My research group efforts focus on the design, synthesis, characterization, and applications of advanced macromolecular materials. We strive to establish structure-property relationships and to discover and develop technologically important applications of polymers. Modern polymer synthesis techniques that include various controlled polymerizations and selective polymer modifications, and these synthetic efforts provide the foundation for most projects. Ultimately, our group aims to combine contemporary polymer synthesis with detailed molecular, morphological and property characterization to expand knowledge of fundamental polymer science and advance new technologies. Spotlight areas of research include the development of sustainable polymers from renewable resources and hybrid macromolecular structures that combine disparate polymeric elements into a single compound.

Awards and Achievements

  • Entrepreneurial Researcher Award (UMN) ( 2017)
  • McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair (UMN) ( 2015)
  • Medema Award ( 2013)
  • LE STUDIUM research fellow, UniversitĂ© d'OrlĂ©ans/CNRS ( 2012-2013)
  • Carl S. Marvel Creative Polymer Chemistry Award (POLY division of the ACS) ( 2011)
  • Distinguished McKnight University Professorship (UMN) ( 2010)
  • Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) ( 2009)
  • Leverhulme Visiting Professor, University of Cambridge ( 2005-2006)
  • National Science Foundation CAREER Award ( 2001-2005)
  • Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award ( 2000-2005)
  • McKnight Land-Grant Professorship (UMN) ( 2000-2002)
  • Research Corporation Research Innovation Award ( 1998-2001)