Andrew Ferguson

Andrew Ferguson is a Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, where he also serves as Vice Dean for Education and Outreach and Director of Graduate Studies for the PhD in Molecular Engineering. His research integrates molecular simulation, machine learning, and statistical thermodynamics to engineer molecules and soft materials, with applications in protein folding, vaccine design, and self-assembly.

• Education: M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London (2005), PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Princeton University (2010).

Research Focus:

• Development of computational tools for molecular modeling and design.
• Application of nonlinear manifold learning and deep learning to study folding mechanisms and assembly principles.
• Collaborative work on vaccine immunogen design for HIV and hepatitis C virus.

Scientific Awards:

• 2017 UIUC College of Engineering Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research
• 2016 AIChE CoMSEF Young Investigator Award
• 2015 ACS OpenEye Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
• 2014 NSF Career Award
• 2014 ACS PRF Doctoral New Investigator
• Institution of Chemical Engineers North America 2013 Young Chemical Engineer of the Year

Advising and Lab Culture: The Ferguson Lab offers interdisciplinary research opportunities to postdocs, graduate students, undergraduates, and high-school students. The group emphasizes rigorous academic training, professional mentorship, and an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and open scientific inquiry.