Toward Rational Heterogeneous Catalysis

Dynamic systems provide unique platforms for designing new functional materials with each of their components being tunable. This unique behavior of dynamic materials has guided the recent paradigm for developing multi-functional materials with properties that change dynamically upon continuous exertion of energy. Prime examples are categorized as an active matter which covers biological bacterial species, flocks of birds and fishes, and molecular motors. My research interests align with this recent trend but furthermore pave the new way for programmable active materials, where elements of materials are driven into out-of-equilibrium states under a programmed stimulus condition. This approach will mainly incorporate the design of programmable non-equilibrium states, engineering dynamics and mechanics of such states, and the characterization of materials properties. Specific research areas can be summarized as follows:

1. Designing directed-dynamic colloidal platforms, programming colloidal suspension with chemical and physical control using dynamic covalent bonds and field-directed out-of-equilibrium state for unique suspension rheology, micromechanics, and optical properties;
2. Building responsive non-Newtonian rheology of colloidal dense suspension, reshaping the current state of non-Newtonian rheology with dense colloidal suspensions in a directed active state using unconventional interparticle interactions for rheological metafluids;
3. Fabricating biocompatible material-based dynamic suspensions, designing biomaterial-based programmable materials with dynamic covalent bonds and biocompatible metamaterials.

In my research interests above, I will advance the physical and chemical means to design molecular-level interactions, microstructures, and mechanical responses in particulate systems, especially in programmed dynamic states. These topics stem from my graduate research where I explored the external manipulation of interparticle interactions to understand self-assembly of anisotropic colloids via out-of-equilibrium pathways and engineer phononic materials with novel crystallinity of colloidal crystals. In my current position as a postdoctoral scholar, I am developing expertise in disordered systems including non-Newtonian shear-thickening and jamming transition of dense colloidal suspensions, memory formation in jammed, glassy state, and programming trainability of responsive, disordered dense suspensions. Throughout these research experiences, my research interests span multidisciplinary areas within the soft condensed matter from molecular functionalizations of colloids to engineering materials functional properties. These experiences were pursued to bring fundamental physics to better engineer particulate metamaterials for novel optical, acoustical, and rheological properties. To advance from current state of research, I will apply my background in soft condensed matter physics and polymeric materials to open a new era of directed dynamic materials. Overall, my research goal aims to program colloidal platforms for controllable responsiveness, adaptivity, and tunability with environmental and external stimuli.

Teaching Interests

As a first-generation college student, my passion lies in shaping the next generation scientists through fostering a healthy and engaging community. My primary goal is to help students realize their potential and interests in the scientific field to become independent researchers and contributing members of this community. To achieve this goal, there are a few key focuses I would like to highlight throughout my career.

First, I believe that fostering young scientists involves not only disseminating scientific knowledge but also creating environment where students from any cultural or academic backgrounds can openly contribute their perspectives and find their passion. This approach will involve building a curriculum that focuses on developing communication skills, setting up career goals and eventually building their independence as a scientist and engineer. Eventually, I believe this strategy will guide students to become independent learners and grow as future leaders in our community.

Second, I am well-aware of unique challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds. I am committed to integrating inclusive teaching practices, such as providing resources and organizing outreach programs for underrepresented students. This inclusivity is to ensure our scientific impact can benefit all members of society by creating multifaceted communities that can address the needs of marginalized groups. By fostering these practices, I wish to discover new talents and innovative minds critical for the future of scientific field.

In conclusion, I am seeking the opportunity to share my experiences with students. Science is a field of endless discoveries not only in factual knowledge but in untapped talents. I would like to dedicate my passion for science and education to culminating an engaging community with empowered students and faculties. My experiences in holding math and science classes for K-12 students, assisting both undergrad and graduate-level classes, and completing a mentorship program have ignited my lifelong love for teaching, outreaching, and mentoring. Together with my research background in soft condensed matter physics and transport phenomena, I believe that my holistic approach to cultivating the next generation of scientists will help students to look beyond just the sciences but to develop skills necessary for future leaders.