Brief Description. Our group unravels fascinating nanoscale phenomena in confined polymeric and biological systems. We develop innovative nanoscale materials characterization techniques to critically advance our understanding of the interfacial and distributed behavior of polymers across bulk to very thin (< 1 micron) materials. Through studying the polymer-catalyst interface, we aim to identify the routes to ion transport resistance in energy conversion and storage devices (Fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries). On the other side, we combine the findings from innovative nanoscale materials characterization techniques with omics to reveal how antimicrobial, light-harvesting, pi-conjugated oligo/polymers alter the outer cell envelope of bacteria and help to fight against antibiotic resistance. This understanding drives our other wing of research which is to revolutionize the design principles of oligo/polymers and derived nanomaterials to address some of the toughest challenges in energy and biomedical applications.
Research Areas.
Nanoscale and interfacial phenomena
Ion-conducting oligo/polymers
Light-harvesting, pi-conjugated oligo/polymers
Energy conversion and storage devices
Ion transport resistance
Antibiotic resistance
Funded by.
DOE Office of Science Early CAREER Award (2019)
NSF CAREER Award (2018)
3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2021)
EPSCoR First Award (2017)
Nebraska Center for Energy Science Research Grant (2020)
Voelte Keegan Bioengineering Grant (2021)
Edgerton Innovation Award (2021)
University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative Grant (2021)
Harold and Esther Edgerton Junior Faculty Award (2019)
NASA-Nebraska Space Grant (2018)