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Jennifer Ross is a Professor of Physics and Associate Dean for Creativity, Scholarship, and Research at the College of Arts & Sciences of Syracuse University . As a biophysicist, she investigates how cells organize their interiors through self-assembly and active matter principles, focusing on the microtubule cytoskeleton and enzyme-driven systems using single-molecule imaging . Her research bridges fundamental physics with biological organization . Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara (2004) B.A. in Physics and Mathematics, Wellesley College (2000) Research Focus: Self-organization of cytoskeletal networks Active matter dynamics in biological systems Motor protein interactions and cargo transport Programming circadian materials via biomolecular systems Microtubule severing mechanisms Recent Article Trends: 2025 studies explore kinesin-driven cytoskeletal composites, urease-DNA origami engineering, and crosslinker-regulated network mechanics 2024-2023 work examines ionic strength effects on microtubules, programmable circadian materials, and motor-cargo dynamics Earlier studies analyze actin-microtubule composites, liquid crystal phase control, and severing enzyme mechanisms Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Cottrell Scholar (2025) and STAR Award Margaret Oakley Dayhoff Award (Biophysical Society) Grants: Leads multiple NSF, Sloan Foundation, and Research Corporation grants for projects like "Energy and Entropy Sculpting" and "Explorations: SUPER-Tech SHIP" . Teaching: Offers courses in experimental physics, microscopy, and biophysics, including a globally adopted hands-on microscope-building curriculum. Lab: Heads the Bio-Active Matter Lab , studying how cells harness noisy systems for autonomous organization.

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Biological Condensed Matter Physics
• +5 more

Dr. Sungjin Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of New Mexico (UNM). He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT (2020) as a Samsung Scholarship Fellow, with prior degrees from KAIST (M.S. 2011, B.S. 2009) and exchange experience at Georgia Tech (2008). His research focuses on bioinspired, energy-efficient materials design for sustainability and healthcare. Education: Ph.D., MIT (2020) M.S. and B.S., KAIST (2011, 2009) Exchange Student, Georgia Tech (2008) Research Interests: Dynamic crosslinking in polymers, bioinspired mineralization for CO2 utilization and hard-tissue engineering, vitrimers for recyclable composites, and sustainable additive manufacturing. His work bridges fundamental chemistry (e.g., metal-coordinate bonds) and applied engineering (e.g., 3D printing). Notable Publications (2025-2022): Explore polyisocyanurate foams, dynamic vitrimer composites, and bioinspired mineralization strategies. Common themes include sustainable materials, dynamic bonding, and hybrid organic-inorganic systems. Awards: Samsung Scholarship Fellow (2014-2019) Government Scholarship (Korea, 2009-2011) Research Report of the Year Award (2012, SKC Co., Ltd.) Outstanding New Researcher Award (2011, SKC Co., Ltd.) Students: Advisees include graduate students Leila Shahriari and Michael Nelwood, and undergraduates Tyrus Antonson and Jacqueline Buenviaje. Former members include Catherine Biju (M.S. candidate) and Lillian Elam (undergraduate).

• Polymer Science
• Dynamic Crosslinking
• Bioinspired Mineralization
• +7 more

Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.

• Polymer Science
• Materials Engineering
• Soft Condensed Matter Physics
• +4 more

Ralph H. Colby serves as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, holding the Corning Faculty Fellowship. His research focuses on molecular-level dynamics in complex fluids, particularly polymers, ionomers, and liquid crystalline systems. With over 130 publications and authorship of the textbook Polymer Physics (2003), he directs an active research program examining structure-property relationships in soft matter. B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University (1979) M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1983) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1985) Professor Colby's research spans polymer physics, rheology, and materials for energy applications. His group employs mechanical rheology, dielectric spectroscopy, and scattering techniques to investigate ion transport in single-ion conductors for batteries, dynamics of glass-forming liquids, and self-assembly in polyelectrolyte systems. Current work emphasizes structure-property relationships in ionomers, liquid crystalline polymers, and branched architectures. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent focus on ionomer membranes for energy applications, processing-structure relationships in advanced polymers, and fundamental dynamics of complex fluids. Key trends include increasing integration of computational modeling with experimental characterization, expansion into sustainable materials processing, and growing emphasis on applications in battery technology and biomedical materials. Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement (2022) Bingham Medal, Society of Rheology (2012) American Chemical Society Fellowship Corning Faculty Fellowship in Materials Science and Engineering Professor Colby leads multiple federally funded projects including NSF's 'Fundamental Studies of Flow-Induced Polymer Crystallization' and DOE's 'Conduction mechanisms and structure of ionomeric single-ion conductors'. His group maintains strong industry partnerships with Corning Incorporated and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Penn State Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Current research includes collaborations on breast cancer adherence interventions in Rwanda and conjugated polymer development for flexible electronics. The Colby Research Group operates specialized facilities for rheological characterization, dielectric spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering at Penn State's Materials Research Institute. The team maintains active collaborations with national laboratories and international research groups, focusing on translating fundamental polymer physics discoveries into practical applications for energy storage and advanced manufacturing.

• Polymer Physics
• Rheology
• Ionomers
• +5 more

Michael Murrell is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with additional appointments in the Physics Department and the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Track. He holds a B.S. from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. from MIT. His research focuses on understanding cellular mechanics through biomimetic systems and soft matter physics, aiming to bridge biological principles with technological innovation. Key interests include the mechanical basis of cell division, migration, and energy dynamics in cytoskeletal networks. Selected honors include the Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter (2010–2012), an NIH Biotechnology Training Grant (2005–2008), and the MIT Presidential Fellowship (2004). His lab, the Laboratory of Living Matter, investigates how physical properties of cells drive life processes, using tools from synthetic biology and computational modeling. Recent work explores energy localization in cytoskeletal networks and mechanical memory in actin systems. Publications highlight advancements in actomyosin contractility, cortical flows, and biophysical energy conversion. The lab actively seeks PhD students and postdocs to join interdisciplinary projects at the Yale Systems Biology Institute and the Physical Engineering and Biology Program.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Soft Matter Physics
• +3 more

Jennifer L. West is the Dean of the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science and holds the Saunders Family Professorship in Engineering. She is a dual professor in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Dean West has a 30-year record as a researcher, educator, inventor, and entrepreneur, focusing on biomaterials, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering to address unmet medical needs, particularly in cancer therapy. Her education includes a B.S. from MIT (1992) and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin (1996). Before UVA, she was at Duke University as the Fitzpatrick Family Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Associate Dean for Ph.D. Education. Research Interests: Biomaterials and biosynthesis Nanotechnology and tissue engineering Cancer therapy through engineered materials Scientific Awards: Member of the National Academy of Medicine (2023) Member of the National Academy of Engineering (2016) Over 20 patents, including foundational work for Nanospectra Biosciences’ clinical trials in cancer therapy Grants & Initiatives: Leading UVA Engineering’s focus on research, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship Recipient of a $900,000 grant for character-building education initiatives Labs & Teams: Developed hydrogel platforms for tissue integration, vascularization, and drug delivery Pioneered gold nanoshell-based photothermal cancer therapy

• Biomaterials
• Nanotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Monica P. Colaiacovo is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, where she leads research in the Department of Genetics within the Blavatnik Institute. Her laboratory is located in the New Research Building in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Colaiacovo's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, chromosome dynamics, and DNA repair in the Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Her work examines how environmental toxicants impact germline function and reproductive health, with particular emphasis on chromosome segregation, recombination, and the synaptonemal complex. Her publications reveal a consistent research trajectory examining critical aspects of meiotic chromosome behavior, including double-strand break formation and repair, crossover designation, and chromosome movement during prophase I. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how environmental exposures like bisphenol A and phthalates disrupt normal meiotic progression and lead to germline dysfunction. Dr. Colaiacovo's work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between basic chromosome biology, environmental health sciences, and reproductive medicine. Her research group employs advanced genetic, molecular, and imaging techniques to dissect the complex mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during gamete formation. Her laboratory actively collaborates with researchers studying aging, DNA repair pathways, and environmental toxicology, as evidenced by publications spanning multiple high-impact journals including Nature, PLoS Genetics, and Genetics.

• Meiosis
• Chromosome dynamics
• DNA repair
• +6 more

Prof. Paul V. Braun is the Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is also a part-time faculty member at the Beckman Institute. His research focuses on synthesizing materials with unique optical, electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties through nano/mesoscale architectures. Education: B.S. (Cornell University), Ph.D. (Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois). Postdoctoral work at Bell Labs (1999–present at UIUC). Research Interests : Electrochemical energy storage (batteries) Polymers and self-assembly Photonics and advanced optics Self-healing materials Control of heat and matter transport Recent articles explore battery recycling, hydrogel thermal conductivity, additive manufacturing for heat transfer, and silicon anode analysis. His work spans materials synthesis, characterization, and applications in energy and photonics. Awards : AAAS Fellow (2020) NAI Fellow (2022) Grainger Award for Translational Research (2023-24) MRS Fellow (2018) Advising & Grants : Braun has co-authored ~350 publications, holds multiple patents, and co-founded four companies. His labs include the Materials Research Laboratory and Beckman Institute.

• Electrochemical Energy Storage
• Polymers
• Self-Assembly
• +6 more

Meisam Asgari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Engineering at the University of South Florida. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University (2015), with postdoctoral training at Northwestern University (2018–2020) and McGill University (2016–2018). His research focuses on biomechanics, cardiovascular diseases, biomimetic design, and functional gradients in biological materials. He teaches courses such as Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanics. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 2015 M.Sc. Solid Mechanics, Isfahan University of Technology, 2011 B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, 2007 Awards: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018–2020) McGill Engineering International Tuition Award (2011–2014) Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, McGill (2015) His research integrates experimental and computational methods to study vascular diseases, biomaterials for tissue engineering, and structural adaptations in biological systems like crustacean exoskeletons. Recent work includes developing decellularized aortic grafts and investigating collagen mechanics in diseased tissues. Publications span Acta Biomaterialia , Scientific Reports , and Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials , emphasizing biomechanics and material characterization. His work bridges engineering and biology to address clinical challenges in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

• Biomechanics
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Biomimetic Design
• +3 more

Christopher Bates is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), with a joint appointment in the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry (DCB). He leads the Bates Research Group, focusing on the design, synthesis, and application of soft materials. His lab develops advanced polymers and copolymers with tailored properties for applications in electronics, energy storage, and sustainable materials. Contact information includes cbates@ucsb.edu and an office in Engineering II Building. Research interests emphasize polymer architecture design, including block copolymers, bottlebrush networks, and degradable materials. Key areas include molecular cross-linking for photovoltaic stability, slide-ring gels for mechanical performance, and physics-informed machine learning for phase identification. The group also explores recyclable materials and sustainable synthesis methods. Recent work highlights advancements in α-lipoic acid-based materials, dynamic covalent networks, and electrochemical degradation strategies. The Bates Lab collaborates on projects such as tunable polyborosiloxane networks and self-healing elastomers. Advising includes Dr. Elizabeth Murphy (PhD 2025). No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. The lab’s work is supported by grants such as the NSF CAREER award (2019) for block copolymer research. Labs and teams: The Bates Group operates within the UCSB Materials Department, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to materials science challenges.

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Soft Materials Design
• +3 more

Steven R. Caliari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He serves as the ChE Graduate Program Director and is a SEAS Copenhaver Fellow (2023). His research focuses on designing biomaterials to study cell-microenvironment interactions, addressing challenges in disease and tissue engineering. He holds a B.S. (2007, University of Florida), M.S. (2010), and Ph.D. (2013) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include biomaterials, mechanobiology, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing for biological applications. His lab has pioneered viscoelastic hydrogel platforms and conductive collagen scaffolds, supported by NIH, NSF, DoD, and industry grants. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and NIH MIRA (2020). Grants: NIH (NIGMS), NSF CAREER, V Foundation, UVA-Coulter Partnership Courses: Tissue Engineering (BME/CHE 4417), Transport Processes I (CHE 3321) Labs: Caliari Lab focuses on biomaterial design and mechanobiological studies His work bridges fundamental science and translational applications, emphasizing dynamic material systems for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

• Biomaterials
• Mechanobiology
• Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering
• +1 more

Scott Forth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's School of Science. He specializes in biophysics, focusing on microtubule networks in cell division and neuronal development. Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University (2009) B.S. in Physics and B.M. in Music Performance from Oberlin College (2002) Postdoctoral Fellow at Rockefeller University (2010-2016) His research combines optical trapping and fluorescence microscopy to study how forces are transmitted across biopolymer networks. Key areas include: Mechanics of mitotic microtubule networks PRC1-mediated force resistance in cell division Kinesin motor protein dynamics Single-molecule biophysical methods Neuronal cytoskeleton organization Recent work analyzes force generation in reconstituted microtubule bundles and mechanical roles of proteins like PRC1 and kinesin-5. Scientific Awards Ruth Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NIH postdoctoral F32) Rensselaer School of Science Outstanding Teacher Award Rensselaer School of Science Early Career Research Award Biophysical Society Early Career Award (Motility and Cytoskeleton Subgroup) Dr. Forth's lab studies how nanometer-scale proteins coordinate to create micron-scale cellular mechanics. Current projects focus on microtubule network organization during cell division and neuronal development.

• Biophysics
• Mechanics of Cell Division
• Neuronal Cytoskeleton
• +3 more

Christopher Evans is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Materials Research Lab. His research focuses on polymer chemistry and materials science, particularly dynamic covalent bonds, ionic liquids, and polymer networks. He has received notable awards including the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2020) and NSF CAREER Award (2018). His work explores topics like ion transport in block copolymers, dynamic network viscoelasticity, and solid electrolyte conductivity improvements through helical peptide structures. Recent studies include investigations into penetrant diffusion, crosslink density effects, and thermal conductivity in vitrimers. Evans collaborates widely, addressing challenges in recyclable materials, energy storage, and polymer morphology.

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Ionic Liquids
• +3 more

Ian C. Bourg is an Associate Professor at Princeton University with dual appointments in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and High Meadows Environmental Institute . He directs undergraduate studies in CEE and leads the Interfacial Water Group , focusing on atomistic-level simulations and macroscopic modeling of environmental systems. His concurrent affiliations include the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials and Chemical and Biological Engineering department. Education Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Berkeley (2004) MSc in Chemical Engineering, INSA Toulouse (1999) B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering, INSA Toulouse (1999) Research Interests span clay mineral surface geochemistry, geologic CO 2 sequestration, kinetic isotope effects, water behavior at interfaces, and coupling geochemistry with geomechanics in porous media. His work integrates molecular simulations with experimental validation to study environmental phenomena like contaminant transport, soil carbon storage, and water dynamics in clays. Publications from 2023-2025 reveal expertise in molecular dynamics of clay-water systems, organic contaminant partitioning, cement hydration, and isotope fractionation. Key themes include Environmental Nanoscience , Geochemical Modeling , and Soft Matter Physics applications to environmental systems. Scientific Recognition NSF CAREER Awardee (2018) Advising includes mentoring 12 current and former PhD/postdoc researchers, with notable alumni at institutions like Cornell, University of Poitiers, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His group has produced 20+ undergraduate advisees now in academia and industry. Laboratory develops multiscale simulation tools like HybridBiotInterFoam and HybridPorousInterFoam, with active collaborations in nuclear waste management, soil remediation, and sustainable construction materials.

• Clay Mineral Surface Geochemistry
• Geologic Carbon Sequestration
• Kinetic Isotope Effects in Aqueous Systems
• +7 more

Dr. Julie Liu is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University, with a courtesy appointment in Biomedical Engineering. She is affiliated with the Global Engineering Program and serves on the Engineering Leadership Team. Her research focuses on biomaterials science, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, particularly in developing collagen-based hydrogels, protein-inspired adhesives, and bioelastomers for clinical applications. Recent work emphasizes tunable biomaterials that modulate cellular behavior in inflammatory environments and enhance tissue repair. Dr. Liu also contributes to STEM education outreach, promoting chemical engineering identity among young women through hands-on polymer activities. Her research interests include: Design of bioadhesives mimicking natural proteins Development of chondrogenic hydrogels for cartilage repair Controlled macromolecular transport in biomaterials Integration of stem cells with engineered matrices Redox-responsive and pH-sensitive hydrogels Recent publications highlight advancements in mussel-inspired adhesives, elastin-based bioelastomers, and chondroitin sulfate-modified scaffolds. These materials address challenges in cartilage regeneration, inflammation suppression, and tissue mimicry. Dr. Liu's work bridges chemical engineering principles with biomedical applications, emphasizing both material innovation and clinical translation.

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• +3 more