Christopher M. Bates

Christopher M. Bates is an Associate Professor in the departments of Materials and Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on the design and synthesis of soft matter materials, particularly polymers, with applications in energy storage, self-assembled structures, and functional materials. He employs advanced techniques such as scattering, rheology, and electrochemistry to probe material properties and dynamics.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin
• BS in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Research Interests: Explores polymer mesostructure, dynamics, and crystallization, with a focus on creating materials with tunable properties for industrial and academic applications. His work integrates synthetic chemistry with physical characterization to advance fields like energy materials, biomedical polymers, and sustainable materials.

Awards:

• NSF Early CAREER Award (2021)
• Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2025)
• Journal of Rheology Publication Award

Advising & Grants: Supervises students like Dr. Elizabeth Murphy (PhD 2025) and leads projects funded by the NSF Early CAREER Award. His lab develops novel polymers for applications in electronics, energy storage, and recyclable materials.

Bates Group: Active in creating dynamic covalent networks, bottlebrush polymers, and materials with self-healing properties. Collaborates on scalable synthesis methods and advanced characterization techniques.