Kevin Cavicchi

Dr. Kevin Cavicchi is a Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at the University of Akron. He joined the institution in 2006 after a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Massachusetts. His research focuses on nanostructured soft materials, including shape memory polymers, organogelators, and supramolecular polymers formed via ionic interactions. Cavicchi has received numerous accolades, including the American Chemical Society Fellow designation (2019) and the Sparks-Thomas Award (2021). He leads a lab investigating polymer synthesis, characterization, and applications in 3D printing, oil recovery, and aerospace materials.

Education: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (University of Minnesota, 2003); B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering (Cornell University, 1998).

Research interests span:

• Thermodynamics of small molecule organogelators
• Synthesis of shape memory polymers via controlled radical polymerization
• Supramolecular polymers through ionic interactions
• Applications in 4D printing, aerospace, and sustainable materials

Recent articles highlight advancements in:

• 3D-printed shape memory polymers with sequential actuation
• CO₂-derived polycarbonate materials
• Recycled PET fiber characterization

Grants include funding from NASA for flexible antenna substrates and NSF for materials characterization instrumentation. Cavicchi directs outreach programs connecting high school educators with polymer research, emphasizing STEM education initiatives.