Junfeng Chen

Junfeng Chen is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) at the University of South Carolina's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on developing advanced polymeric nanomaterials for applications in health, biotechnology, and sustainability. Key areas include sequence-controlled polymers, high-throughput synthesis methodologies, and enzyme-mimetic catalysis.

• Education:
  • B.S. in Chemistry (2015), Nanjing University
  • Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry (2020), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2024), University of California, Santa Barbara

Research interests span polymer chemistry, nanoparticle design, and chemical biology. His team investigates polymer self-assembly, catalytic systems, and sustainable materials. Notable achievements include developing polymeric 'clickases' and enzyme-mimic catalysts.

Key awards include the Heeger Award (2023), Walter G. Klemperer Dissertation Award (2020), and Coleman Fellowship (2018). His work has been presented at major conferences, including ACS National Meetings and the Gordon Conference on Polymers.

Laboratory facilities include labs HZN1 215 and 216, where interdisciplinary research integrates organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and nanotechnology. Future projects aim to advance data-driven polymer design and biocompatible materials.