Ying Yang

Dr. Ying Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Nevada, Reno. She also serves as the Principal Investigator for the MARC Nevada program. Her laboratory, the Yang Research Group, focuses on the molecular design of next-generation polymeric materials that combine dynamic chemistries with hierarchical architectures to achieve unprecedented functionalities and sustainability.

Education

• Postdoctoral Scholar, 2016–2019, Clemson University (advisor: Prof. Marek W. Urban)
• Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, 2016, Clemson University (advisor: Prof. Marek W. Urban)
• B.S., Chemistry, 2010, Nankai University

Research Interests

The Yang laboratory operates at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and soft materials science. Inspired by natural systems, the group designs macromolecules that integrate reversible covalent bonds, dynamic non-covalent interactions, and multi-level hierarchical ordering. These features enable on-demand modulation of mechanical and chemical properties, leading to self-healing, shape-shifting, re-processability, and mechano-responsiveness. A parallel thrust centers on sustainable polymer synthesis, leveraging fundamental organic chemistry to create recyclable and environmentally benign alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

Publication Landscape

From 2013 to 2025, Dr. Yang has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed articles spanning self-healing polymers, responsive nanomaterials, mechanochemistry, and circular-economy plastics. Her work consistently appears in top-tier journals such as Science, Chem, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Advanced Materials, and Progress in Polymer Science. A clear trend is the translation of fundamental concepts—such as entropy-driven ring-opening polymerization—into practical material platforms for 3D printing, tissue engineering, and recyclable packaging.

Scientific Awards & Honors

• NSF CAREER Award (2022)
• Nevada Women in STEM Featured Scientist (2023)
• Gene and Carla Lemay Scholar Awards (multiple students)
• Best Poster Prize – International Symposium of Stimuli-Responsive Materials (2022, 2024)
• Three Minutes Thesis Competition Winner – UNR (2024)
• Discovery Award – College of Science Undergraduate Poster Symposium (2023)
• Excellence in Teaching Awards – UNR (2021, 2022)
• TA of the Year – UNR (2022)
• Nevada Undergraduate Research Awards (2021)
• Gene Wong Memorial Endowment Award (2020)
• Nevada Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Scholarship (2019–2020)

Current & Completed Funding

• National Science Foundation – CHE Materials SusNet (2023)
• NSF CAREER Award (2022)
• U.S. Department of Energy – Geothermal Polymer Foams (collaborative, 2022)
• University start-up funds and internal grants

Laboratory & Team

The Yang Research Group currently comprises three graduate students, one postdoctoral researcher, and several undergraduates working in a newly renovated laboratory in the Chemistry Building at UNR. The lab is equipped for modern organic and polymer synthesis, advanced spectroscopic characterization, and 3D-printing fabrication. Collaborative ties extend to the Desert Research Institute, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and multiple institutions nationwide.