Nicholas A. Kotov is Irving Langmuir Distinguished University Professor in Chemical Sciences at the University of Michigan. He also serves as a Director of the NSF Science and Technology Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS). He is pioneer of biomimetic composites from ‘imperfect’ nanoparticles including colloids one- and two-dimensional nanomaterials. Chiral nanostructures, complex nanocomposites, and graph theoretical representations are the focal points in his current work. Nicholas is a recipient of more than 60 awards and recognitions. Together with his students, Nicholas founded several startups that commercialized self-assembled nanostructures for energy, healthcare and automotive industry. Nicholas is a Fellow of America Academy of Arts and Sciences and National Academy of Inventors. He is also a devoted advocate of scientists with disabilities.