Ken Schweizer

Ken Schweizer is the G. Ronald and Margaret H. Morris Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds cross-appointments in Chemistry, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the Materials Research Lab, and the Beckman Institute. His research focuses on statistical mechanics of soft materials, complex fluids, and polymer dynamics. Schweizer earned his Ph.D. in Physics from UIUC (1981), following degrees from Drexel University (B.S., 1975) and UIUC (M.S., 1976).

• Education:
• Ph.D. Physics, University of Illinois, 1981
• M.S. Physics, University of Illinois, 1976
• B.S. Physics (summa cum laude), Drexel University, 1975
• Research Interests:
• Statistical mechanics of condensed phases
• Soft materials & complex fluids
• Self-assembly of colloids/nanoparticles
• Polymers: dynamics, rheology, & phase transitions
• Glass transition & vitrification

His theoretical work bridges molecular-scale phenomena with macroscopic material properties, addressing applications in energy storage, membranes, and biomaterials. Schweizer has received numerous accolades, including the American Academy of Arts & Sciences membership (2021), ACS Hildebrand Award (2016), and APS Polymer Physics Prize (2008).