Dynamics of soft materials & polymers
We directly observe how polymers and soft materials deform, fluctuate, and reorganize far from equilibrium using single-molecule techniques. By linking microscopic dynamics to macroscopic behavior, we seek to uncover the physical principles that govern bulk stress, transport, assembly, self-organization, and emergent material properties.
- Single-polymer dynamics
- Entangled polymers
- Soft interfaces
- Lipid vesicle dynamics
- Active materials
- Capillary suspensions
- Molecular rheology
- Flow-induced instabilities
Molecular design & materials discovery
We aim to understand how molecular information encoded in sequence and structure gives rise to function in polymers and soft materials. We use molecular design, automated synthesis, and closed-loop discovery to create new functional materials for ion transport, photocatalysis, and autonomous or programmable behavior.
- Organic photocatalysts
- Sequence-defined synthetic oligomers
- Automated, modular synthesis
- Ion-transporting peptide materials
- Self-replicating synthetic polymers
- Closed-loop materials discovery
Microhydrodynamics & automated flow control
We aim to understand and control material structure in colloidal and self-assembling molecular systems using adaptive flow control. Our group developed a new technique known as the Stokes trap, allowing for precise manipulation and real-time state estimation for controlling soft material systems far from equilibrium.
- Capillary suspensions
- Colloidal suspensions
- Fluidic-directed assembly
- Automated & adaptive flow control
- Hydrodynamic interactions
- Interaction inference & state estimation
Selected Highlights
Molecular design & closed-loop materials discovery
