The latest STEM Cafe event will feature research and theories on strengthening materials at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, according to a press release from Outreach, Engagement, and Information Technologies.

STEM Cafe speaker Michael Haji-Sheikh, an NIU associate professor of electrical engineering, will give a free discussion at the Taxco Restaurant, 223 W. State St.

The discussion will cover things like strengthened bicycles used by Olympic champions, newly-designed clothing and household tools, according to the press release.

Haji-Sheikh holds 14 U.S. patents and three European patents in sensors and mechanics, according to the press release. Material scientists like him study spider silk and other natural materials to develop new commercial materials, according to the press release.

STEM Cafe is an ongoing NIU series where community members can hear informal lectures on research in science, technology, engineering and math. The series is open to the public.

For more information, visit www.niu.edu/stem or contact Judith Dymond at [email protected] or 815-753-4751.