Samuel Root

Samuel Root serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University. His research laboratory focuses on functional polymer composites with applications spanning sustainable energy, healthcare, and robotics. Root maintains active collaborations with leading institutions including Stanford University, UC San Diego, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester (2014)
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, University of California, San Diego (2018)

Root's research centers on functional polymers and composites, integrating experimental materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and device prototyping with theoretical modeling. His laboratory investigates damage-perceptive soft electronics, ultra-low loss dielectric composites for energy-efficient electronics packaging, and thermal-electrical conductivity relationships in liquid metal microdroplet composites. Current projects emphasize sustainable energy solutions, biomedical applications, and next-generation robotics materials where polymers serve as enabling components for advanced electronic systems.

Analysis of Root's recent publications reveals a strong focus on self-healing materials and bio-inspired electronics. His work bridges fundamental polymer science with practical applications in soft robotics and wearable technology. Key trends include the development of autonomous alignment systems in dynamic polymers, novel dielectric composites for high-speed electronics, and molecular-scale charge transport phenomena in soft materials. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration across materials science, electrical engineering, and biomedical fields.

• Powell Fellowship (2014)
• Corning Glass Age Award (2017)
• ARCS Fellowship (2017)
• Presidents Dissertation Year Fellowship (2017)
• Chemistry of Materials Lectureship & Paper of the Year Award (2018)
• Rising Stars in Soft and Biological Matter (2023)

Root leads the Root Laboratory for Functional Polymer Composites, directing research teams on multiple NSF and industry-sponsored projects. His recent patent applications include multi-layer self-healing apparatuses and expanding foam-fabric orthopedic stabilization devices. The laboratory maintains strong industry partnerships with Corning Inc. and collaborates extensively with national laboratories. Root actively mentors graduate students in polymer science and has developed an innovative new course on polymer electronics launching in Fall 2025.

The Root Laboratory operates state-of-the-art facilities for polymer synthesis, advanced materials characterization, and device prototyping. Research teams include graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate collaborators working across three primary project areas: soft bioelectronics, energy-efficient composites, and robotics materials. The laboratory maintains close ties with the University of Chicago MRSEC and participates in the Stanford Polymer Collective network.