Melody Morris

Melody Morris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on developing sustainable macromolecular materials through automated and high-throughput methodologies combined with advanced physical characterization. She leads the Morris Research Group, which bridges polymer science, protein engineering, and automation to address challenges in material sustainability and functionality.

Education:

• B.S. Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (2013)
• Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware (2019)

Research Interests: Her work emphasizes proteins as polymers, sustainable polymers, high-throughput tool development, polymer biodegradation, and self-assembled systems. She aims to create next-generation biomaterials, nanoreactors, and membranes by integrating protein and synthetic polymer systems. Recent projects include ion-conducting bio-based polymers, toxin-binding hydrogels, and canonicalizing BigSMILES notation for polymer informatics.

Research Trends from Publications: A recurring theme in her articles is the optimization of materials via high-throughput screening, with a focus on functional polymers for energy storage (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), environmental applications, and smart responsive materials. Her work often combines computational modeling with experimental validation to predict and enhance material properties.

Labs & Affiliations: Morris's lab is part of the Sylvio O. Conte National Center for Polymer Research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in polymer science. The group actively seeks students passionate about macromolecular engineering, automation, and sustainable materials design.