This research investigates how the structure of comb polymers influences their ability to stabilize materials in applications ranging from fragrances and food products to wastewater treatment and drug delivery. By systematically modifying polymer architecture, the study identifies design rules that enable more effective, affordable, and targeted performance across diverse industrial and medical uses.

This research develops nanoscale robots made from synthetic DNA capable of navigating and manipulating molecular environments. Using programmable DNA interactions and thermodynamic processes, the work focuses on maze-solving behaviors as a foundation for future applications including allergen removal, nanomaterial assembly, tissue engineering, and programmable molecular systems operating in the physical world.

This research develops a new method for high-resolution 3D printing of metals such as copper. Instead of laser melting, ultraviolet light forms hydrogel structures that are chemically transformed into metal. The technique enables finer features, reduced waste, and fabrication of advanced materials for applications including batteries, structural engineering, and manufacturing.

This research develops water-free electrolyte systems for electrochemical reactions and energy technologies. By replacing water with more stable solvents, the work enables improved batteries, renewable energy storage, and more efficient chemical manufacturing. Applications include long-range electric vehicles, planetary exploration systems, and lower-cost pharmaceutical production using recyclable chemical reagents.

This research investigates how microscopic structural defects affect the performance of rubber materials. By creating nearly defect-free polymer networks and introducing controlled flaws individually, the work isolates how each defect changes material behavior. The findings could improve the design of stronger, safer, and more reliable rubber products used across industry and medicine.

This research develops a new chemical process for modifying cellulose while keeping it in water, overcoming longstanding compatibility problems between cellulose and oil-soluble molecules. The method enables cellulose to incorporate electronic and pharmaceutical components, opening pathways toward sustainable electronics, advanced materials, targeted medicines, and greener technologies based on renewable natural resources.

This research focuses on the total synthesis of natural products, biologically important molecules produced by nature. Using pedrolide, an anticancer compound, as a case study, the work applies strategic molecular “deconstruction” to identify simple building blocks and develop laboratory methods for assembling complex natural molecules through innovative organic chemistry.

This research explores converting CO₂ into fuel by designing surfaces that promote carbon–carbon bonding. Using porous materials to concentrate CO₂, it increases reaction efficiency and enables formation of longer hydrocarbon chains. This approach could transform atmospheric carbon into usable fuels, offering a sustainable pathway for future energy production.

This research addresses the trade-off between sustainability and performance in plastics. By developing a “molecular spring” derived from biomass, the work strengthens biodegradable materials like PLA and enables multifunctional bioplastics. The goal is to create durable, convenient, and sustainable alternatives that support a circular economy without sacrificing everyday usability.

This research improves fluorescent imaging by enhancing the brightness of long-wavelength dyes. By encapsulating flexible squaraine dyes within macrocyclic rings, molecular motion is restricted, reducing energy loss and increasing light emission. The result is brighter, clearer imaging, enabling better visualization of biological structures such as cells and cancer tissue.