(4kc) Rational Design of Allochroic Polyzwitterionic Materials for Efficient Wound Healing

Zwitterionic materials and allochroic materials, as the two completely different materials, offer distinct properties and functions for different applications, where the former is well recognized as bio-inert materials with highly hydrophilic, antifouling, and biocompatible properties, while the latter is proven as stimuli-responsive discoloration materials with poor water solubility and high toxicity to cells. However, the development of zwitterionic, allochroic materials remains great challenging by integrating these opposite properties into the same materials. To end this, we designed and synthesized a series of water-soluble, allochroic, and zwitterionic polymers (e.g., pVPES) with built-in nonfouling and pH-responsive discoloration properties under in vitro and in vivo conditions. pVPES can serve as a versatile material platform for either self-polymerizing into different architectures (i.e., brushes, colloids, microgels, hydrogels,) or co-polymerization with other functional polymers to become different smart devices (i.e., colorimetric pollutant sensors, electrochromic smart windows, bilayer hydrogel actuators), all realizing the integration of antifouling and allochroic properties. More importantly, pVPES-based hydrogel patches enabled to not only accelerate wound healing of both chronic and acute wounds, but also distinguish chronic wounds from acute wounds in mice by color changes. My work opens new directions for the development of functional zwitterionic materials by integrating allochroic properties into inert materials for bio-optics applications.

Teaching Interests

As a passionate and dedicated educator, I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to the academic community as a new faculty candidate. Throughout my past academic journey (i.e., serving as a mentor for over 20 students from diverse backgrounds and as a teaching assistant for four core courses in chemical engineering), I have found immense fulfillment in the role of a teacher, guiding both undergraduate and graduate students in their quest for knowledge, critical thinking, research experience, and personal growth. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is a transformative process that empowers individuals to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society. I am committed to creating inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning environments where all learners feel valued, supported, and inspired to excel.

Course offerings. In this teaching statement, I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for teaching and outlining my vision for impactful and innovative instruction across a range of courses spanning chemical engineering, materials sciences, and biomedical engineering, including but not limited to

[1] Classical thermodynamics. It deals with concepts such as energy, entropy, temperature, and heat transfer, which delves into the laws of thermodynamics. My doctoral studies in chemical engineering have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental principles and advanced concepts within the discipline, providing a solid foundation for effective teaching.

[2] Biopolymers and biomaterials. Drawing upon my research experience and expertise gained during my graduate training, I am well-equipped to integrate cutting-edge research findings, fundamental synthesis of polymers, and real applications for biomaterials, providing students with a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience. My teaching will center on the strategic design and rational synthesis of biopolymers and biomaterials.

[3] Introduction of nanomaterials and nanomedicines. My postdoctoral training under the mentorship of Prof. Younan Xia, one of the most renowned scientists in the field of nanostructured materials, has greatly enriched my teaching capabilities for this course. I will bring a deep understanding of cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies to my teaching. Moreover, the unique experience also allows me to offer students valuable insights into the latest advancements in nanostructured materials.

Teaching methods and strategies. I will employ a variety of teaching methods and strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, including i) Flipping common classroom models to encourage independent learning and critical thinking; ii) Providing all possible resources, including lecture slides, important concept sheets, rubric for all quizzes and exams in a timely fashion; iii) Making myself available to address any questions about grading during office hours or scheduled meetings, from which I am able to achieve a better understanding of the challenges faced by students with different backgrounds; iv) For those students who had a poor performance on the exam, I will send email invitations to schedule individual meetings during office hours or at the students’ convenience (even weekends) to reiterate the class materials, work on homework and exam questions, and show them how to improve the performance. v) Incorporation of lecture studies, literature reviews, and hands-on activities to reinforce theoretical concepts; vi) Utilization of technology-enhanced learning tools and research demonstrations (e.g., synthesis of Au nanomaterials via a simple galvanic replacement reaction) to facilitate interactive learning experiences and promote student engagement and participation. Overall, I will truly value and respect all questions from students through personal conversations and class surveys, from which I will continuously refine my class materials and improves the clarification of my lectures to enrich the learning experience of all students.

Mentorship and supervision. In addition to classroom instruction, I am dedicated to mentoring and supervising K-12 students, undergraduate and graduate students in their academic and professional endeavors. For K-12 students, I am passionate about igniting curiosity and fostering a love for learning through hands-on activities, science fairs, and educational outreach programs, which inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. At the undergraduate and graduate level, I aim to provide comprehensive support throughout their thesis research and academic endeavors. I will foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and scholarly excellence, guiding students in conducting rigorous research, publishing impactful findings, and preparing for successful careers in academia, industry, or beyond. Since 2018, I have mentored over 20 students with diverse concentrations such as BME, CHEM, CHEME, MSE, and PMSE. The projects encompass a wide range of subjects, spanning from nanoscale to macroscale and encompassing fundamental scientific research, practical applications, and even clinical trials. I am particularly dedicated to ensuring equitable access to resources, support services, and opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized students, including 9 women students pursuing (or will pursue) majors in STEM disciplines. Two exemplary students, William Gross (University of Akron) and Jaejung Kim (Georgia Tech), have made significant contributions as coauthors to two journal publications. They initially began their academic journey as undergraduate researchers under my mentorship and later went on to pursue their PhD studies at the University of Florida and UIUC, respectively. All of the previous success and experience in mentorship and supervision will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for my future career endeavors. My ability to guide, support, and inspire students at various academic levels, coupled with my track record of facilitating their achievements, positions me as a valuable asset and makes a positive impact on my students.

In conclusion, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of teaching excellence and continuously seek opportunities for professional development and improvement. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning among students. Moreover, I look forward to collaborating with students with diverse backgrounds to create meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for success in their future careers and endeavors.