(4oz) Biomaterials for Environmental Solutions: Designing Functional Materials for Pollution Control, Microbial Safety, and Resource Recovery

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, innovative materials design offers a promising pathway toward sustainable solutions. My research will be dedicated to the development of novel biomaterials that leverage a deep understanding of biomolecular design rules in synthetic and natural materials to address critical issues such as pollution, microbial contamination, and resource scarcity. By understanding and manipulating these parameters, I aim to create materials that not only meet the demands of modern environmental applications but do so in a way that is both efficient and ecologically sound. To this end, I have envisioned three projects, each focused on a distinct application of biomaterials molecular architecture and design. The first project centers on the development of peptide-functionalized silk fibroin aerogels for smoke filtration. The second project involves the development of peptoid-functionalized spray-on PEG antimicrobial coatings. Finally, the third project explores the use of methylotrophic bacteria encapsulated in microporous scaffolds for the biomining of rare earth elements (REEs) from low-grade ores or industrial waste streams. Collectively, these projects exemplify my approach to biomaterials research, which is rooted in a deep understanding of the structure-function relationships that govern material performance. By harnessing the unique properties of biological and bioinspired materials, I aim to develop innovative solutions that address some of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time.

Teaching Interests

Education has always been of immense importance to me. From a young age I was inspired by a number of fantastic educators who empowered their students to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. My personal teaching philosophy began to take root throughout my own upbringing and is grounded in the belief that education should be engaging, inclusive, and transformative. Whether I am teaching an introductory course, like the one I am preparing for the upcoming fall semester, or an advanced seminar, like the one that I taught as a guest lecturer during my graduate work, I strive to create a dynamic classroom environment where every student feels valued and motivated to participate. Through the incorporation of active learning strategies, fostering a supportive community, and continuously reflecting on my practices, I aim to cultivate a learning space that not only imparts knowledge, but also encourages curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.

I am a strong proponent of transformative education. I seek to fundamentally change the way students think, understand, and engage with the world around them. I believe that education needs to go beyond transmitting knowledge to fostering deep, meaningful learning experiences. I primarily break this down into six subcategories: 1. Critical thinking (case studies, think-pair-share, and peer review), 2. Active engagement (interactive lectures, flipped classroom days, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities), 3. Empowerment (goal setting, peer teaching, and student-driven inquiry), 4. Inclusivity (differentiated learning, scaffolded support, and flexible assessment methods), 5. Personal growth (a growth mindset, goal setting and monitoring, and reflective practice), and 6. Societal Impact (ethical discussions, advocacy and activism, and global perspectives).