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Liquid Crystal Displays are all around us. They have completely revolutionized the way that we use technology. Every time you use a television, a laptop, a digital watch, or a calculator, you are using technology that was first developed right here at Kent State University.

The Liquid  Crystal Institute, founded by Glenn Brown, is the world’s first research center focused on the study of liquid crystals.

This year the laboratory will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Many students and staff spend countless hours in the lab, developing and researching new technology. Graduate student Nik Glazer is currently working on the world’s first LED Heads Up Display. Glazar believes that the future of the liquid crystal industry is shifting over to the biological sciences.

In the fall of 2015, the Institute will launch a new graduate program for students to earn their PhD in Liquid Crystal Engineering.

Today’s generation of Kent State students are working dilligently to research and develop new technology, and to hopefully create their own patent. They are paving the way for a lighter, brighter, future.

For Broadcasting Beat Reporting, I’m Gabrielle Payne.