Artwork Credit: Michael Hurley, Research Laboratory of Electronics
Related Links:
- Professor Jeff Grossman
- Coffee fix: MIT students decode the science behind the perfect cup (MIT News)
- MIT professor masters the perfect cup of coffee (NBC10 Boston)
- Microwaving your coffee changes it, and other lessons learned (while sipping espresso) in MIT’s coffee class (Boston Globe)
Professor Jeff Grossman teaches Course 3.000, “Coffee Matters: Using the Breakerspace to Make the Perfect Cup.” Students delve into the world of materials science through brewing, sipping, and testing several forms of coffee and espresso. Presents cutting-edge materials characterization tools, including optical and electron microscopes, spectroscopy techniques, and hardness/strength testing. Through experiments to analyze the composition and microstructure of coffee beans, grinds, and brewing equipment, students have the opportunity to learn how material properties influence the taste, aroma, and quality of espresso.