Scott Shell

Scott Shell is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of California Santa Barbara, holding the John Myers Founder's Chair and serving as Department Vice Chair. He is also Associate Director and GAP A Co-Leader for the Bio Gap Attack Platform, specializing in Structure and Dynamics of Water and Solutes Near Interfaces.

His educational background includes:

• BS in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University (2000)
• PhD in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University (2005)
• Postdoctoral training in Biophysics at the University of California San Francisco (2005-07)

Professor Shell's research centers on molecular simulation and statistical mechanical theory applied to complex soft materials and biomaterials. His group develops fundamental strategies for coarse-grained modeling, creates optimization approaches for interfacial material design (particularly water purification membranes), investigates hydrophobic interactions at interfaces, and studies peptide self-assembly mechanisms. This work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in biophysics and materials science through advanced computational techniques.

His significant scientific recognition includes:

• Elected Fellow of AIChE (2025)
• Elected Fellow of AAAS (2024)
• Academic Senate Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award (2022)
• John E. Myers Founder's Chair (2018)
• AIChE CoMSEF Impact Award (2017)
• Sloan Research Fellowship (2012)
• NSF CAREER Award (2009)

As an advisor, Professor Shell maintains an active mentoring program recognized by the 2022 Academic Senate Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including the NSF CAREER Award and Dreyfus New Faculty Award. He leads The Shell Lab at UCSB, which brings together researchers working on protein folding principles, peptide structure, aqueous solutions, and advanced simulation methodologies in a collaborative environment focused on contemporary biophysics challenges.