معرفی
Symone Alexander serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within Auburn University's College of Engineering. Her research bridges biomimetic design and sustainable materials engineering, focusing on translating natural systems into solutions for environmental and biomedical challenges. With expertise in soft materials mechanics and biopolymer systems, she leads interdisciplinary projects addressing waste valorization and toxin remediation.
Her educational foundation includes:
- Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University
- B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Howard University
Dr. Alexander's research centers on bio-inspired materials with four core platforms: Extraction and Utilization of Biopolymers from Mixed Food Waste, Dynamic Compatibilizers for Mixed Waste Plastics, Structural Uniformity of Cellulose Gels and Microgels, and Bioinspired Responsive Systems. She investigates how nature achieves engineering feats through efficient resource utilization, particularly studying spider web mechanics for ultrafast motion applications and dietary fiber assemblies for metabolic toxin removal. Her work emphasizes sustainable processing of agricultural and food waste into functional materials.
Analysis of her publication record (2017-2025) reveals consistent innovation in cellulose-based materials, with increasing focus on medical applications like chronic kidney disease treatment. Her research trajectory shows a strategic integration of biomechanics, materials science, and environmental engineering, characterized by biomimetic approaches to solve complex problems in waste recovery and biomedical device development.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Research Support Program grant from Auburn University
Dr. Alexander secures substantial research funding including an NSF grant for slingshot spider biomechanics and participation in a $4 million NSF-EPSCoR grant for sustainable plastic development. She actively mentors undergraduate researchers through the Research Experience for Undergraduates program, guiding students in professional skill development from elevator pitches to scientific presentations. Her #ARTist lab members like Matt and Luke May present at national conferences and secure industry internships.
The Alexander Research Team (Bio-inspired Materials Advancing Science and Society) operates through four interconnected research platforms that convert waste streams into functional materials while studying natural systems for engineering inspiration. Current initiatives include extracting cellulose nanofibers from pecan shells as synthetic fiber alternatives and developing dietary fiber-inspired hydrogels for uremic toxin removal.
