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Cecilia LealView profile

Professor

• Soft Condensed Matter
• Biomaterials
• Drug Delivery
• +5 more

Cecilia Leal is a Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with additional appointments at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Materials Research Laboratory, and Beckman Institute. Her interdisciplinary research program bridges materials science, biophysics, and medicine to develop innovative therapeutic delivery systems. Dr. Leal's research focuses on the self-organization of biomolecular systems, particularly lipid membranes, peptides, and nucleic acids. Her lab investigates how structural complexity of lipids and bio-membranes relates to disease mechanisms and informs the design of better gene and drug delivery systems. Key projects include developing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, studying polymer-lipid hybrid membranes, and characterizing lipid droplet dynamics in metabolic diseases. The lab employs advanced techniques including Small Angle X-ray Scattering, Cryo-EM, and live cell imaging. Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on lipid-based delivery systems for mRNA therapeutics and cancer treatment, with particular attention to how nanostructure affects delivery efficiency. The research spans from fundamental biophysics of lipid-polymer interactions to applied therapeutic development, demonstrating consistent translation of basic science to medical applications. University of Illinois Provost's Distinguished Promotion to Full Professor Award (2024) University of Illinois Scholar (2023) NIH New Innovator Award (2016) NSF CAREER Award (2016) Racheff Faculty Scholar Award (2019) Dr. Leal has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs, many now in prominent positions at MIT, Stanford, Dow Chemical, and pharmaceutical companies. Her research is supported by multiple NIH and NSF grants, and she maintains active collaborations with medical researchers studying obesity, cancer, and respiratory diseases. She teaches core courses including MSE 201 (Phases and Phase Relations) and MSE 473 (Biomolecular Materials Science), consistently earning excellent teaching ratings. The Leal Lab operates as an interdisciplinary team of materials scientists, physicists, and chemists using cutting-edge characterization tools to solve biomedical challenges. The lab's work on lipid nanoparticle structure has direct relevance to next-generation mRNA vaccines and cancer therapies, with several publications highlighted in C&EN News and other prominent scientific media.

Véronique MichaudView profile

Associate Professor

• Polymer Composite Processing
• Adaptive Composites
• Material Science
• +3 more

Véronique Michaud is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) within the School of Engineering (STI). Her research focuses on polymer composite processing, adaptive composites (e.g., shape memory alloys, self-healing mechanisms), and material science. She also contributes to teaching in Materials Science and Engineering, including courses like 'Materials: From Chemistry to Properties' and 'Composite Materials Processing.' Her academic roles include Associate Professorships in SMX, EDMX, and EDAM teaching units, and she serves as a PhD program committee member for the Doctoral Program in Advanced Manufacturing. She has advised numerous PhD students, including Michele Bonacina, Pierre-Alexandre Boschert, and Jean-Baptiste Desbrest, among others. Research highlights include sustainable composite material development, defect mitigation in composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Her work often addresses challenges in aerospace and renewable energy applications, emphasizing sustainability and material innovation.

Tal CohenView profile

Associate Professor

• Nonlinear Solid Mechanics
• Material Growth
• Material Instabilities
• +3 more

Tal Cohen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Engineering. He joined MIT as an assistant professor in November 2016 after working at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and was granted tenure in May 2023. He leads the Cohen's Mechanics Group, which focuses on understanding material behavior under extreme conditions including large deformations, dynamic loading, and growth. His educational background includes a Ph.D. (2014), M.Sc. (2011), and B.Sc. (2007) from the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the Technion, Israel. Professor Cohen's research centers on nonlinear solid mechanics, material growth, and material instabilities. His work combines theoretical modeling with experimental approaches to explore how materials behave at their extremes. Key research areas include understanding material instabilities (what triggers them, how they can be harnessed or avoided), extreme dynamic loading (shock wave propagation, energy dissipation), and material growth with chemical coupling (how growth leads to residual stresses and morphological changes). His research has significant implications for protective structures, understanding planetary impacts, and biological systems. Analysis of his recent publications (2015-2025) reveals a consistent focus on nonlinear mechanics of soft materials, with increasing emphasis on biological applications in recent years. His work spans theoretical frameworks for material growth, experimental characterization of soft material properties, and computational modeling of complex material behaviors. Key themes include cavitation phenomena, fracture mechanics in soft materials, and the mechanics of biological growth processes. MIT Arthur C. Smith Award, 2024 Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty, 2023 NSF CAREER Award, 2020 ONR Young Investigator Award, 2020 ARO Young Investigator Award, 2019 MIT-Technion Post-Doctoral Fellowship, 2013-2014 Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship, 2011-2012 Professor Cohen has advised numerous students through their PhD, Master's, and undergraduate research projects. His group includes current PhD candidates working on topics related to material growth, biological mechanics, and extreme loading conditions. He has successfully placed former postdocs in faculty positions at institutions including Harvard, UNH, and Central South University in China. His research has been supported by significant grants including the NSF CAREER Award and Young Investigator Awards from ONR and ARO. The Cohen Mechanics Group maintains an active research program with connections to multiple disciplines including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, and biomechanics.

Aaron Esser-KahnView profile

Professor

• Immunoengineering
• Vaccine Development
• Adaptive Materials
• +3 more

Aaron Esser-Kahn is a Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His research focuses on immunoengineering, adaptive materials, and carbon capture. He leads the Esser-Kahn Lab, which emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration among biologists, chemists, and engineers. Education: B.S. from California Institute of Technology, advanced studies at UC Berkeley, and postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining UChicago PME in 2017, he was at the University of Irvine. Research interests include designing vaccines that induce trained immunity, developing adaptive polymers inspired by biological systems, and advancing carbon capture technologies. His lab explores mechanisms of innate immunity using cutting-edge techniques like lattice light sheet microscopy and fluidic force microscopy. Recent articles highlight innovations in vaccine adjuvants, nanoparticle delivery systems, and mechanically adaptive materials. The lab’s work is supported by grants from institutions like NIH and NSF. His team has advised numerous students, many of whom now hold positions in academia, industry, and government. The lab also emphasizes DEI initiatives and innovative teaching methods.

• Composite Materials
• Carbon Nanotubes
• Shape Memory Polymers
• +5 more

Jeffery Wayne Baur is the Scott R. White Professor in Aerospace Engineering and holds affiliations with the Materials Research Lab and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois. His research focuses on advanced composite materials, additive manufacturing, and polymer chemistry. Key areas include frontal polymerization, carbon fiber reinforcement, and sustainable thermoset materials. Research interests span composite materials science, nanotechnology applications (e.g., carbon nanotubes), shape memory polymers, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with recent studies addressing autonomous composite shaping, chemical recycling of thermosets, and warpage mitigation in additively manufactured composites. Publications from 2024-2025 highlight innovations in material synthesis, recycling strategies, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Collaborations include projects funded by NASA for space-based manufacturing initiatives, as evidenced by a 2024 media feature. Baur’s affiliations with the Beckman Institute and Materials Research Lab position him at the forefront of cutting-edge research in materials science and engineering applications. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical industrial challenges, particularly in aerospace and sustainable manufacturing sectors.

Julian CooperView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chemical Reactivity in Materials
• Materials Science
• Mechanics of Materials
• +3 more

Julian Cooper is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Chemistry, focusing on developing novel chemical reactivity in materials at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and mechanics. His research addresses global challenges in sustainability, energy storage, and materials performance through interdisciplinary approaches. Education: B.S. in Chemistry from Rice University (2014), Ph.D. in Chemistry from MIT (2019), Beckman Institute Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2019-2024). Research Interests: Combines chemistry and mechanics to create reprocessable thermosets, optimize polymerization reactions, and explore scalable solutions for material deconstruction. Scientific Awards: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship recipient. Students: Advises graduate student Katie Chism and undergraduate Ziang Zhao. The Cooper Group's recent publications focus on polymerization mechanisms, sustainable materials, and enzyme inhibition. Their work emphasizes practical applications in chemical recycling, predictive modeling for thermosets, and catalytic innovations. The lab actively recruits students and has established infrastructure with specialized glassware and instruments, supported by UW-Madison's master glassblower Tracy Drier.

• Biobased composites
• Biobased polymeric coatings
• Biopolymers
• +9 more

Camilla Noe' is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) within the College of Chemical and Materials Engineering at Politecnico di Torino. Her academic appointment falls under the Scientific Disciplinary Sector IMAT-01/A - Materials Science and Technology (Area 0009 - Industrial and Information Engineering). Dr. Noe's research focuses on sustainable materials development with particular emphasis on biobased polymers and photopolymerization technologies. Her work spans multiple applications including environmental remediation, biomedical engineering, and advanced manufacturing. She leads research in developing biobased composites, polymeric coatings, hydrogels, and UV-curable materials derived from renewable resources. Her publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory toward greener materials solutions, with recent work focusing on photopolymerized hydrogels for water treatment, biobased coatings for corrosion prevention, and sustainable approaches to 3D printing. The research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between materials science, environmental engineering, and biomedical applications. Dr. Noe actively contributes to academic service through teaching and supervision. She serves as a PhD advisor for students working on advanced materials projects and participates in multiple teaching assignments across materials science and engineering programs. She is involved in significant research initiatives including the HORIZON 2020 MSCA-RISE-2020 SusWater Project (Grant Agreement n°: 101007578) and previously participated in the Biobased photocurable hydrogels project (Prot.9245/12.2) and a PhD exchange period in 2019. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender equality), 6 (Clean water and sanitation), and 12 (Responsible consumption and production).

Roberta Maria BongiovanniView profile

Professor

• Biobased composites
• Photoinduced polymerization
• Polymer surface modification
• +5 more

Roberta Maria Bongiovanni is a Full Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) at the Polytechnic University of Turin. She has been actively teaching and conducting research in polymer science and technology for several decades, with current appointments extending through the 2024/2025 academic year. Her academic journey includes progression from Assistant Professor (1992-2003) to Associate Professor (2003-2010) to her current Full Professor position (2011-present). Professor Bongiovanni's research focuses on biobased composites, photoinduced polymerization techniques, and polymer surface modification. Her work spans from fundamental chemical processes to practical applications in sustainable materials development. She has established herself as a leading researcher in photopolymerization techniques, particularly in developing environmentally friendly processes and materials that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production). Her publication record shows consistent high-impact research output, with numerous articles in prestigious journals spanning polymer chemistry, materials science, and sustainable technologies. The research themes across her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on developing sustainable polymer systems using photochemical processes, with increasing emphasis on biobased materials, recyclable polymers, and applications in packaging, textiles, and biomedical fields. Scientific Recognition: Docteur Honoris Causa de l'Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (2019) Allied Breweries Traders Association Prize (1989) Vandoni Award from the Order of Chemists of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, Italy (1986) Fellow of the AIM Italian Association of Macromolecular Science and Technology (2008-present) Fellow of the American Chemical Society (2001-present) Professor Bongiovanni actively supervises multiple PhD students and has served on doctoral committees continuously since 2003. She has secured significant research funding from both competitive calls (including EU Horizon programs) and commercial contracts. Her collaborative work extends internationally through visiting positions at institutions including Institut polytechnique de Grenoble, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She directs the POLYMAT research group at DISAT, which focuses on polymer materials development through photochemical processes, with particular emphasis on sustainable applications and industrial partnerships.

Kun FuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Additive Manufacturing
• Composite Materials
• Battery Materials
• +4 more

Kun (Kelvin) Fu is an Assistant Professor and Terri Connor Kelly and John Kelly Career Development Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware (UD), with affiliations to the Center for Composite Materials. His research bridges Additive Manufacturing and Composite Material Innovation , focusing on creating multiscale solutions for energy, environmental, and health challenges. As Co-founder of CarbonForm Inc., he commercializes sustainable composite technologies. Education: PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science (2014) from North Carolina State University Research interests include additive manufacturing of thermoset composites, solid-state battery development , and CO2-to-materials conversion . He pioneered 3D printing of pure carbon nanotube architectures and invented technologies like Additive Fiber Tethering (AFT) and Wood Universal Feedstock for Forming (WUFF). Recent publications address: CO2 upcycling (Nature Communications, 2024), non-planar composite structures (Composites Part A, 2025), high-loaded battery filaments (Advanced Energy Materials, 2023), and dry-processable electrolytes (ACS Nano, 2023). Trends show cross-disciplinary innovation in composites and energy storage . Scientific Recognition: Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2024, 2022) ACS PMSE Young Investigator (2021) Fiber Society Distinguished Achievement (2024) SAMPE Young Professionals Award (2020) His lab mentors PhD students Kaiyue Deng, Soyeon Park, and Chunyan Zhang, who have received NSF travel awards and innovation prizes . The team secured over $6M in grants from DOE, NASA, and Army, including a 2024 NASA EPSCoR RID Seed Grant and 2023 DOE ARPA-E OPEN award .

Juhyeong LeeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Composite Materials
• Lightning Strike Damage
• Multifunctional Composites
• +2 more

Juhyeong Lee is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Utah State University. His research focuses on composite materials behavior under extreme conditions, particularly lightning strike damage, multifunctional composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Research integrates experimental testing with multiphysics modeling to understand damage mechanisms in aerospace composites. Current projects include lightning protection systems, thermal barrier coatings, additive manufacturing of composites, and machine learning for damage assessment. Recent publications demonstrate advances in lightning damage prediction using stochastic frameworks, thermal-electrical-mechanical characterization of composites, and novel protection strategies. Industry collaborations include NASA, Hanwha Advanced Materials, and aerospace manufacturers. Research team includes graduate students working on composite testing, finite element analysis, and additive manufacturing. Recognized through NASA faculty fellowship and SAMPE awards for contributions to aerospace materials research.

• Polymer Chemistry
• Molecular Imprinting
• Sensor Technology
• +4 more

Clovia Holdsworth is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School (Research Training) at the School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle. She holds a PhD from Griffith University and a MSc in Chemistry from De La Salle University, Philippines. Her academic career includes roles such as Head of Chemistry Discipline and Senior Lecturer. She specializes in polymer chemistry, molecular imprinting, and plasma polymerization of greenhouse gases. Research Expertise: Her work focuses on radical polymer synthesis, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and their applications in sensing and extraction. Notable contributions include the first successful use of ionic liquids and microwave irradiation in MIP synthesis. Collaborations with the Australian Centre for Separation Science and plasma polymerization studies highlight her interdisciplinary approach. Teaching & Awards: A dedicated educator, she coordinates undergraduate courses in Organic, Analytical, and Polymer Chemistry. Her teaching excellence is recognized through multiple awards, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award (2010) and Faculty Teaching Awards (2018, 2014, 2011, 2009/2008). She is also a recipient of the Balik Scientist Fellowship (2010). Grants & Funding: Over 30 grants totaling $2.3M, including projects on molecularly imprinted polymers, conductive polymers, and environmental remediation via plasma technology. Recent grants include a New Colombo Plan mobility project (2022) and collaborations with Indonesian institutions. Labs & Teams: Leads research in polymer synthesis and molecular imprinting, with active collaborations in drug delivery, environmental sensors, and plasma chemistry. Her labs integrate advanced techniques like quantitative NMR and capillary electrophoresis for material characterization.

Jeff BaurView profile

Professor

• Aerospace Materials
• Aerospace Structures
• Composite Materials
• +6 more

Jeff Baur is the Founder Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Grainger College of Engineering's Department of Aerospace Engineering. His academic career includes roles such as teaching courses like AE 321 (Mechanics of Aerospace Structures) and AE 526 (Composites Manufacturing), and leading research in advanced composite materials and additive manufacturing. Baur's work focuses on energy-efficient manufacturing processes, morphogenic composites, and in-space structural applications. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering (MIT, 1997), B.Sc. in Materials Science (University of Cincinnati, 1992), and B.A. in Physics (Illinois Wesleyan University, 1990). His research interests span aerospace materials, composite structures, and additive manufacturing innovations. His recent publications emphasize breakthroughs in thermoset materials, in-space composite fabrication, and multi-material systems. Baur’s contributions include pioneering methodologies like Rapid Out-of-Oven Lamination (ROL) for carbon fiber composites and flexible multi-material structures. His work bridges fundamental materials science with aerospace engineering applications, addressing challenges in structural efficiency, sustainability, and space technology.

• Materials Science
• Self-healing Materials
• 3D Printing
• +4 more

Nancy R Sottos holds the Maybelle Leland Swanlund Endowed Chair and is a Professor in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and affiliated with the Materials Research Lab and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. She is also the Head of the Center for Advanced Study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on self-healing materials, 3D printing of thermosets, frontal polymerization, and sustainable material recycling. Key achievements include developing morphogenic 3D printing techniques and multi-generational thermoset recycling systems. Research Interests: Development of self-healing polymers and composites Frontal polymerization for rapid material synthesis 3D printing of thermoset materials Recycling and reprocessing of industrial thermosets Awards: AAAS Fellow (2020) American Academy of Arts and Sciences Member (2022) B.J. Lazan Award (2011) C.E. Taylor Award (2020) Her work spans academic leadership roles and collaborations, with over 443 research outputs. Labs include the Materials Research Lab and Beckman Institute, focusing on advanced materials manufacturing and sustainability.

Rafael Gómez-BombarelliView profile

Associate Professor

• Materials Science
• Energy Sustainability
• Healthcare Materials
• +4 more

Rafael Gómez-Bombarelli is the Paul M. Cook Career Development Professor and Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. He leads the Learning Matter Lab, focusing on computational materials design. His research integrates atomistic simulations with machine learning to accelerate the discovery of materials for energy, sustainability, and healthcare. Key areas include zeolite synthesis, photoswitchable drugs, and polymer electrolytes. Education: BSc, MSc, and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Salamanca (Spain). Postdoctoral research at Heriot-Watt University (Scotland), Harvard University (Aspuru-Guzik Lab), and industry experience at Kyulux (Japan). Research interests span materials design rules linking atomic-scale properties to macroscopic performance. Recent breakthroughs include custom-designed zeolites for decarbonization and machine learning approaches for photoswitchable drugs. Awards include the Sloan Research Fellowship (2023) and Dreyfus Award (2021). He co-founded Calculario, a materials discovery startup applying quantum chemistry and ML. Active in bridging academia and industry, his work has been featured in MIT Technology Review and Wall Street Journal. Grants and collaborations include Google Faculty Award funding. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining physics-based models with AI, addressing challenges in energy storage, catalysis, and sustainable polymers.

• Composite Materials
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• +5 more

Dr. Bin Yang currently holds the position of Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Materials and Processes within the School of Engineering . His research focuses on advanced composite materials, emphasizing structural analysis, lightning strike protection, and nanomaterial-enhanced material systems. He has contributed extensively to understanding damage mechanisms in composite laminates and honeycomb structures under extreme conditions such as impact, thermal stress, and electrical loads. Key research interests include: Composite materials and interfacial engineering Lightning strike protection and multiphysics modeling Additive manufacturing of composite structures Nanomaterials for enhanced mechanical and electrical properties Bio-inspired materials and sensor technologies Dr. Yang’s work bridges fundamental material science with practical engineering applications, particularly in aerospace and renewable energy sectors (e.g., wind turbine blade durability). His studies often integrate experimental approaches with computational modeling to address challenges in composite damage assessment and repair strategies.