Scott Shell

Scott Shell is a Professor and John Myers Founder's Chair in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research integrates molecular simulation, statistical mechanical theory, and multiscale modeling to study complex soft materials and biomaterials.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Princeton University
• BS in Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
• Postdoc in Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco (2005-07)

Research Interests focus on:

• Multiscale Modeling: Developing universal coarse-graining strategies using relative entropy, hybrid simulation methods, and polymer field theory.
• In Silico Materials Design: Optimizing interfacial materials for water purification membranes and transport properties.
• Hydrophobic Interactions: Investigating their role in peptide-surface interactions, nanobubbles, and solute-interface adsorption.
• Peptide Self-Assembly: Uncovering sequence-structure relationships for nanomaterials and scaffolds.

Article Trends highlight his work on molecular simulation and field-theoretic models applied to biophysics, polymer science, and soft matter design. Key subfields include protein aggregation, hydrophobicity scales, and computational inverse design of materials.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Fellow, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
• NSF CAREER Award
• Sloan Research Fellowship
• Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
• Camille and Henry Dreyfus New Faculty Award
• Computational Molecular Science and Engineering Forum (CoMSEF) Impact Award

Additional Roles include advising the Shell Lab at UCSB, which collaborates on projects involving peptide self-assembly, water-mediated interactions, and multiscale simulation strategies.