G. Kane Jennings is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Recruiting. His research focuses on molecular design of smart surfaces and biohybrid materials for applications in solar energy conversion, responsive coatings, and nanoscale lubrication. He leads the Jennings Lab, training students in bioinspired materials science. Jennings holds a Ph.D. from MIT and specializes in self-assembly techniques and surface-initiated polymerizations. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.S., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.S., Chemical Engineering, Auburn University Research Interests: Jennings develops adaptive materials such as anionic chameleon coatings, biohybrid solar systems using Photosystem I proteins, and high-throughput membrane fabrication via spin coating-ROP integration. His group explores nanoscale defect detection in 3D-printed materials and corrosion-resistant surface treatments. Lab Innovations: Highlights include the mMSIP micromolding technique for customizable superhydrophobic coatings and the scROMP method enabling rapid polymer film synthesis. Collaborations with civil engineering and chemistry departments advance energy-minimizing surfaces and bioelectrochemical systems. Awards: No explicit awards listed, though his work has been funded through interdisciplinary initiatives at Vanderbilt's VINSE and Process Innovation Center.








