Joe Patterson

Joe Patterson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). His research focuses on soft matter chemistry and advanced electron microscopy techniques, particularly liquid-phase TEM and cryo-EM, to study polymer self-assembly, nanomaterials, and sustainable materials design. His group develops innovative materials for biomedical, energy, and environmental applications, emphasizing sustainability, biodegradability, and non-toxic synthesis methods.

Research interests include polymer chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, and the application of electron microscopy to study soft matter dynamics. The lab has pioneered methods for real-time observation of material assembly processes, such as block copolymer morphologies and metal-organic frameworks. Key projects involve designing stimuli-responsive hydrogels, understanding phase separation in biomaterials, and developing energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

Notable contributions include cryo-EM studies of supramolecular hydrogels, liquid-phase TEM analysis of electrochemical materials, and the synthesis of bioreducible polymers for drug delivery. The Patterson Group maintains a diverse academic environment, fostering collaboration among graduate and undergraduate students in projects such as nanocrystal engineering, peptide-based conductive fibers, and sustainable polymer design.

Recent work highlights include investigations into disulfide hydrogel self-assembly, bactericidal histone-membrane interactions, and the dynamics of semicrystalline block copolymers. The lab’s interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, materials science, and biology, with applications in nanomedicine, energy storage, and environmental sustainability.