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Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Xiangyin Zhao Graduate Student Publications Impacts I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title Previous Next Columbia University

Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Sophie Melvin Alumni Publications Impacts I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title Previous Next USPTO

Signature Professional Development Experiences (or SPDEs, pronounced "speedies") are student-driven, center-supported deep-dives aligned with one of the four broader impacts areas. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Signature Professional Development Experiences NSF MONET Career Panel: Connecting Trainees to the Full Landscape of Scientific Careers Graduate training prepares researchers to solve complex problems—but often leaves a gap when it comes to understanding where those skills can lead. NSF MONET's Year 5 Career Panel brought together industry leaders and alumni from BASF, NIST, Silfab Solar, Indiana University, MelanInScience, and NextSet Materials to show trainees the full range of pathways open to them. The results were immediate: 83% of attendees reported stronger understanding of career paths in chemistry and materials science, and 93% rated the panel at least moderately valuable. What made the difference was the authenticity of the conversations. Panelists spoke candidly about the mindset shifts required to move from academia to industry, the challenge of pitching technical work to investors, and the realities of navigating government research positions. Three NSF MONET alumni returned to share how their own training shaped their current roles—demonstrating the value of a community where those who've built careers across sectors invest back into the next generation of scientists. NSF MONET trainee Brian Chan brought polymer science to 200 Denver museum visitors at Squishy Science Sunday 2026, an APS DSOFT public outreach event hosted at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Using the Materials Science of Soccer kit, Brian made materials science accessible through hands-on activities connecting everyday sports equipment to polymer chemistry concepts. Beyond engagement, Brian captured detailed field observations on facilitation flow, participant questions, and areas where explanations could be clearer. This feedback loop ensures that NSF MONET's outreach materials are refined by real-world testing before broader distribution, strengthening the quality and reach of future informal science communication efforts. NSF MONET trainees Sean Hsu and Jorge Leganés Bayón brought the Chemistry of Slime outreach kit to the Fleet Science Center, leading a hands-on activity for 30 girls ages 5-13 in collaboration with BeWise (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering). The session translated core polymer chemistry concepts into accessible, participatory learning, introducing young participants to crosslinking and material properties through an activity they could see, touch, and take home. Partnerships like this one demonstrate how NSF MONET's outreach kits can reach new audiences when paired with community organizations committed to broadening participation in STEM. UCSD NSF MONET trainees brought nanoscale science and plant biotechnology to over 30 students at Bird Rock Elementary School. The outreach featured three hands-on stations: a fluorescence and plant inoculation demo introducing real biotech tools, a nanoscale "sizing" card game comparing nanomaterials, polymers, and DNA strands, and "potions" protocol challenges that turned measurement and observation into mini-experiments. By translating research-grade concepts into accessible activities, the trainees gave students a firsthand look at the science happening at nearby research institutions. Events like this build early connections between classroom learning and scientific discovery, expanding who sees themselves as part of the research community. NSF MONET trainees Claire Ogilvie, Anthony Mack, Mary Ma, and Nicole Cadieu partnered with Duke's Graduate Chemistry Council to deliver hands-on chemistry activities at the April 11, 2026 Alumni Outreach event. The event reached 150 attendees, with the NSF MONET table directly engaging over 80 children through interactive demonstrations. This collaboration exemplifies NSF MONET's broader participation strategy: embedding outreach within existing university infrastructure to maximize reach while developing trainee science communication skills. The partnership with GCC is ongoing, with additional opportunities identified for the Science Expo and late-April programming. By working through established networks, NSF MONET extends its informal science communication impact without duplicating effort, building sustainable pathways for community engagement across its partner institutions. UIUC NSF MONET trainees Sunay Dilara Ekim, Faith Kern, and Fangbai Xie led polymer demonstrations at Beckman Open House 2026, engaging 1,000 attendees with hands-on materials science activities. The annual event opens the Beckman Institute's doors to the public, and NSF MONET's presence gave visitors a direct window into polymer research through demonstrations they could see, touch, and discuss with active researchers. Events at this scale demonstrate NSF MONET's capacity to translate complex science into accessible public experiences, building community awareness of materials research while giving trainees high-volume science communication experience. Five Johns Hopkins University NSF MONET trainees brought the Chemistry of Slime activity to the Baltimore County Public Library on April 9, 2026, reaching 18 participants including 12 early elementary school-aged children and 6 adults. Trainees Ruoxi Li, Gabrielle Buell, Nicholas Fromel, Kevin Qian, and Matthew Sanders led the 30-minute session, translating core polymer science concepts into a hands-on experience accessible to young learners. Both children and adults were highly engaged throughout the activity, demonstrating the kit's effectiveness across age groups. Library partnerships like this one extend NSF MONET's informal science communication reach into community spaces where families already gather, building early STEM interest through direct interaction with active researchers. NSF MONET trainee Amy Harris (Nelson Lab, University of Washington) led an outreach booth at the Seattle Hebrew Academy Middle School Science Fair on March 18, 2026, using the Musical Mechanophores kit to introduce mechanochemistry concepts to approximately 100 students. Alongside colleague Kyra from the Nelson Lab, Amy engaged middle schoolers competing in the science fair as well as 5th graders and younger students accompanied by parents and guardians. Participants explored bead-and-velcro polymer networks and extruded F-127 in hands-on demonstrations that translated materials science into tactile learning. The event generated significant interest, with the school's science faculty requesting a return visit for a more comprehensive demonstration. This partnership began when Amy volunteered as a science fair judge and proposed an outreach booth to the middle school science instructor, demonstrating how trainee initiative can open new pathways for sustained community engagement. Previous Next

Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Brian Richard Carrick Graduate Student Publications Impacts I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title Previous Next Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Grace Yao Graduate Student Publications Impacts I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title Previous Next Duke University

Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Cody Ng Alumni Publications Impacts Previous Next University of Chicago

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Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Ryann Kemmerling Graduate Student Publications Impacts Previous Next Johns Hopkins University

MONET CCI is transforming polymer and materials chemistry by developing the knowledge and methods to enable molecular-level, chemical control of polymer network properties for the betterment of humankind. We treat networks as complex chemical systems so that the full power of synthetic, physical, and theoretical chemistry is rationally directed toward overarching challenges in de novo molecular network design. Welcome to NSF MONET ABOUT RESEARCH Impacts NSF MONET's overarching goal is to advance the field of polymer science through innovative research while actively engaging and inspiring the public . NSF MONET's polymer scientists advance interconnected, adaptive molecular networks. The chemistry of the future is driven by: DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION COMMUNICATION INNOVATION Through our research programs and broader impacts, we aim to enhance retention in the sciences, increase interest in pursuing a Ph.D., and expand participation. We are dedicated to promoting STEM : We aim to provide opportunities for as many people as possible to engage meaningfully with STEM. We partner with a range of organizations to broaden participation widely. If you would like to propose a partnership to broaden participation in STEM, please contact us. NSF MONET's polymer scientists drive interconnected , adaptive societal networks, broadening impact! Impact Gallery

Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Yixin Hu Graduate Student Publications Impacts I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title Previous Next Duke University

Sorry, but this form is now closed. For information on MONET's URE Program, click here . Undergraduate Research Application This application is for the Summer 2025 Undergraduate Research Experiences (REU or URE) Program with the NSF-funded Center for the Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks (MONET). URE's open doors to valuable opportunities, including : Laboratory research experiences Hands-on learning and mentorship Potential for mentors to provide letters of recommendation Summer programs and teaching assistantships Internships and career experience Scholarships and fellowships Eligibility: Enrolled in an accredited Bachelor's Degree Program. Domestic and International students are encouraged to apply. Deadline: Applications are due Monday, February 10, 2025 . MONET encourages students of diverse backgrounds, domestic and international status, and students at institutions who may not already have an extensive research infrastructure to apply. The webpage linked here provides a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, contact Dr. Rosa (click here to message) . To learn more about MONET's commitment and efforts to broaden participation, visit our site at MONETCCI.ORG . Contact Information Providing some basic information will help us validate your identity and get in contact with you. First and Last Name* Primary Email* Secondary Email Phone* I consent to receiving text messages to this number (message and data rates may apply). Which best describes your current academic status?* Demographic Information Providing Demographic Information is Voluntary. MONET seeks to increase research participation among underrepresented science and engineering minorities (or URM) . This includes people who identify as female, genderqueer, transgender, two-spirit, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino/a/e/x, Native American or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, persons with a disability, and veterans of the US Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard. Providing demographic information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. On grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability, no person shall be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination. Do you identify as a URM?* Pell Grant Status - Have you ever received a Pell Grant? Federal Pell grants are awarded based on financial need to undergraduate students who have not yet received a bachelor's degree and to students in teaching certificate programs.* Yes No If you would like to describe any other discriminated against or marginalized group you identify with, please express this below. Prior Education Tell us about your educational background. List the following information for all prior postsecondary degrees you have obtained in descending order (most recent first): Name of Postsecondary Institution State/Province/Region where Postsecondary Institution was located Degree type (Associate's degree - AA, AS; Bachelor's degree - BS, BA, AB; Master's degree - MS, MA, MBA; Doctorate - PhD, DSc, EdD; Other professional degrees - JD, LLB, MD, DDS, DVM; or other degrees, please specify) Primary field of study (Chemistry, Computer and Information Sciences & Engineering, Engineering, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education & Learning Research, Other - please specify) Postsecondary Degrees* Current Enrollment If you are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree (or postsecondary degree), please provide information about this enrollment. Institution (Name)* Institution (State/Province/Region)* Degree Program at this Institution* Major or Primary Field of Study* For example : Chemistry, Computer and Information Sciences & Engineering, Engineering, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, Psychology, Social Sciences, STEM Education & Learning Research, Other - please specify Expected Date of Completion* Month Month Day Year Which classes/skillsets have you completed/acquired?* Introductory/General Chemistry Organic Chemistry Physics Chemical Engineering Physical Chemistry Experience with Computer Simulations Other College GPA* If your school uses a non-numeric evaluation system, please enter "Not applicable." What is your college's GPA scale?* 4.0 5.0 Other Please feel free to link a copy of your college transcripts (optional). Experience Include details on any relevant experience you have gained through work, school, or educational programs. Have you ever participated in a research experience?* If you have participated in a research experience, please describe it below, including applicable dates, responsibilities, mentors, and locations. MONET Research Interests A list of our Senior Investigators and their primary research foci is linked here . Select no more than three Professors whose projects you are most interested in. A complete list of our Professors, the universities they represent, and their research projects can be found on our website.* Campos Lab | Columbia University Craig Lab | Duke University Johnson Lab | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Kalow Lab | Northwestern University Klausen Lab | John Hopkins University Kulik Lab | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mendenhall | Morehouse College Moore Lab | University of Illinois Nelson Lab | Washington University in St. Louis Olsen Lab | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Olvera de la Cruz Lab | Northwestern University Rubinstein Lab | Duke University Sottos Lab | University of Illinois Steinmetz Lab | University of California San Diego How did you hear about this opportunity? Select all that apply. Professor Family or friend Career fair or conference College or university website Counselor/Advisor This website The NSF website The Northwestern REU Directory Other Personal Statement & Prompts In 200 characters or less, please describe why you want to work with the Senior Investigators you selected. In other words, what are you hoping to learn, and how does it align with your professional goals?* For examples of 200-character responses to this prompt, please click here . Personal Statement (2,000 character limit):* For your statement, please provide insights into any of the following: When and why did you become interested in polymer chemistry research? Why are you interested in engaging in undergraduate research? Provide an example of the process you used to face and overcome a challenge in your experiences as a scientist. How could your strengths and abilities contribute to a research laboratory? How will participating in this experience enrich you and your communities? Explanations of any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record. Submit

Postdoctoral Researcher Postdoctoral Researcher ⬅️ All Members Herbert (Herb) Wakefield IV Postdoctoral Researcher Publications Impacts I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title I'm an image title Previous Next Johns Hopkins University