Kelly M. Schultz

Dr. Kelly M. Schultz is the Larry and Virginia Faith Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Chemical Engineering. She joined Purdue in January 2024 and leads the Schultz Lab, focusing on advanced material design through rheological characterization and microrheology. Her research integrates biochemical, fluid mechanics, and polymer engineering principles to develop functional gels for biomedical and industrial applications.

Dr. Schultz holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware (2011) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University (2006). Her work emphasizes dynamic material transitions, novel microfluidic platforms, and cell-material interactions in hydrogels.

Her research interests include:

• Dynamic gel characterization during gelation/degradation
• Microfluidic platforms for phase transition analysis
• Hydrogel design using waste materials
• Biomaterials for 3D cell encapsulation and wound healing

Recent projects highlight interdisciplinary approaches, such as combining microrheology with microfluidics to map material properties spatially and temporally. Her lab collaborates across disciplines to advance material science and biomedical engineering.

Current advisees include graduate students Mehrnoosh Afshang, Faheem Hamid, Zaid Imran, Gautam Khare, Siena Negash, and Thomas O'Shea. Research is supported by grants focused on sustainable materials and regenerative medicine.

The Schultz Lab is housed in Forney Hall (FRNY 2043B) and maintains active engagement with industry and academic collaborators.