As a researcher in materials science, I have always been fascinated by the intelligent materials—living organisms—that nature creates. To survive and thrive in ever-changing environments, “nature uses soft materials frequently and stiff materials sparingly—better bent than broken” (Vogel, 1995), enabling functions that surpass even the most impressive machines humans have devised.

Our group develops soft intelligent materials by coupling molecular switches, phase behavior, mesoscale architecture, and macroscale mechanics. We integrate soft matter physics, polymer phase engineering, liquid crystalline materials, mechanics, and advanced manufacturing to create adaptive materials and soft robotic systems.

Prior to joining Georgia Tech, I was a Postdoctoral Scholar in Mechanical Engineering at MIT, working with Prof. Xuanhe Zhao on multiscale structural control of hydrogels for sustainability and healthcare. For my doctoral research, I worked with Prof. Joanna Aizenberg at Harvard University, where I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2022.