Prof. Dr. Annette Zippelius is a Professor at the University of Göttingen's Faculty of Physics (including GAUSS). Her research specializes in statistical physics and soft matter systems, with extensive doctoral supervision spanning biophysics, polymer rheology, and complex materials. Research Focus: Her group explores emergent phenomena in disordered systems including: Dynamics of cytoskeletal biopolymers and lipid membranes Self-assembly and phase behavior of block copolymers Jamming transitions in granular materials Non-equilibrium thermodynamics in soft matter Network dynamics and synchronization phenomena She has supervised over 40 doctoral candidates since 2012, with recent work examining cellular mechanics, active matter systems, and energy dissipation in polymeric materials.
Tim Melander Bowden serves as Associate Professor and Head of Department at Uppsala University's Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory. His dual role encompasses both academic leadership and research responsibilities within the university's materials science division. His research spans broad disciplines including biomaterials, polymer chemistry, and energy storage systems. Primary focus areas involve hydrogel-based drug delivery systems for bone regeneration and solid polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. His work bridges biomedical applications with advanced energy materials, demonstrating significant interdisciplinary impact. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a clear research trajectory toward multifunctional polymer systems with dual biomedical and energy applications. Recent work increasingly focuses on carbonyl-scavenging polymers for medical applications and mechanically robust electrolytes for structural batteries, showing strategic diversification while maintaining core polymer chemistry expertise. No scientific awards are explicitly documented in the available materials. His research is supported by collaborations across Uppsala University's Ångström Laboratory infrastructure, with particular emphasis on polymer synthesis facilities and biomaterials characterization equipment. Current projects appear focused on translating polymer chemistry innovations into practical medical devices and battery components. Dr. Bowden leads research groups working on biomaterial scaffolds for tissue engineering and advanced electrolyte systems , maintaining active collaborations with clinical researchers and industrial battery developers. His laboratory infrastructure supports both biomedical polymer synthesis and electrochemical characterization capabilities.
Joshua Lequieu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Drexel University. His research focuses on developing predictive multi-scale models of nano-structured soft matter, bridging atomistic, coarse-grained, and field-theoretic simulations to address challenges in materials science and biological systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Engineering from the University of Chicago (2017), an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2013), and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University (2010). Education : Ph.D., Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago (2017) M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2013) B.S., Chemical Engineering, Cornell University (2010) Dr. Lequieu’s research spans block polymer self-assembly, nanoporous materials, and chromatin structure prediction. His lab develops novel simulation techniques combining field-theoretic and molecular dynamics methods to model polymer systems across length scales, with applications in energy, human health, and advanced materials. Recent work explores molecular chirality and non-equilibrium processing for expanding block copolymer phase diversity. Scientific trends in his publications include multi-scale modeling of soft materials, computational approaches for chromatin organization, and simulation algorithm development. His 2025 articles on AB2 star polymers and Bayesian optimization highlight these themes. Scientific Awards : NSF CAREER Award (2024) Charles E. Kaufman Foundation New Investigator Award (2021) Edward J. Kramer Prize in Materials (2019) William Rainey Harper Dissertation Fellowship (2017) Genentech George Scheele Award (2008) Dr. Lequieu advises graduate students in chemical engineering and biological materials, with a lab actively pursuing computational tool development for field-theoretic simulations (OpenFTS) and chromatin modeling. His group has secured grants including the NSF CAREER award to advance chemically specific polymer models. The Lequieu Lab generates open-source simulation software (OpenFTS, fieldkit) and maintains active collaborations in computational materials science and chromatin biology.
Friederike Schmid is a Professor (W3) of Theoretical Physics at the Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). Her research group focuses on statistical physics and soft matter theory, with affiliations including the Collaborative Research Center CRC-TRR 146 'Multiscale simulation methods for soft matter systems' where she serves as spokesperson. Education includes a Habilitation (1997) and PhD (1991) from the University of Mainz under Kurt Binder, and a Diploma in Physics from Heidelberg University/LMU Munich (1989). Research spans multiscale modeling , nonequilibrium phenomena , and biological physics . Key interests include: Polymer dynamics and self-assembly Lipid membranes and nanomaterial design Biological interfaces and phase transitions Advanced simulation methods for soft matter Her publications demonstrate strong emphasis on computational approaches to polymer physics, biomolecular systems, and interfacial phenomena, with recent work exploring RNA delivery systems and biomolecular condensates. Honors include: APS Fellow (2023) JGU Teaching Award (2021) DFG Gerhard Hess Award (1998) Heisenberg Fellowship (1998) She leads the Schmid Group and coordinates major grants including DFG-funded projects. Editorial roles include Senior Editor for The Journal of Physical Chemistry and Divisional Associate Editor for Physical Review Letters . Her laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research in soft matter theory, collaborating with experimental groups and maintaining computational infrastructure for large-scale simulations.
Dr. Poornima Padmanabhan serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology's Kate Gleason College of Engineering, with additional faculty appointment in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Her academic credentials include: B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (India) Ph.D. from Cornell University Research centers on computational thermodynamics of soft materials, particularly polymer-colloid systems where her group develops rational design approaches to manipulate hierarchical structures through self-assembly. Key investigations address chirality amplification mechanisms, thermodynamic frustration in block copolymers, and non-equilibrium phase separation phenomena using molecular simulations and statistical mechanics frameworks. This work bridges fundamental physics with materials engineering applications. Recent publications (2017-2023) reveal consistent methodological focus on computational soft matter physics, with evolving emphasis from colloidal gel mechanics toward chiral polymer systems. Articles demonstrate strong disciplinary integration across polymer science, statistical thermodynamics, and rheology, increasingly incorporating chirality as a design parameter for next-generation materials. Major recognitions include: NSF CAREER Award (2022) for "Chirality and polymer thermodynamics: frustration and amplification" supporting both materials research and spatial cognition pedagogy ACS PMSE Early Investigator Award (2024) recognizing outstanding contributions to polymer materials science Her grant portfolio features the NSF CAREER award enabling dual-track research on chiral self-assembly and engineering education innovation. She actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students through the Poornima Research Group while leading STEM outreach initiatives to increase women's participation in engineering fields. The Poornima Research Group employs advanced computational techniques to investigate fundamental soft matter problems, currently focusing on chirality-driven self-assembly in polymers and colloidal systems, with applications spanning biomaterials design and nanofabrication.
Dr. Friederike Adams is an accomplished researcher at the forefront of polymer chemistry and nanomedicine. She currently serves as an Independent Junior Research Group Leader at the University of Stuttgart and University of Tübingen, and as Deputy Professor at the Technical University of Munich since April 2025. Her research group "Precision Polymers for Pharmaceutics" operates as a joint initiative between the University of Stuttgart and the Schnichels Lab at the Eye Hospital Tübingen. Her research focuses on designing innovative drug delivery systems using sustainable materials, with particular emphasis on intelligent, bio-based and biodegradable polymers. The group specializes in sophisticated polymerization techniques including living-type polymerizations, block copolymerizations, and catalyst design. Key research areas encompass polymer analysis, drug and nucleic acid encapsulation, formulation development, and in vitro evaluation of nanoparticles. Professor Adams' recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory in sustainable polymer chemistry and nanomedicine applications, particularly in ocular therapeutics. Her work on yttrium-mediated ring-opening polymerization of dihydrocarvide showcases her innovative approach to developing tunable terpene-based polyesters. Publication in Polymer Chemistry Emerging Investigators Series (2025) Wiley poster prize 2024 (with group members) Best oral communication award at IP'24 in Mainz Professor Adams actively supervises multiple PhD, Master's, and Bachelor students, providing them with opportunities to work at the cutting edge of polymer science and nanomedicine. Her research group benefits from substantial funding through the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments, supporting their work on precision polymers for pharmaceutical applications. The "Precision Polymers for Pharmaceutics" lab maintains strong collaborative ties with biomedical researchers at the Eye Hospital Tübingen, ensuring their polymer research has direct relevance to therapeutic applications, particularly in ocular drug delivery systems.
Professor Felix H. Schacher is a leading polymer chemist at Friedrich Schiller University Jena's Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry. As principal investigator of multiple DFG projects and speaker of the €10M+ Transregional Collaborative Research Center TRR 234, he directs cutting-edge research in block copolymer systems for energy, biomedical, and industrial applications. His research program spans: Nanostructured materials for energy storage (gel electrolytes, photoflow reactors) Stimuli-responsive drug delivery (photoacids, GLUT5-targeting micelles) Self-healing interfaces and biosensors Light-driven molecular catalysis in hierarchical structures Professor Schacher leads the TRR 234 Integrated Research Training Group, providing doctoral training in advanced polymer characterization and synthesis. His work bridges fundamental self-assembly mechanisms with real-world applications in batteries, targeted therapy, and sustainable chemistry through collaborations with Max Planck Institutes, Helmholtz Centers, and international partners. Recent projects like 'POMbranes' demonstrate strong industry transfer potential in catalytic membrane technology.
Dr Fiona Hatton is a Senior Lecturer in Polymer Chemistry at Loughborough University's Department of Materials, where she serves as Undergraduate Admissions Tutor and leads the Hatton Polymer Group. Her academic journey began with an MChem in Medicinal Chemistry with Pharmacology from the University of Liverpool in 2010, followed by a PhD from the same institution (2010-2014) focused on dendritic polymers for biomedical applications. Her research program centers on sustainable polymer chemistry, with particular expertise in synthesizing well-defined copolymers from renewable resources. Key projects include leading an EPSRC New Investigator Award to develop new biobased polymers and serving as co-investigator on the Perpetual Plastics for Food-to-Go initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics in food packaging. Polymerisation of monomers from renewable resources Synthesis of block copolymer nanoparticles using polymerisation-induced self-assembly Investigation of responsive polymer colloids Preparation of polymeric biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering Dr Hatton's research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging chemistry, materials science, and environmental sustainability to address pressing challenges in plastic pollution and sustainable materials development. Her work on microplastics characterization contributes significantly to understanding environmental impacts of polymer materials. EPSRC New Investigator Award for biobased polymer research Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, 2021) Academic Professional Apprenticeship (Level 7, 2021) As an educator, Dr Hatton holds a PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (2024) and serves as Undergraduate Admissions Tutor. Her teaching focuses on polymer chemistry with emphasis on sustainable approaches. She has developed strong research leadership through her group's collaborative projects spanning biomedical applications to environmental sustainability.
Guillaume Miquelard-Garnier is a Professor at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), where he leads the Polymers and Composites (P&C) team at the PIMM Laboratory. His affiliations include membership in the CNRS National Committee (Soft Matter Section) and editorial responsibilities for Materials Today Communications . He previously served as a Maître de Conférences at CNAM (2010–2023) and holds expertise roles with MESRI, ANR, and FNR Luxembourg. His research explores polymer physics, emphasizing surface/interfacial phenomena in composites, blends, and elastomers. Key themes include: Structure-property relationships in multiphase polymer systems Dewetting dynamics and rheology of nanolayer films Sustainable materials design (e.g., 3D-printed composites, recycled polymers) Interphase characterization in thermoplastic composites Recent publications (2022–2024) reveal a strong focus on advanced manufacturing techniques like multimaterial 3D printing and nanolayer processing. Trends include sustainable material innovation (e.g., coal-reinforced polymers), smart actuators, and environmental health impacts of microplastics. Experimental methods combine rheology, microscopy, and computational modeling. Scientific awards include the Joint SFP/GFP Prize (2020) for contributions to polymer physics. He actively mentors PhD students and postdocs, with 12+ alumni in industrial R&D roles. His lab engages in ANR-funded projects and industrial partnerships (Renault, Safran). The P&C team at PIMM Laboratory specializes in polymer processing, interfacial science, and composite optimization, supported by collaborations with global institutions.
Hongjun Liang, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, with a joint appointment as Adjunct Professor in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Texas Tech University. He leads research at the Center for Membrane Research (CMPR) and Membrane Protein Core Laboratory (MPCL), focusing on bridging biological and synthetic systems through nanomaterials innovation. His research integrates membrane biophysics, bioengineering, and nanotechnology, with emphasis on: Synthetic proteomembranes for protein reconstitution Nanoparticle-based antimicrobials and biofilm mitigation Theranostic platforms for cancer diagnosis/treatment Polymer nanodiscs for membrane protein studies Dr. Liang has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature Communications , Biomacromolecules , and Chemical Society Reviews , with recent work demonstrating nanostructure-dependent antibiotic activity and environmentally responsive nanomaterials. His lab utilizes advanced characterization tools like synchrotron SAXS and develops novel polymer-based membrane mimetics. Current research directions include nanoparticle-pinched polymer brushes for microalgae dewatering, zwitterionic copolymer nanodiscs, and phage-mimicking antimicrobials. The lab welcomes inquiries from prospective graduate students and postdocs.
Nathaniel Lynd serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, holding the Laurence E. McMakin, Jr. Centennial Fellowship. His research bridges fundamental polymer science with technological applications in energy, environmental sustainability, security, and healthcare through innovative materials design. His academic foundation includes: Postdoctoral Associate, Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara (2007-2010) Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry, University of Minnesota (2007) B.S. in Chemistry, Michigan State University (2002) Dr. Lynd's research program centers on sustainable polymer synthesis with emphasis on structure-property relationships in functional materials. Key thrusts include: Advanced copolymer structure determination techniques Mechanistic studies of ring-opening polymerizations Design of acid-degradable polyethers and orthoesters Membrane materials for boric acid removal and water purification Cryoprotective polymers for biomedical applications Ion-conductive materials for energy storage systems Analysis of his 12 publications (2012-2022) reveals consistent focus on polymer architecture control and application-driven synthesis . Recent work (2020-2022) shows heightened emphasis on environmental remediation (membrane technologies) and biomedical materials (cryopreservation), while maintaining strong theoretical foundations in polymerization mechanisms and structure-property modeling. His distinguished recognition includes: ACS PMSE Arthur K. Doolittle Award (2018) 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2019-2020) Editorial appointments for Macromolecules (2021-2024) and ACS Macro Letters (2019-2023) University of Minnesota Doctoral Fellowship (2006-2007) While specific grant details and student names aren't provided in source materials, his active research group conducts synthesis-driven projects supported by peer-reviewed publications and industry collaborations. Current work shows increasing integration of sustainability principles across all research domains. Dr. Lynd leads a dedicated research group developing next-generation polymeric materials, with projects spanning from fundamental mechanistic studies to applied membrane and biomaterials development. The group maintains strong industry connections through publications in Macromolecules and collaborations with membrane technology researchers.
Brian Ree serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Kean University's Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology. His research centers on polymer chemistry and physics with emphasis on fundamental material properties and novel applications. Education: Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Hokkaido University, Japan M.S. in Polymer Chemistry, POSTECH, South Korea B.A. in Chemistry, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN His expertise spans anionic polymerization, characterization of electronic/mechanical/thermal/viscoelastic properties, and self-assembled nanostructures in bulk, thin-film, and solution states. Dr. Ree investigates critical structure-property relationships in polymer systems, particularly how chemical architecture influences molecular arrangement and emergent physical behaviors. Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal strong focus on advanced manufacturing applications including 3D printing materials science and precision nanostructure engineering of block copolymers for electronic and structural applications. Dr. Ree actively mentors students through collaborative research projects and utilizes departmental facilities including specialized polymer characterization laboratories for his investigations into next-generation polymeric materials.
