Research Projects

You will be given the opportunity to indicate your first, second and third choice, and we will try to match you as best as possible based on your interests.  

The 2024 Smart REU mentors and projects include:

• Dr. Guoqiang Li (Mechanical Engineering)
  Title: “Machine Learning Assisted Discovery of Multifunctional Vitrimers”
• Dr. Donghui Zhang (Chemistry)
  Title: “Synthesis and Characterization of Mechanically Strong, Remoldable and Recyclable Polyaminal Thermosets”
• Dr. Jimmy Lawrence (Chemical Engineering)
  Title: “Investigating the Use of Precision Bottlebrush Polymers to Lower the Glass Transition Temperature of Commercial Polymers”  
• Dr. Genevieve Palardy (Mechanical Engineering)
  Title: “Fracture Toughness and Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Joints”
• Dr. Amy Xu (Chemistry)
  Title: “Elucidating the Molecular Mechanism of Dilution-induced Complex Coacervation”
• Dr. John Pojman (Chemistry)
  Title: “Cure-on Demand Polymeric Foams using Frontal Polymerization”
• Dr. Gerald Schneider (Chemistry)
  Title: “Investigating Vesicle Membrane Dynamics and Stability in Response to Molecular Motor Activation via Fat Field Cycling NMR and Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy”
• Dr. David Spivak (Chemistry)
  Title: “Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers”
• Dr. Kshitiz Upadhyay (Mechanical Engineering)
  Title: “High Strain Rate Mechanics of Additively Manufactured Thermoset Shape Memory Polymers”
• Dr. Mingxuan Sun (Computer Science)
  Title: “Machine Learning Prediction of Shape Memory Polymer Properties”