Paul Nealey

Paul Nealey is the Brady W. Dougan Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His research focuses on directed self-assembly of block copolymers for nanolithography, nanopatterning, and energy storage applications. He holds 14 patents and has authored over 180 publications. Notable collaborations include work with Prof. Juan de Pablo on block copolymer systems and Prof. Shrayesh Patel on ion transport in polymer electrolytes. His honors include American Physical Society fellowship and the 2010 Nanoscale Science Award.

• Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (MIT), BChE (Rice University, magna cum laude)
• Previous Affiliation: Shoemaker Professor at UW-Madison
• Labs/Teams: Nealey Group (focusing on advanced lithography, nanofabrication, and cell-substrate interactions)

His research spans interdisciplinary topics such as nanostructured surfaces for corneal prosthetics, polymer electrolytes for batteries, and computational-experimental teamwork with de Pablo. Current projects emphasize ion transport mechanisms in anion exchange membranes and solid electrolyte development.

• Awards: 2009 Inventor Recognition Award (SRC), 2010 AIChE Nanoscale Science Award

Advising includes co-advised doctoral students and a focus on training graduate students in interdisciplinary molecular engineering. His lab employs postdocs and graduate students in areas like directed self-assembly, liquid crystalline polymers, and energy materials.