We are interested in developing new methodologies for the controlled synthesis, fabrication and characterization of materials with specific and unique structures and functionalities, which could revolutionize the next generation’s computers, communication networks and biomedical devices. We will integrate methods for the synthesis, patterning and engineering of polymer-based materials with new synthetic strategies inspired by biological assembly.

Special focus:

• Wetting, (bio)adhesion, and friction on topographic polymer surfaces
• Surface patterning and functionalization using polymer brushes
• Dynamically tuning of microfluidics on both planar and topographic surfaces
• Nano/micropatterning of periodic 2D/3D polymeric structures
• Directed deposition of inorganic nanoparticles on structured polymer templates
• Harnessing of elastic instabilities in polymer gels
• 2D and 3D photonic crystals
• Tuanble microlens array

Current Fundings:

• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Office of Naval Research (ONR)
• Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
• Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners/Nanotechnology Institute (NTI)
• Johnson & Johnson