(2au) Pressing Play on Self-Assembled Biomaterials

Biology has evolved to contain many scales of self-assembled structures. At the base of this hierarchy, underlying organs, tissues, and all the macroscale structures we see, are soft nanomaterials. At the nanoscale, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and other organic molecules self-assemble into the cells and extracellular matrices that enable life. Existing research on such materials is predominantly static, focusing on equilibrium structures and time-independent parameters. However, the dynamic nature of biological soft matter is what makes it both interesting and, importantly, plays a significant role in its function. My research seeks to fill this gap, “pressing play” on the static view and replacing the picture of biomaterials with a movie.

Through my research, I will improve biomaterials and advance our understanding of biological phenomena by harnessing nanoscale dynamics. Specifically, I will study self-assembled soft matter systems which are found in or inspired by biology through the lens of polymer physics. My work combines molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with experimental techniques, including X-ray and neutron scattering, using automation and a data-driven approach as a through-line that enables efficient and sustainable usage of computational and experimental resources. Initial research areas in my research program will (1) characterize dynamics in liquid-liquid phase separated systems to better understand complex coacervation and membraneless organelles; (2) optimize the tradeoff between the stability in storage and delivery with the successful transfection afforded by the propensity for endosomal escape to improve nanoparticles for drug delivery; and, (3) create a new class of stimuli-responsive fibers for biomedical applications.

The simulation work I have proposed leverages my graduate research in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering: Program in Polymers and Soft Matter at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the guidance of Alfredo Alexander-Katz. Through my PhD, I explored the molecular structure and dynamics of bio-inspired synthetic random heteropolymers using MD simulations. Using a combination of unbiased and enhanced sampling techniques, I will employ both atomistic and coarse-grained methods to uncover molecular interactions that govern behavior. In the experimental arm of my proposed research program, I will conduct time-resolved X-ray and neutron scattering experiments as well as higher-throughput absorbance and fluorescence assays. I have leveraged these techniques to study non-viral drug delivery vectors and other soft matter systems during my time as an ASEE Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow and UW Data Science Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington under the guidance of Lilo D. Pozzo.

The computational and experimental techniques both characterize the dynamic, nanoscale behavior of soft matter through a polymer physics lens and will complement one another to provide a full picture of the systems of interest with in-house cross-validation. Therefore, my expertise in these methods makes me uniquely suited to accomplish my research vision.

Complete list of publications: https://tinyurl.com/shilburg

Teaching Interests:

In my teaching, I can draw upon my broad, interdisciplinary background. I obtained BS and MS degrees from the Department of Materials Science & Engineering and conducted research in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. I then spent several years in industry creating polymer membranes for medical and pharmaceutical applications prior to entering graduate school for polymers and soft matter. In my courses, syllabi will outline clear learning goals and rubrics will provide objective grading criteria which align with those goals. In addition to mastery of the scientific content and an ability to synthesize concepts to solve subject matter problems, all of my courses will include learning goals related to scientific communication. Through my experience in both industry and academia, I have seen how vital effective communication is. Presentation skills to create more effective scientific communications will be honed through summative assessments and the ability to learn from scientific communication will be incorporated through journal article and seminar-related assignments. Formative assessments including short in-class problems and scaffolded longer-term projects will provide frequent feedback for both students and myself, allowing adjustments within the semester to optimize student learning. I am passionate about teaching and have completed several certifications to provide effective and inclusive instruction (including MIT’s Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program and the EdX Inclusive STEM Teaching Project). For this reason, I am well-equipped to create engaging undergraduate introduction courses to draw interest to and prepare students for their academic journeys in engineering. Additionally, I would be excited and qualified to teach courses on numerical methods and thermodynamics. Beyond the core curriculum, I am interested in developing courses on soft matter which cover polymer physics, processing, and characterization.

Service and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Fostering inclusiveness and broadening access to STEM enables a greater diversity of thought that enhances scientific progress. This perspective will be incorporated in my research group management, teaching curricula, and participation within my broader community. At each of my positions, I have taken an active role in improving the well-being of my peers and trainees, creating and serving on committees which focus on the student experience. As a professor, I will use my platform to continue this work. I will work to create an intentionally inclusive environment to encourage a sense of belonging for all students from a wide variety of backgrounds with varied learning styles and needs, which I believe will ultimately result in better engineers and a better community. Finally, I will continue my ongoing efforts to expand accessibility to science beyond the institutional community, working with state science fairs and organizing K-12 outreach activities with a particular focus on providing opportunities for local under-served communities and minoritized groups in STEM.