Research Clusters
Explore, discover, and connect with our cutting-edge research
The University of Akron (UA) is celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary this year and the first semester-long course titled “Chemistry of India Rubber” was taught 130 years ago in 1910. Since then, the production of plastics and rubber has surpassed all other materials, such as metals, by weight and volume. Northeast Ohio is recognized as the Polymer Valley with around 2,400 polymer related companies and 50% of the North American plastics processed within a 250 miles radius of Akron.
The School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering's research is carrying forward this tradition in developing the next generation of polymers for energy storage and harvesting; polymers using sustainable resources; polymers for controlled drug release and biomedical applications; and polymeric materials inspired by natural materials. Our faculty members and students are leading the effort in developing new chemistry and processes for our sustainable future.
Please explore our Research Clusters below to learn more about our ongoing research and potential opportunities to collaborate in these new emerging areas.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
For Undergrads
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
The School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering offers a competitive summer research experience for undergraduate (REU) students. Students will participate in a 9-week summer internship to investigate a fundamental question within the broad disciplines of polymer science and polymer engineering including polymer chemistry, polymer physics, polymer characterization, and biomaterials. Learn more.
For Grad Students
NRT-HDE: Graduate Traineeship on Advances in Material Sciences using Machine Learning
The NRT program offers unique graduate traineeship experience to M.S. and Ph.D. students pursuing research on grand challenge problems interfacing materials science, data analytics, and machine learning (ML). The program harnesses the strength in polymer materials science at The University of Akron (UA), the important progress in data analytics and machine learning tools, and the intangible values of nonacademic internship opportunities at federal and industrial laboratories.
CONTACT US
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala
Phone: 330-972-6246
Email: ali4@uakron.edu