Bassil El-Zaatari

Bassil El-Zaatari is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Davidson College specializing in polymer science. His research develops novel polymeric materials using photopolymerization and click chemistry for applications including recyclable plastics, dental composites, fuel cell membranes, and drug delivery systems.

He holds dual BS/BA degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from North Carolina State University and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. Postdoctoral research at Northwestern University focused on covalent adaptable networks under Julia Kalow.

Research integrates synthetic chemistry with material design principles to create sustainable technologies. Current projects explore vitrimer characterization, bio-sourced monomers from lichen derivatives, and dynamic cross-linking mechanisms. Laboratory facilities include polymer synthesis and 3D printing capabilities at Wall Building.