My research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln focuses on developing innovative ion-conducting polymers, with a strong foundation in precision polymer synthesis and characterization directly applicable to the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors. My expertise in creating durable and cost-effective functional materials is highly relevant for drug delivery systems, medical devices, and advanced diagnostics.
I specialize in the synthesis, modification, and comprehensive characterization of polymers, with a proven ability to evaluate and optimize material properties across various conditions. My extensive analytical toolkit is directly transferable to pharmaceutical R&D and quality control, including:
Spectroscopy: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV/Vis Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
Chromatography & Molecular Weight: Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Thermal Analysis: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Surface & Morphology: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Ellipsometry
Colloidal & Electrochemical: Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta-potential analyzer, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)
While my core PhD work is on ion-conducting polymers for fuel cells, the fundamental principles of material design, ion transport, and stability under varied conditions (including high temperatures, 100–220 °C, and dry environments) are highly analogous to challenges in formulating stable drug products, designing robust biomaterials, or developing advanced separation membranes. My experience in engineering materials for efficient transport and robust chemical and mechanical stability is directly applicable to optimizing drug release kinetics or enhancing the performance of diagnostic components.
Beyond my primary research, my diverse polymer science background includes projects with direct pharmaceutical and biomedical relevance:
Photocuring of polymers via thiol-ene click reactions: This expertise is valuable for creating biocompatible hydrogels, controlled release systems, or rapidly curable medical adhesives.
Synthesis of nanostructured block copolymers using RAFT polymerization: This is critical for designing targeted drug delivery vehicles, encapsulation systems, or surface modification of medical implants.
Microencapsulation of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for textile and drug delivery applications: This experience directly pertains to developing stable formulations for thermo-sensitive drugs, sustained-release systems, or smart medical textiles.
I am also proficient in various Film Preparation techniques (Spin Coating, Dip Coating, Solution Casting, Doctor-Blade Coating), essential for manufacturing patches, coatings, or membranes in pharmaceutical products. My programming language and software skills (C++, Python, Topspin, Zview, ChemDraw, Origin) further enable data analysis, modeling, and process optimization. My internship at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has provided practical insights into large-scale polymer manufacturing and quality control, which is valuable for scaling up pharmaceutical material production.
I am eager to discuss how my expertise in advanced polymer material design, synthesis, and comprehensive characterization can contribute to innovative solutions in pharmaceutical development, drug delivery, and biomedical applications.