polyimide's water barrier properties through addition of functionalized graphene oxide"]].
|[[:public:publications:pub-29|{{public:thumbs:thum_polyimide-barrier.png}}]]
|-
| Apr\_2016
| **New publication: //Nanoscale (2016)//** — Neugirg, Koebley, Schniepp* & Fery*
[[:public:publications:pub-28|"AFM-based mechanical characterization of single nanofibres"]].
|[[:public:publications:pub-28|{{public:thumbs:thum_afm-nanofiber.png}}]]
|-
| Feb\_2016
| Prof. Schniepp gives an invited talk on the latest Spider Nanoribbon Silk research at the //Bio Nano Interfaces and Engineering Applications Symposium// at the **//TMS 2016: Annual Meeting & Exhibition//**, Nashville, TN.
| {{public:thumbs:thum_TMS.png?nolink}}
|}


==== 2012–2015 ====

These older items can be found in our **[[public:news:2012-2015|2012–2015 News Archive]]**.

==== 2007–2011 ====

These older items can be found in our **[[public:news:2007-2011|2007–2011 News Archive]]**.