Education/Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst (2003)
• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University (1998)

Professional Experience

• Associate Professor, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH (August 2011-present)
• Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (July 2006-August 2011)
• Staff Scientist, Polymers Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (2004-2006)

Honors/Awards

• ACS PRF New Doctoral Investigator (DNI) award 2009-2011
• National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award 2008-2012
• National Research Council (NRC) postdoctoral assistantship, 2002-2004

Research Interests

My research interests focus on the interface between different materials on the nanoscale, particularly polymers. These interfaces can be exploited and tuned to enable self-assembly, but also can be a source of mechanical weakness. The focus of my research program is on fundamental phenomenon, but in the context to improve the mechanical stability of nanostructures, moisture resistance of adhesives, performance of battery electrodes, and sensitivity of sensors for energy and human health applications.

Specific Projects

• Mechanics and Dynamics of Confined Polymers
• Block Copolymer Templated Porous Carbons
• Environmentally Benign Processing for Organic Electronics
• Large Area Hybrid Electronics using Roll-to-Roll Technologies
• Biosensors and Controlled Release Enabled by Well Defined Porous Carbons