My research focuses on designing and characterizing functional, conductive polymeric materials (e.g., open-shell macromolecules) for applications in sustainable energy and electronics. I am driven by the challenge of engineering dynamic transport properties (electron, ion, and spin transport) in soft matter systems where performance is often limited by nanoscale structure and interfacial effects. With a strong foundation in polymer chemistry, electrochemical systems, and molecular transport phenomena, I aim to develop materials platforms that overcome rate-limiting bottlenecks in energy storage, spintronic devices, and manufacturing technologies. My work integrates synthesis, advanced characterization, and theory-guided design, enabling a mechanistic understanding of how polymer structure governs charge transport, ionic conduction, and magneto-responsive behavior.
Research Interests
My research vision centers on developing functional polymer systems that address key limitations in soft electronic, electrochemical, and energy conversion technologies. I am particularly interested in how molecular architecture and nanoscale morphology affect electronic, ionic, and magnetic transport in polymeric materials. These fundamental insights inform the design of next-generation materials for applications such as:
1. Organic Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors (OMIECs)
2. Radical Polymers and Open-Shell Macromolecules
3. Polymer-based Electrochemical Interfaces
Master research (Advisor: Joona Bang and Anzar Khan, Korea University)
Thesis: Photo-induced Proton Transfer Polymerization: A Robust Synthetic Tool for Soft Lithography Applications
I developed a light-activated polymerization method that bridges a key gap between conventional photoresists and soft lithography materials by providing a processable system with tunable physical and chemical properties. Traditional photopolymers often lack the flexibility needed for applications like bio interfaces or responsive surfaces. To address this, I used a photolabile acid–base complex to initiate a thiol–epoxy ‘click’ reaction under UV light, enabling precise patterning of crosslinked poly(β-hydroxyl thio-ether) networks. This approach also allows post-patterning modifications (e.g., introducing a zwitterionic group via alkylation for antifouling behavior). By tuning the precursor content, crosslink density, or surface chemistry, tailoring the material’s mechanical and interfacial properties was accessible. This platform expands the design space for lithographically compatible, functionally versatile soft materials.
Doctoral research (Advisor: Bryan Boudouris, Purdue University)
Thesis: Molecular engineering of open-shell derivatives for solid-state device applications
I explored radical polymers as solid-state conductive materials, focusing on their unique charge transport mechanisms and optical properties derived from their singly occupied molecular orbitals. Their paramagnetic open-shell structures also make them promising for spin transport and magnetic-field-responsive applications, including next-generation quantum devices. I synthesized and studied various TEMPO-based radical molecules, including dendrimers and liquid crystals, to understand their charge transport behavior and electromagnetic responses in solid-state systems. Building on this, I developed a series of stereoregular radical polymers using stereoselective cationic polymerization. These materials, with persistent radicals in each repeat unit, enabled long-range spin transport without external doping and showed high conductivity, long spin diffusion lengths, and good processability. These series of work lay the groundwork for advancing open-shell macromolecules and highlights their potential across spintronics and organic electronics.
Postdoctoral research (Advisor: Michael Chabinyc, University of California Santa Barbara)
I have developed a new class of self-doped conjugated polymers to advance water-processable, mixed ionic-electronic conductors. By tuning the side chain length in sulfonated PEDOT derivatives, I demonstrated that shorter chains significantly enhance electrical conductivity (over 500 S cm⁻¹), lamellar ordering, and polaron stability. Spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses revealed structure-dependent self-doping behavior that persists under electrostatic complexation, enabling robust performance without external dopants. Building on these insights, I am currently exploring opportunities in 3D printing of soft electronic materials, where tunable rheology and self-doped functionality enable additive manufacturing of device-grade structures. I am also integrating computational and theoretical modeling with collaborators, to better understand charge compensation mechanisms and structure–property relationships. With future collaboration in mind, I am pursuing opportunities to revisit and expand on my doctoral group’s work on magneto-electric properties of self-doped polymers, aiming to bridge transport behavior with spintronic functionality. Together, these efforts support a broader research vision focused on scalable, multifunctional materials for next-generation energy, electronic, and quantum applications.
Teaching Interests
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that an educator's role is not only to impart knowledge but also to foster curiosity, develop critical thinking, and empower students to become independent learners. My experiences as a teaching assistant and graduate assistant mentor, and president of a student organization have shaped my commitment to inclusive, application-driven, and engaging pedagogy that supports students at all levels.
As a teaching assistant for several foundational courses over 6 years in chemical engineering and polymer science; Momentum Transport, Polymer Properties and Polymer Synthesis, I worked closely with the course instructors to deliver content that was both rigorous and relevant. Recognizing the impact that introductory courses have on shaping a student’s academic trajectory, we designed a curriculum that emphasized real-world relevance through contextual problem sets, recitation sessions featuring commercial examples, and hands-on demonstrations. Supporting classes of over 300 sophomore and junior undergraduates, I witnessed the long-term value of this approach as students reported, even in later years, that these foundational concepts continued to support their success in advanced coursework.
During my senior years as a PhD student, I had the opportunity to mentor two graduate students and two undergraduate researchers on projects related to radical polymer synthesis and characterization. I guided them through experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, fostering an environment that emphasized curiosity, independence, and collaboration. These mentoring efforts directly contributed to successful publications as authors in journals and helped junior researchers develop confidence in both technical skills and scientific communication. This experience deepened my commitment to teaching and reinforced the value of mentorship as an integral part of academic research.
Serving as President of the Purdue Korean Association (PKA) was indeed a formative leadership experience that deepened my understanding of community-building, organization, and inclusive leadership. Over the course of my term, I led initiatives to support over 1000 Korean students and scholars at Purdue through academic workshops, cultural events, and newcomer orientation programs. Coordinating these efforts required strategic planning, cross-cultural communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills that have directly translated into my roles in academic research and mentoring. Most importantly, this experience reinforced the importance of empathy, adaptability, and active listening in leadership qualities I continue to apply in fostering inclusive research groups and classroom environments.
These experiences solidified my teaching philosophy: designing courses that connect core concepts to real-world applications, cultivating an inclusive and inquiry-driven classroom environment, and removing barriers to learning. I aspire to contribute to the next generation of engineers by empowering students to approach challenges with both analytical rigor and creative confidence. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to learn from four exemplary mentors – Professor Bang, Khan, Boudouris and Chabinyc - whose influence has shaped not only my growth as a scholar but also my perspective on leadership, mentorship, and humanity. Their dedication to intellectual rigor, inclusive teaching, thoughtful mentorship, and integrity in academic life has deeply informed how I hope to engage with students and colleagues - as a teacher, advisor, and future faculty member.
I am particularly interested in teaching organic chemistry and transport phenomena at both undergraduate and graduate levels. I also look forward to developing elective courses in polymer physics, soft matter chemistry, and nanoscale engineering. Additionally, I plan to create experiential learning modules on topics such as synthesis and characterization of charge (redox) active macromolecules and electrochemistry. Beyond the classroom, I am committed to mentoring students, supporting diversity in STEM, organizing professional development events, and engaging in departmental outreach to broaden participation in chemical engineering.
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