Megan G. Roberts

Megan G. Roberts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Western University. Her research focuses on polymer materials for medical applications, particularly at biological interfaces, and she teaches a graduate course on polymer materials for a circular bioeconomy. She works in the Bio(-) Polymer Assembly Lab (BGSB 2008) and holds office hours in BGSB 2020.

Education:

• PhD in Polymer & Materials Chemistry (2021), University of Toronto
• BSc Hons. in Biological Chemistry (2016), University of Toronto

Research Interests: Dr. Roberts studies interactions between biopolymers and synthetic polymer surfaces to design advanced materials for medical use. Her work includes surface design for protein corona manipulation, sustainable vaccine technologies combining adjuvants with delivery systems, and exploring polysaccharide self-assembly for biocompatible materials. She emphasizes sustainable and biomedical applications.

Publication Trends: Her recent articles focus on polymer-nanoparticle interactions, biomedical delivery systems, and environmentally driven material design. Key themes include surface modification, tumor spheroid penetration, and functionalization of natural polymers for drug delivery.

Scientific Awards:

• Top 5% Highly Cited Article from the Royal Society of Chemistry (2022)

Mentoring and Lab Work: Trainees in the Roberts Lab gain expertise in polymer synthesis, surface characterization, and cell culture practices. Her mentoring philosophy prioritizes communication, independence, and critical thinking through inquiry-based learning.