Ryan Poling-Skutvik

Ryan Poling-Skutvik is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island, affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on soft matter, responsive materials, and polymer science, utilizing techniques like neutron/X-ray scattering and rheology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Houston (2018) and a B.E. from The Cooper Union (2013).

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Houston (2018)
• B.E., Chemical Engineering, The Cooper Union (2013)

Research Interests:
His work examines nanoparticle dynamics in polymer solutions, colloidal gels, and thixotropic materials. He explores how confinement, polymer flexibility, and electrostatic interactions influence material behavior, with applications in biomaterials and nanocomposite design.

Publications:
His recent work emphasizes polymer-linked emulsions, thixotropy in gels, and saliva rheology. Articles highlight advancements in nanofiltration membranes, telechelic copolymers, and viral dynamics in polymer solutions.

Awards:

• Cottrell Scholar (2025)
• NSF CAREER Award (2024)
• ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator (2022)

Grants:

• PI, NIUVT: Seafloor energy harvesting (2024-2026)
• PI, NSF CAREER: Telechelic triblock copolymers (2023)
• Co-PI, NIH: ESTEEMED Scholars Program (2022)

Labs/Teams:
His lab investigates soft materials and responsive systems, collaborating on projects involving rheology, microfluidics, and polymer synthesis.