Rainer Haag is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, leading the Haag Group in the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on biodegradable and sustainable materials, dynamic hydrogels, and polymeric nanosystems for biomedical applications. Department of Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin Member of SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces Collaborator in the StemGel startup project Co-founder of CSR|Berlin interdisciplinary research institute Research Interests: Development of stimuli-responsive polymers, multivalent virus inhibitors, and functional biointerfaces. Key projects include: Antiviral coatings using heteromultivalent polymers Thermoresponsive hydrogels for stem cell expansion Graphene derivatives for bacterial capture and disinfection Lignin upcycling for sustainable resin materials Supramolecular nanosystems for drug delivery Publication Trends highlight interdisciplinary work in polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications. Recent articles focus on: 2D polyglycerols for virus interactions Redox-responsive nanogels Mucus-inspired adhesive hydrogels Tumor-targeting micelles Bacterial disinfection using graphene composites Labs & Collaborations include the Polymeric and Supramolecular Nanosystems subgroup, the Dynamic Hydrogels and Biointerfaces team, and partnerships with MIT in developing bioinspired adhesives. His group contributes to DFG-funded SFB 1449 and CSR|Berlin initiatives.
Robert J. Hamers is a Professor of Chemistry and the Steenbock Professor of Physical Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison . He serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology , a multi-institutional collaboration, and is a Senior Editor for Accounts of Chemical Research . Additionally, he co-founded the startup Silatronix, Inc. and leads the ACS/UW-Madison Bridge to the Chemistry Doctorate Program . B.S. in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1980) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Cornell University (1986) Hamers' research focuses on surface chemistry, nanotechnology, and renewable energy , with specific interests in electrochemical energy storage, photoelectron emission mechanisms, and environmental impacts of nanomaterials . His group develops ultra-stable surface chemistries for energy devices and investigates charge-transfer processes at material interfaces . Recent publications highlight advances in diamond-based materials , organosilicon electrolyte additives , and environmental fate of nanomaterials . Scientific recognitions include the Wisconsin Distinguished Professor title. His work bridges fundamental surface science with applied technologies through collaborations with academic institutions, national laboratories, and industry partners like Dow Chemical . The Hamers Group actively trains graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in multidisciplinary approaches.
Ralph H. Colby serves as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, holding the Corning Faculty Fellowship. His research focuses on molecular-level dynamics in complex fluids, particularly polymers, ionomers, and liquid crystalline systems. With over 130 publications and authorship of the textbook Polymer Physics (2003), he directs an active research program examining structure-property relationships in soft matter. B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University (1979) M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1983) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University (1985) Professor Colby's research spans polymer physics, rheology, and materials for energy applications. His group employs mechanical rheology, dielectric spectroscopy, and scattering techniques to investigate ion transport in single-ion conductors for batteries, dynamics of glass-forming liquids, and self-assembly in polyelectrolyte systems. Current work emphasizes structure-property relationships in ionomers, liquid crystalline polymers, and branched architectures. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent focus on ionomer membranes for energy applications, processing-structure relationships in advanced polymers, and fundamental dynamics of complex fluids. Key trends include increasing integration of computational modeling with experimental characterization, expansion into sustainable materials processing, and growing emphasis on applications in battery technology and biomedical materials. Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement (2022) Bingham Medal, Society of Rheology (2012) American Chemical Society Fellowship Corning Faculty Fellowship in Materials Science and Engineering Professor Colby leads multiple federally funded projects including NSF's 'Fundamental Studies of Flow-Induced Polymer Crystallization' and DOE's 'Conduction mechanisms and structure of ionomeric single-ion conductors'. His group maintains strong industry partnerships with Corning Incorporated and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Penn State Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Current research includes collaborations on breast cancer adherence interventions in Rwanda and conjugated polymer development for flexible electronics. The Colby Research Group operates specialized facilities for rheological characterization, dielectric spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering at Penn State's Materials Research Institute. The team maintains active collaborations with national laboratories and international research groups, focusing on translating fundamental polymer physics discoveries into practical applications for energy storage and advanced manufacturing.
Dr. Samir H. Mushrif is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta . Prior to this role, he served as faculty at the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore . He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McGill University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Delaware, USA . Education : PhD (Chemical Engineering, McGill University), Postdoc (University of Delaware) His research focuses on computational catalysis , molecular modeling , and reaction engineering for biomass conversion and CO2 reduction . He develops novel catalysts, solvents, and reactor systems using integrated quantum mechanical and classical molecular simulations , synergized with experimental data to enable sustainable energy and chemical production . Recent publications highlight trends in condensed phase chemistry for biomass reactions, machine learning applications in solvent configuration prediction, and mechanistic studies of lignin-carbohydrate complex deconstruction. His work bridges methane activation on metal oxides, hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil compounds, and polymerization pathways in lignin structures. Scientific Awards include: NSERC Doctoral and Post-doctoral Fellowships Discovery International Award 2017 (Australian Research Council) NANYANG EDUCATION AWARD 2016 (Singapore) SCBE Teaching Excellence Awards (Silver 2015, Gold 2016) Bharat Gaurav (Pride of India) Award 2014 Dr. Mushrif's NSERC Discovery Grant (2018), CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund Grant (2022), and AcRF Tier-2 Grant (Singapore, 2015) have advanced his work. Current PhD and Master's students include José Carlos Velasco Calderón , Arul Mozhi Devan Padmanathan , and Sagar Bathla , among others. The CARES Lab (Catalysis Research for Sustainability) under his leadership combines ab initio molecular dynamics , machine learning potentials , and Density Functional Theory to design materials for renewable energy . Collaborations span institutions in France , Canada , India , and the UK .
Professor Ali Gilles Tchenguise Miserez holds a joint appointment as Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the School of Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. He is also the President's Chair in Materials Science and Engineering. His research group, the Biological and Biomimetic Materials Laboratory (BBML), is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together molecular biologists, chemists, bio-physicists, and materials scientists to study natural materials with unique properties not found in man-made materials. Prof. Miserez's research interests span multiple areas including bioelastomeric membranes & coiled-coil engineering, mechanisms of biofouling adhesion & anti-adhesive coatings, molecular biomimetics of non-mineralized hard tissues, biomineralized structures with graded properties, and liquid-liquid phase separation. His work focuses on understanding the molecular, physico-chemical, and structural principles of biological materials and translating these designs into novel biomimetic synthesis strategies. His laboratory emphasizes "green chemistry" approaches that mimic nature's energy-efficient synthesis methods under ambient conditions. Prof. Miserez's publication record demonstrates significant impact across multiple disciplines, with work appearing in top journals including Science, Nature Materials, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Chemical Biology, and Advanced Materials. His recent research has particularly focused on peptide coacervates for intracellular delivery of therapeutics, with applications in cancer treatment, mRNA delivery, and nucleic acid therapeutics. This work represents a convergence of materials science, biochemistry, and medicine with significant translational potential. Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) Fellowship (2011) - $3 Million individual research grant for early career scientists Prof. Miserez has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His laboratory has developed strong international collaborations and has secured significant research funding. Current projects include developing peptide-based delivery systems for cancer therapeutics, understanding marine biofouling mechanisms, and creating biomimetic materials inspired by natural systems. The BBML laboratory is actively recruiting talented researchers interested in interdisciplinary work at the interface of biology and materials science.
Kathrin Lang is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, and Head of the Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Her research focuses on chemical biology, particularly the development of tools for genetic code expansion to incorporate non-canonical amino acids into proteins and advance bioorthogonal chemistries for studying biological processes. Keywords: Genetic Code Expansion, Bioorthogonal Chemistry, Protein Engineering, Ubiquitylation Networks, Post-Translational Modifications. Lang’s work emphasizes proximity-triggered crosslinking reactions, bioorthogonal labeling, and in vivo chemistries to address challenges in protein interaction mapping and structural elucidation. Her group’s recent publications highlight methodologies for dual protein labeling, deciphering ubiquitin code, and enhancing cycloaddition reactivity. Current projects include exploring cyclopropene-fused dibenzocyclooctynes for improved labeling and investigating methylated lysine as a conformational regulator in Hsp90. Funding sources include the ERC (Ubl-tool), DFG (SFB1035, SPP1926), and ETH Zurich. She contributes to education through courses like Genetic Code Expansion for Studying Posttranslational Modifications and Chemical Biology and Synthetic Biochemistry . Collaborative efforts span structural biology, microbiology, and synthetic biochemistry, with applications in ubiquitin research and cellular imaging.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Hirsch is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) . His research focuses on organic chemistry , graphene functionalization , carbon nanomaterials , and molecular solar thermal systems , with significant contributions to 2D material engineering and supramolecular chemistry . Chair of Organic Chemistry II (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg) ResearchGate: Profile Google Scholar: Profile His work spans graphene patterning via laser writing , black phosphorus stabilization using perylenediimides , and covalent functionalization of 2D materials like MoS 2 and carbon nanotubes . Recent studies include non-covalent passivation of BP nanosheets and electroswitchable catalysis for solar thermal energy storage . His scientific awards include the Second Place Poster Award (2023) and Robert C. Haddon Research Award (2021) . Collaborative projects highlight smart nanoparticle systems for radiation therapy and environmental remediation applications.
Dr. Sander J. Wezenberg is an Associate Professor at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, where he leads an independent research group focused on developing stimuli-responsive molecular receptors and self-assembling materials. He was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen in 2017 and moved to Leiden University in 2019 to establish his research group, where he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022. Dr. Wezenberg's educational background includes: Master's degree in Chemistry at the University of Nijmegen, conducting research in Prof. Roeland Nolte's group PhD in Supramolecular Chemistry at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) under Prof. Arjan Kleij (2011) Postdoctoral fellow with Prof. François Diederich at ETH Zurich Postdoctoral work with Prof. Ben Feringa at the University of Groningen His research focuses on using interdisciplinary approaches combining synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and photochemistry to develop systems that can study and manipulate biological processes. Key research areas include: Photodynamic control of anion binding and lipid bilayer membrane transport Creation of polymeric and self-assembled materials with switchable functions Development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents to improve human health Dr. Wezenberg's recent publications demonstrate strong trends in photoresponsive molecular systems for controlling anion transport and membrane properties. His work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biological applications, with particular emphasis on light-switchable molecular receptors and their applications in biological systems. Scientific awards and recognition: ERC Starting Grant (2018) Veni Grant from NWO (2014) Vidi Grant from NWO (2018) Member of the Young Academy of Europe (2020) Dr. Wezenberg actively mentors PhD and Master's students, with current advisees including Nol Duindam, Sabine Langens, Sofiia Emashova, Lin Xu, Dimitris Piperoudis, and Josien de Graaf. His research is supported by multiple funding sources including Leiden University, the European Research Council, the Dutch Research Council, and the China Scholarship Council. The Wezenberg Research Group is based at the Gorlaeus Laboratories in the new Gorlaeus Building at Leiden University, where they maintain a highly collaborative research environment focused on molecular switches, anion recognition, and dynamic supramolecular systems.
Dr. John Reynolds is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology with a 40-year legacy in polymer chemistry. He serves as founding Director of the Georgia Tech Polymer Network (GTPN) and a member of the Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics (COPE). Research spans conjugated polymers, electrochromism, organic LEDs, photovoltaics, and bioelectronics Expert in optoelectronic and redox properties of electroactive materials Co-editor of the Handbook of Conducting Polymers His group has published over 450 peer-reviewed papers and holds ~45 issued patents. Recent research focuses on: Advanced electrochromic materials for visible and infrared applications Next-generation organic solar cells with green processing techniques Supercapacitor and electrochemical transistor materials Space exploration polymer applications Scientific recognition includes: ACS Cope Scholar Award (2020) ACS Florida Award (2019) ACS Applied Polymer Science Award (2012) Fellowships from Royal Society of Chemistry, Materials Research Society, and PMSE (2013) His editorial contributions include serving on boards for multiple prestigious journals including ACS Central Science and Chemistry of Materials . The Reynolds Group actively trains PhD and postdoctoral researchers, with recent members advancing to positions at University of Michigan, ExxonMobil, Northwestern, and Intel.
Professor Emiliano Cortés is a faculty member at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), where he leads research in Plasmonic and Photonic Chemistry at the Nano-Institute Munich. His work bridges the fields of nanotechnology, physical chemistry, and materials science, focusing on light-matter interactions for energy conversion applications. Dr. Cortés' research focuses on plasmonics , photocatalysis , and electrocatalysis at the nanoscale. His group investigates how the dynamics of photons, plasmon-polaritons, carriers, phonons, and molecular states influence chemical reactivity. A key aspect of his work involves developing techniques to study plasmonic systems at the single particle level and designing rational synthesis approaches for plasmonic colloidal photo and electrocatalysts. His research has significant implications for sustainable energy technologies, environmental remediation, and advanced sensing applications. Analysis of Professor Cortés' recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy conversion processes, with particular emphasis on CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, and hydrogen production. His work integrates plasmonic effects with catalytic processes to enhance reaction efficiencies, often through innovative interface engineering and nanostructure design. The research spans fundamental studies of charge carrier dynamics to practical applications in energy storage and environmental technologies. Professor Cortés actively mentors doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, currently advertising open positions for projects on Single particle photo and electrocatalysis and Synthesis of hybrid colloids . His research group, the Hybrid Plasmonics Lab (www.hybridplasmonics.org), receives funding from various sources to support their work on plasmon-mediated chemistry for sustainable applications. The Cortés research group operates within the Nano-Institute Munich, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and testing. Their work combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to understand and harness light-matter interactions at the nanoscale for practical applications in energy conversion and environmental technologies.
Ronald G. Larson serves as the George Granger Brown Professor of Chemical Engineering and A. H. White Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, with additional appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Macromolecular Science & Engineering. His research leadership spans multiple departments within the Chemical Engineering Division, where he directs the Larson Lab focused on fundamental and applied soft matter physics. His research program investigates complex fluids through computational and theoretical frameworks, emphasizing polymer physics, rheology, and molecular simulations. Key thrusts include polymer melt processing, biomembrane dynamics, colloidal systems, and polyelectrolyte coacervation. The group employs advanced techniques like Brownian dynamics, coarse-grained modeling, and multiscale simulation to address challenges ranging from industrial polymer processing to biomedical applications. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong momentum in rheological modeling of complex fluids, with particular emphasis on self-healing materials, wax deposition in pipelines, and crystallization mechanisms. The work bridges fundamental molecular insights with industrial applications, demonstrating consistent high-impact output across polymer science, soft matter physics, and chemical engineering domains. The Larson Lab operates as a collaborative hub within the Chemical Engineering Department, leveraging computational resources to advance understanding of fluid mechanics and material properties. Current projects integrate machine learning with traditional modeling approaches, reflecting the group's commitment to methodological innovation while maintaining strong connections to experimental validation and real-world engineering problems.
Lucia Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Queen's University, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Science. Her research focuses on applying green chemistry principles to supramolecular interactions involving main-group elements, particularly sigma-hole interactions, with applications in materials science and medicine. She holds a PhD from McMaster University and has completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Geneva and Weizmann Institute of Science. Dr. Lee's educational background includes a PhD supported by an NSERC grant, which explored chalcogen bonding in supramolecular materials. Her postdoctoral work at Weizmann focuses on stimuli-responsive materials using chalcogen elements for photoswitching applications. She has also contributed to academic governance through roles in the McMaster Graduate Students Association. Her research interests span analytical chemistry, quantum chemistry, inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and free radical chemistry. Key projects include integrating chalcogen bonding into d-metal coordination chemistry, catalysis, and chemical biology to create functional materials. Her lab, located in CHE513, emphasizes sustainable approaches to material design through main-group supramolecular systems. Her articles explore topics like chalcogen bonding mechanisms, anion transport, and photoswitching in confined spaces, reflecting a strong focus on molecular assembly and functional materials. She has no listed scientific awards but demonstrates significant contributions to supramolecular chemistry through her publications and cross-appointments at Queen's Carbon to Metal Coating Institute.
Dr. Bob Beitle Jr. is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Arkansas. He joined the department in 1993, earned tenure in 1998, and was promoted to Full Professor in 2006. His research spans biochemical engineering , bioseparation , fermentation , and adaptive technology for the disabled , with significant work on protein purification, catalytic nanoparticles, and sustainable bioprocesses. Education: BS, MS, PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (1987, 1991, 1993) Dr. Beitle's research combines experimental and computational approaches, focusing on peptide-directed nanoparticle synthesis and biocatalysis . His recent publications highlight advancements in MOF-based separations , CO2 capture materials , and viral detection platforms . He has secured grants like the CAREER Award and led projects in industrial partnerships and student development . Scientific contributions include multiple patents in bioseparation and software interfaces. Awards span decades: teaching honors (1988–2007) and mentorship recognition . He serves on the Cell and Molecular Biology Program Advisory Committee and the Executive Committee for the Biochemical Technology Division of ACS . Lab initiatives involve genomic data-driven affinity tail design and membrane-assisted fermentation systems .
Yu Xia is a Post Doc at the Department of Chemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden. He is affiliated with the Tom Willhammar Research Group, focusing on advanced electron microscopy and diffraction techniques for structural characterization of materials. PhD (2019–2023) from a joint program between the University of Birmingham (UK) and the Southern University of Science and Technology (China). Research emphasizes fabrication of metallic nanoparticles with non-equilibrium structures and shapes using gas-phase condensation and thermal shock methods. Specializes in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in-situ heating experiments, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for nanoparticle analysis. Current work prioritizes 4DSTEM imaging for electron beam-sensitive materials and Python-based post-processing of electron microscopy datasets. Yu Xia's research spans Materials Science , Nanotechnology , and Electrocatalysis , with applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution , graphene composites , and advanced electron microscopy techniques . His work often integrates computational image processing with structural characterization to optimize material properties. Publications highlight innovations in heterostructure engineering , metallic alloy catalysts , and electron beam-sensitive material imaging . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Yu Xia's technical expertise includes Python scripting for image analysis, in-situ electron microscopy , and multifunctional graphene-based materials .
Dr. Golo Storch is a Junior Fellow and Research Group Leader at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he leads the Emmy Noether Research Group funded by the German Research Foundation and holds an ERC Starting Grant. He is affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences and the Department of Organic Chemistry I, focusing on flavin-based catalysis for organic synthesis. Dr. Storch completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in Chemistry at Heidelberg University (2007-2012), followed by a doctorate in 2016 under Prof. Oliver Trapp, focusing on stereodynamic ligands and self-amplifying catalysis. He then conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University (2016-2018) with Prof. Scott Miller, exploring quinone redox-interconversion and peptide ligands for site-selective catalysis. Since 2019, he has led his independent research group at TUM. Dr. Storch's research centers on designing molecular flavin catalysts for selective organic transformations, inspired by flavoenzyme chemistry. His work focuses on position- and stereoselective catalysis, particularly using non-covalent interactions to control catalytically active sites. Key research directions include photochemical excitation of flavins for oxidation/reduction reactions, activation of molecular oxygen for selective oxygenation, and applications in modifying peptide natural products and complex organic molecules. His group combines synthetic methodology, photochemistry, DFT calculations, and spectroscopy to develop sustainable alternatives to precious metal catalysts. Dr. Storch's recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to flavin catalysis, showing how tailored flavin structures can enable diverse chemical transformations including hydrogen atom abstraction, C-H functionalization, selective oxygenation, and deracemization reactions. His work bridges photochemistry and organocatalysis, with applications in natural product modification and sustainable synthesis. Research Award of the Dr. Otto Röhm Memorial Foundation (2023) ERC Starting Grant 2023 (2023) ADUC Prize of the German Chemical Society (2023) Member of the Young College of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (2023) Exploration Grant, Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation (2024) ORCHEM Award 2024, German Chemical Society Emmy Noether Programme, German Research Foundation (since 2021) Liebig Fellowship, Chemical Industry Fund (2019-2021) Dr. Storch actively mentors PhD and Master's students in his research group, with several successful PhD completions. His research is supported by multiple prestigious grants including the ERC Starting Grant "BifurCAT," the DFG Emmy Noether Programme, and the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation Exploration Grant for hybrid macrolide natural products research. He is also an Associate PI at the Catalysis Research Center (CRC) and participates in the newly funded CRC 392 on Molecular Evolution. The Storch Lab, part of the TUM Catalysis Research Center, focuses on "Designed Flavins for Catalysis" with the motto "Tailor-Made Catalysts - New Reactivity - Selective Editing." The group collaborates extensively with other research teams at TUM, including the de Vivie-Riedle group, Hauer lab, Bach group, and Dreuw labs, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary connections within the university's chemistry and physics departments.
