(4fh) Bridging Circular Plastics and Polymer Electronics through Dynamic Network Development and Side-Chain Engineering

My research emphasizes dynamic network development, side-chain engineering, and advanced polymer characterization to create circular-by-design plastics and polymer-based energy storage and conversion systems. I am eager to leverage my expertise in polymer structure-property relationships to bridge the fields of polymer upcycling and polymer-based electronics. These efforts will drive the design of innovative materials that combine inherent circularity and superior performance. Specifically, my research will (1) investigate the integration of cleavable or dynamic bonds to enhance the recyclability and durability of polymeric materials; (2) explore the design of side-chains on polymeric semiconductors to improve their thermomechanical properties and processing capabilities; and (3) identify and exploit synergies between polymer recycling and semiconductor performance to develop sustainable, high-performance materials.

Research Experience

The field of polymer-based electronics has witnessed major developments in the past few years that have led to systems of vastly improved charge transport- and energy-harvesting properties. This progress can be predominantly attributed to synthetic efforts, which often comprise backbones of a significantly more rigid nature than the first-generation polymer semiconductors and most bulk commodity plastics. To counteract the limited solubility of highly-rigid backbones, long side-chains are incorporated to impart solution processability, which affects the overall solid-state structure and stability of the polymer. In Prof. Natalie Stingelin’s group at Georgia Tech, I developed fast-scanning calorimetric techniques that unlocked the thermal behavior and solid-state structure of conjugated polymers. Through enthalpic recovery experiments, I determined that ultraviolet-light aging of conjugated polymers led to crosslinking of the alkyl side-chains and increased the glass transition temperature. Additionally, I uncovered the relationships between the side-chain and liquid-crystalline ordering with backbone planarity and architecture, which affected optoelectronic and mechanical properties. I demonstrated that the side-chain polarity and density influenced the equilibrium swelling behavior, glass transition temperature, and electrochemical switching kinetics of poly(propylenedioxythiophenes) for use in organic electrochemical transistors. Overall, I have developed expertise in advanced characterization techniques that are essential for understanding the solid-state structure of conjugated polymers.

As a postdoc, I pivoted to the field of polymer upcycling and joined Prof. LaShanda T.J. Korley’s and Prof. Thomas H. Epps, III’s groups in the Center for Plastics Innovation at the University of Delaware. My work focuses on the catalytic deconstruction polyethylene waste, which has emerged as a promising solution to create valuable products, such as oils, fuels, surfactants, and lubricants. Unfortunately, commercialization has been hampered by inadequate optimization of polyethylene deconstruction due to an inability to either truly characterize the solid reaction products or adjust catalytic conditions to match the ever-evolving product distribution during reaction. To address these challenges, I developed a detailed analysis methodology of molecular weight distributions and thermal characterization for polyethylene deconstruction, which enabled more thorough identification of polymer chain transformations. I determined that solids generated from polyethylene hydrocracking exhibited a broadened MW distribution with a disappearance of a significant fraction of highly-linear segments of the polymer chains. Additionally, I investigated the polymer diffusion timescales and how they affect the catalytic deconstruction kinetics. By tracking the deconstruction behavior as a function of reaction type, time, temperature, and catalyst design, we map critical pathways toward polyethylene valorization.

Teaching Interests

My teaching philosophy has been built on a strong foundation from courses and workshops that focus on the scholarship of teaching, and I have adapted my philosophy from my experiences as a student, tutor, teaching assistant, and lecturer in chemical engineering programs. I further enhanced my teaching skills through the Tech-to-Teaching certificate programs at Georgia Tech, which involved several courses, workshops, and a semester-long practicum. As an assistant professor, I will use my enthusiasm to enhance the learning experience of the students. Three main goals of mine are to motivate my students, create a student-focused learning environment, and provide well-defined learning objectives.

Student motivation can affect performance, especially in rigorous curricula like chemical engineering. It is important to remind students why they are studying these topics and working so hard. Motivation can also come from other students, so I will provide plenty of opportunities for collaborative work, both in and out of the classroom. The students will be able to motivate their peers and friends during group assignments, and at the same time, learn the topic and gain invaluable teamwork skills. Motivation can be further enhanced through my teaching style, part of which is to create an inclusive learning environment. I will design my courses to incorporate several methods of teaching, and I will use my experience teaching in-person, hybrid, and virtual classes to accommodate all learning styles and preferences. Additionally, to help create a more inclusive learning environment, I will have several opportunities for student feedback. This feedback will come as direct comments through student surveys conducted a few times over a semester and indirect feedback through low-stakes assignments to assess topic proficiency. Finally, I will provide well-defined learning objectives for the students. The courses in chemical engineering are rigorous and cover several topics, so it is important that I make the objectives clear. I will provide learning objectives at the beginning of every lecture so the students are aware of what I will cover that day. At the end of every lecture, I want my students to be able to confidently tell me what they learned in a few concise sentences. I hope this leads to confidence in their abilities to tackle similar problems in future courses and in their career.

DEI and Service

My journey has been greatly enriched by the mentorship of individuals from diverse backgrounds from various genders, races, and cultural identities. I have experienced how participation in inclusive group meetings with diversity-focused agendas has not only strengthened bonds but also has provided opportunities for cultural exchange and celebration. I am committed to integrating similar practices into my future research endeavors. In my service as an academic professional, I seek to contribute to initiatives and programs that promote equity and inclusion, and to advocate for underrepresented groups. I have participated in several diverse department-wide and student-led interdisciplinary outreach programs at local schools and museums. I have gained valuable experience during these programs and will advocate for them as a faculty member. I also organized a session at the 2024 ACS Green Chemistry and Engineering conference, where I invited speakers from all backgrounds in academia, national labs, and industry. I recognize that creating a truly diverse and inclusive academic community is an ongoing process, and I am committed to continually learning, growing, and evolving in my own understanding and practice of these values.