(4v) Advancing Organic Macromolecular Chemistry through the Development of Functional, Sustainable and Responsive Materials

My research interests focus on integrating synthetic and physical organic chemistry as functional components into macromolecular systems. By leveraging powerful organic chemistry methodologies, my group will develop novel polymers and explore their potential applications. We want to use our findings as a toolbox to not only gain scientific insight but also find real-world applications that could contribute to building a better society. Here, I present three original research projects that aim to achieve functional, sustainable and responsive polymers.

First, the development of Janus cyclic polymers from novel bivalent macromonomers will be studied. Cyclic polymer chemistry is an emerging field with its singular synthetic approach and extraordinary properties that are distinct from that of linear polymers. The self-assembly of the resulting cyclic polymer and its morphology will be extensively studied to uncover unique structure-property relationships.

Secondly, I am proposing to develop next generation sustainable polyesters, that can be prepared from inexpensive renewable feedstock by taking advantage of the new chemical reactivity of labile monomers to address the growing issue of plastic pollution. Physical and mechanical properties of the polymers will be examined and optimized to achieve environmentally friendly yet highly practical polymer-based products. In this way, we expect to develop a new generation of high-performance sustainable polymeric materials.

The last project is the design and synthesis of multi-stimuli-responsive polymers that will find use in real-world applications. A linear brush polymer that contains more than two different functional groups will be developed and undergo interactive cascade reactions after a single stimulus to achieve the desired outcomes. My immediate research goal for this project is to successfully demonstrate causal interplay between two or more stimuli responsive groups, so that the property of the whole polymer is altered by remote external stimuli independently.

Teaching Interests

I am deeply committed to providing a well-rounded science education to students from diverse backgrounds and varying experiences in their field. The more I interact with students from disparate backgrounds, the more I discovered that different teaching methods and approaches are necessary in order to maximize the effectiveness of teaching. My overarching emphasis concentrates on encouraging students to engage in scientific research as well as give them a chance to build a strong interdisciplinary background. I can teach several organic chemistry-related courses, such as undergraduate level Organic Chemistry for Chemical Engineers, graduate level Physical Organic Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry. My interest in teaching and conducting research extends not only to the collegiate setting. I am committed to community outreach to ensure that emerging generations will be able to benefit from the same opportunities I have been afforded. I intend to continue with outreach opportunities and to share my passion with others in hopes of benefitting all communities alike.