Posted 2:54 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2026
Understanding Displays at La Crosse Science Café
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) chemistry professor Joe Hurley will present on the chemistry behind modern electronic displays at the La Crosse Science Café on Friday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. The event, which takes place at JavaVino in La Crosse, aims to connect complex scientific topics to everyday experiences.
Hurley’s talk, titled “From Molecules to Pixels: How Chemistry Shapes Modern Displays,” will delve into the connections between the chemical components in devices like smartphones and tablets and the vibrant images they display. His research group is engaged in designing molecules that could enhance display quality, making them brighter, sharper, and more affordable.
“I just want people to have a better understanding of these devices that we all carry with us every day,” said Hurley. The La Crosse Science Café, which encourages informal dialogue around scientific topics, was launched in 2017 to make scientific information more accessible to the public.
Basudeb Bhattacharyya, another UWL faculty member involved in the initiative, stated that the Science Café provides a platform for community members to learn about various scientific subjects and engage with experts, sparking curiosity and conversation. Typically, events attract 40 to 60 attendees of diverse ages and backgrounds.
During his presentation, Hurley will also highlight the real-world applications of his research, which focuses on improving the efficiency of electronic displays while seeking alternatives to costly metals traditionally used in their production. His team is working on synthesizing molecules that can emit bright colors, a key factor in creating commercially viable screens.
“The biggest challenge overall is getting molecules to emit the right color(s) brightly enough,” Hurley explained. He noted that they aim for molecules capable of emitting white light, which would unlock the full spectrum of visible colors while using electricity as an energy source—a challenge many organic molecules struggle to meet.
The Science Café series not only educates but also invites undergraduate students to participate in research, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge scientific methods.
The La Crosse Science Café occurs on the second Friday of the month from September through April. More information about upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page.
Event Details:
Title: From Molecules to Pixels: How Chemistry Shapes Modern Displays
Speaker: Joe Hurley, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Date and Time: 6–7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
Venue: JavaVino, 2311 State Road, La Crosse
Cost: Purchase of food and/or beverage required. Reservations are recommended.
