Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Cody Ng 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 University of Chicago

Engaging, content-rich events for the public, especially through the Multiverse Concert Series—a collaboration between the performing arts and physical sciences with our partners at Multiverse. Broader Impacts Informal Science Communication Art of Polymers MONET partners with Multiverse to produce the Art of Polymers concert series. Since 2021, this concert has been performed live to hundreds of attendees on multiple occasions, in both remote and in-person formats. New content for future performances is routinely being developed. The recordings are available below. Art of Polymers has been highlighted in Advance Science News and featured on WGBH, reaching a metropolitan Boston audience of over 100,000. Multiverse These and other questions are addressed in the musical concert/scientific exposition entitled “ Art of Polymers ,” We encourage you to engage with us as we explore polymer chemistry's past, present, and (most importantly) future. Watch our show (an excerpted musical piece is provided below), share it with those you know, and/or if you are interested in setting up a watch party and inviting a MONET researcher to attend for Q&A, send an email to monet-cci at duke dot edu! We look forward to hearing from you! Our goal is to convey the following messages: Polymer properties positively impact the quality of life Big challenges in polymer chemistry include enhanced lifetime and mechanical performance Advancements that address those challenges must consider global sustainability Specific technical accomplishments of MONET Science and art depend on the synergistic interplay of creativity and mode of execution Chemists come from everywhere and play many different roles in scientific research We strategically partner to: Create new content in high-value tailored outreach experiences Assess these activities and use that knowledge to identify Refine components that especially effective. Expand the reach and impact of our creations by deploying them in public outreach events across the country. Through this framework, we aim to reach non-specialist audiences of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. To propose an outreach partnership, please contact us here . https://www.multiverseseries.org/artofpolymers Previous Next

Undergraduate Researcher Undergraduate Researcher ⬅️ All Members Allison Rattay Undergraduate 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 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Learn about our outreach kit program providing hands-on chemistry activities for K-12 students and teachers to increase engagement in STEM. Outreach Activities, Kits, & Resources MONET's Outreach Kit Program Share informal science discovery through engaging activities! MONET's Outr each Kit Program brings the excitement of scientific research to informal learning environments, camps, homeschooling, and adult education. Experience the wonders of polymers, materials science, and more through hands-on activities and interactive resources. READ MORE Engaging, Accessible, & Impactful Engaging Content Our kits connect science to art or sports to increase its relevance in students' lives, identities, & communities. Accessible Format Kits can be adapted to a wide variety of audiences, mediums, and locales. Our editable templates make for easy customization. Impactful Outcomes Feedback and assessment strategies have been integrated into the development of each kit to support our facilitators in evaluating their impact. Available Outreach Kits Each kit contains editable resources, a guided activity, materials for conducting the activity, and a mechanism for assessment and feedback. Mechanophores: Science & Music MONET's Mechanophores Outreach Kit highlights an intersection between science and art (specifically music) wherein participants explore how plastics can be used to create music. Overview Developed by scientists at MONET and artists of the Multiverse Concert Series, learn about the connection between plastic and music. Mechanophores: Science & Music MONET's Mechanophores Outreach Kit highlights an intersection between science and art (specifically music) wherein participants explore how plastics can be used to create music. 1/5 The Materials Science of Soccer MONET's Materials Science of Soccer Outreach Kit is designed to provide hands-on experience with a Materials Scientist's daily work. Participants will examine and evaluate the properties of different materials in a soccer ball. Overview Developed by scientists at MONET and MIT, this kit guide participants in tearing open a soccer ball and analyzing the comprising layers. Built-in Assessment & Feedback Throughout, our experts in curriculum design have developed formative and summative assessment opportunities along with a mechanism for participants and facilitators to provide feedback. The Materials Science of Soccer MONET's Materials Science of Soccer Outreach Kit is designed to provide hands-on experience with a Materials Scientist's daily work. Participants will examine and evaluate the properties of different materials in a soccer ball. 1/7 Outreach Kit Request Form Ready to impact science education in your community? Fill out the request form for a MONET Outreach Kit at no cost. Share this information with a colleague and help us broaden participation in STEM education. Together, we can make science education more meaningful, accessible, and engaging for all. Request a MONET Outreach Kit Which MONET Outreach Kit are you requesting? Choose an option Please describe the impact this kit would have. First Name Last Name Phone Email Select a Shipping Address Any questions? Send Thank you for completing this form! A MONET-representative will respond to your request shortly.

Discover MONET’s wide range of undergraduate research projects! Find the perfect project to enhance your academic experience and boost your career prospects. Explore our selection now. Multi-Mentor Research Experiences for Undergraduates MONET's Multi-Mentor Research for Undergraduates program connects students with collaborative research projects across multiple institutions and labs . This distributed model allows undergraduate students to engage in polymer chemistry research regardless of their home institution's resources. The program welcomes domestic and international students enrolled in accredited Bachelor's degree programs. Projects typically take place during the summer months. Through an anonymous selection process , MONET evaluates candidates based on their interests and goals rather than institutional affiliations or metrics (e.g. , GPA, SAT). The program has achieved remarkable success in broadening participation in polymer chemistry research, with 90% of participants from small research or no-research institutions. Eligibility: Enrolled in an accredited Bachelor's Degree Program. Domestic and International students are encouraged to apply. Deadline: Applications to participate in MONET's 2025 Undergraduate Research Experience Program were due Monday, February 10, 2025. We will be accepting students again in the Summer of 2026. FAQs How can I make my application competitive? Click here for a comprehensive resource to improving your URE Applications, recorded for you by several directors of Undergraduate Research Programs and the students of George Mason University's Chapter of NOBCChE (National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers). What projects are available? Click here for a complete listing of this year's participating institutions, labs, and mentors. Note : Projects are designed to occur over the summer. Start and end dates are negotiable. Where can I apply? Click here to apply ! What's required to apply? The basics - your contact information, university, major, and prior coursework. Prior experiences in research and teaching (none are required to participate). A 2,000-character personal statement (specifics provided in the application). Letters of recommendation are not required for the application process. How will applications be evaluated? Our objective is to broaden participation in poly mer chemistry research for undergraduate students. As such, the Investigators will receive a version of your application that does not include your name, institution, GPA, transcripts, or other identifying details. They will choose applicants to interview based on their major, projects of interest, and personal statement. Tip : Ensure the first few lines of your statement are attention-grabbing! Click here to submit a new question.

Recorded skill exchanges relevant to difference aspects of researching polymers. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Technique Tutorials MONET labs produce "Technique Tutorials." These are short summaries of technical capabilities (including computation and theory!) designed to give a functional picture of how the Center's technical approaches contribute to our research goals. Tutorials Directory NDS for Quantifying Topological Loop Defects Stress Relaxation Measurements Characterizations of Viral Nanoparticles Restoring Force Triangle Generating Ashby Plots using CRIPT Data Schema Modeling of Covalent Adaptable Networks External Force Explicitly Included DFT Simulations Gel Characterization CRIPT & BigSMILES Tutorial Translation & Commercialization of Academic Research Previous Next

Trainees collaborate with and visit another MONET-affiliated lab for cross-disciplinary research exposure. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Lab Exchanges MONET utilizes lab exchanges to help trainees fully understand how collaborators see and solve scientific challenges. Labs welcome visitors for up to a week (or longer) to demonstrate new techniques and strengthen a shared understanding of the Center's core concepts. Previous Next

Meet our team of distinguished researchers and staff driving MONET's mission. THE MONET TEAM Our team comprises leading senior investigators from across the country and the globe, and traditional subfields of chemistry, working together to transform our molecular understanding of polymer networks. We are united by a commitment to high impact through collaboration, broadening the impact of our research through integrated outreach to industry and the public, and supportive recruitment, advising, and mentoring. SENIOR INVESTIGATORS TRAINEES EXTERNAL ADVISORY BOARD Senior Investigators Stephen Craig Principal Investigator Duke University Steve Craig is an expert in using single molecule force spectroscopy of synthetic polymers to characterize the full extensional behavior of individual polymer strands. Learn More Principal Investigator Luis Campos Senior Investigator Columbia University Luis Campos explores molecular, macromolecular, and nanostructured materials to develop advanced functional systems. Learn More Senior Investigator Jeremiah A. Johnson Senior Investigator Massachusetts Institute of Technology Jeremiah Johnson has created iterative exponential growth (IEG) chemistry that can be implemented in either flow or batch mode to provide access to perfectly monodisperse polymer strands of precise sequence for Center research projects. Learn More Senior Investigator Julia Kalow Senior Investigator Northwestern University Julia Kalow is developing synthetic strategies for translating molecular structure and reactivity into macroscopic properties, including photochemically gated junctions that allow spatiotemporal control of junction dynamics throughout a network. Learn More Senior Investigator Rebekka Klausen Senior Investigator Johns Hopkins University Rebekka Klausen designs and synthesizes novel molecular building blocks to construct exciting nanoscale materials. Learn More Senior Investigator Heather Kulik Senior Investigator Massachusetts Institute of Technology Heather Kulik leverages computational modeling to aid the discovery of new materials and mechanisms. Learn More Senior Investigator Juana Mendenhall Senior Investigator Morehouse College Dr. Mendenhall is currently the Walter E. Massey Professor of Physical Sciences at Morehouse College, President and Founder of TheraViscTM, LLC, and the TEDx licensee for TEDx Morehouse College. Her ground-breaking medical technology shows real potential in healing osteoarthritis. Learn More Senior Investigator Jeffrey S. Moore Senior Investigator University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign Jeffrey Moore synthesizes and studies large organic molecules to discover new polymeric materials. Learn More Senior Investigator Alshakim Nelson Senior Investigator University of Washington Alshakim Nelson develops stimuli-responsive materials and bio-hybrid materials that are designed for additive manufacturing processes. Learn More Senior Investigator Bradley D. Olsen Senior Investigator Massachusetts Institute of Technology Brad Olsen has developed and applied multiple state-of-the-art techniques for characterizing the properties of polymer networks in general and dynamic networks in particular. Learn More Senior Investigator Monica Olvera de la Cruz Senior Investigator Northwestern University Monica Olvera de la Cruz develops models to describe the self-assembly of heterogeneous molecules and the segregation and interface adsorption in multicomponent complex fluids. Learn More Senior Investigator Michael Rubinstein Senior Investigator Duke University Michael Rubinstein has developed theories of dynamic and covalent networks, including models of both thermodynamics and dynamics of unentangled and entangled reversible networks and gels. Learn More Senior Investigator Nancy Sottos Senior Investigator University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign Nancy Sottos studies the mechanical behavior of various complex, heterogeneous materials through meso, micro, and nanoscale characterizing deformation and failure mechanisms. Learn More Senior Investigator Nicole Steinmetz Senior Investigator University of California, San Diego Nicole Steinmetz is helping MONET push polymer networks across new frontiers through the design, development and testing of materials and biologics derived from conjugated virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from plants. Learn More Senior Investigator External Advisory Board We are fortunate to have an expert and dedicated advisory board that pushes us to be distinct and distinctive in every one of our science and broader impact activities. Cameron Brown Eastman Chemical Co. Thomas Epps III University of Delaware Jeannette Garcia IBM Brett Helms Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Malika Jeffries-El Boston University Eugenia Kumacheva University of Toronto Janice McDonnell Rutgers University Emily Pentzer Texas A&M University Trainees Abe Herzog-Arbeitman Graduate Student Alayna Johnson Alumni Alexis Martell Monterroza Graduate Student Allison Rattay Undergraduate Researcher Ana Paula Kitos Vasconcelos Graduate Student Anna Gray Davis Graduate Student Annika (Alex) Foret Alumni Anthony Mack Graduate Student Brian Richard Carrick Graduate Student Brogan Dietsche Undergraduate Researcher Calvin Shih Graduate Student Chinyere (Connie) Okeke Undergraduate Researcher Christina Hemmingsen Graduate Student Chuting Deng Postdoctoral Researcher Claire Ogilvie Graduate Student Clara Troyano-Valls Alumni Cody Ng Alumni Curt Waltmann Alumni Danyang Chen Alumni Devosmita Sen Graduate Student Dylan Gregson Undergraduate Researcher Edgar Mejia Alumni Elvis McFee Graduate Student Emily Wearing Alumni Emmanuel Alejandro Garcia Villatoro Graduate Student

Exploring models for research and student training that extend beyond R1 institutions. Broader Impacts Broadening Participation PUI Partnerships Through various resources, MONET supports the NSF's efforts to broaden participation in the STEM workforce beyond Research-Intensive (R1) Institutions. Our partnership with Morehouse College, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and a MONET participating institution, is one example of how we're exploring models for research and student training at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) and other colleges. Collaborating with MONET: Advancing Polymer Science through Inclusive Partnerships MONET, an NSF Center for Chemical Innovation, is committed to forming strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with a diverse range of academic institutions, including Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), community colleges, and universities across various regions. Our goal is to expand access to cutting-edge polymer science research, foster collaborative discovery, and strengthen the national research ecosystem. What We Offer Collaborative Research: Work with MONET faculty and trainees on innovative projects in polymer science, leveraging our distributed expertise and resources. Access to Facilities: Partner institutions can access MONET’s specialized equipment, research infrastructure, and technical support. Professional Development: Faculty and students benefit from exchanges, workshops, and seminars designed to build research capacity and scientific leadership. Mentorship and Training: MONET’s programs offer tailored mentorship and training opportunities for students and early-career researchers, supporting their academic and professional growth. Pathways to STEM Careers: Our collaborative programs are designed to help students explore advanced degrees and diverse career opportunities in chemistry and related fields. MONET–Morehouse College Partnership Our ongoing collaboration with Morehouse College exemplifies MONET’s approach to partnership: Joint Curriculum Development: Co-developing educational content and research experiences that integrate polymer science into undergraduate education. Research Exchange: Supporting summer research opportunities for Morehouse students in MONET labs, fostering hands-on learning and scientific discovery. Seminar Series: Hosting virtual seminars that connect participants from HBCUs, MSIs, and other institutions, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge sharing. Recent Outcomes Morehouse students have participated in summer research at MONET institutions, contributing to ongoing projects and gaining valuable laboratory experience. Our joint seminar series has engaged over 150 participants from various institutions, thereby expanding access to advanced topics in polymer science. MONET and partner faculty continue to identify new opportunities for collaboration, curriculum enhancement, and student support. Opportunities for New Partnerships MONET is actively seeking new institutional partners to co-create impactful research, education, and outreach initiatives in the field of polymer science. We welcome interest from: Minority-Serving Institutions (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education) Community colleges and regional universities Institutions with a demonstrated interest in polymer science or related fields How to Collaborate with MONET Review MONET’s research areas on our website to identify potential synergies. Contact Dr. Vanessa Rosa, Director of Broader Impacts, at vrr10@duke.edu with a brief overview of your institution’s research interests, possible areas of collaboration, and your vision for partnership. Dr. Rosa will schedule a meeting to discuss how MONET can support your institution’s goals and explore next steps. Our Commitment MONET is dedicated to broadening participation in STEM by fostering institutional and geographic inclusion, supporting capacity-building, and creating accessible pathways for all students and educators to engage in cutting-edge research and professional development. We are always open to new partnerships that advance these goals. To propose a collaboration, please contact us. Previous Next

Development of polymer chemistry data tools such as BigSMILES, PolyDAT, and the CRIPT spinoff. Broader Impacts Innovation Data Tools MONET has developed BigSMILES, PolyDAT, and subsequent polymer chemistry data tools as an open-source development project. These tools create innovation advantages for industry, academia, and government lab partners. BigSMILES PolyDAT Noncovalent BigSMILES Previous Next

Professional development events that leverage MONET resources to provide unique training opportunities. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Training Events MONET supports trainee participation in once-in-a-lifetime training opportunities, including those we co-sponsor. Past include PELICANS (Plastic in the Environment: Leaders and Innovators Collaborating from AUS, NZ, and US); training in Multiple-Quantum Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Halle, Germany; the 2024 Polymer Women Empowerment & Research (PoWER) Conference and more. Previous Next

Transforming Polymer Science Through Industry Collaborations Broader Impacts Innovation Industry Partnerships MONET is developing breakthrough technological advances that span the polymer network spectrum, creating opportunities for industry partnerships that drive real-world innovation. Transforming Polymer Science Through Industry Collaborations Our Technology Portfolio Enhanced Material Performance New "drop-in" strategies that confer wear, tear, and puncture resistance to a wide range of crosslinked network materials Opportunities for adhesives with improved properties Additive manufacturing strategies that impart enhanced mechanical performance and photochemical response Advanced Data & Analysis Tools Advanced data tools and strategies that capture chemical detail and empower computational efficiency Molecular probes for stress and strain sensing in polymeric materials Specialized Applications Biohybrid materials that demonstrate improved delivery of pesticides for agricultural applications Here's a presentation of our most recent provisional patent applications: Learn more about the industry applications of our polymer research: Contact MONET Partnership Opportunities We actively seek collaborations that translate our fundamental research into practical solutions. Our partnership approach includes: Annual External Partners Meetings - Connect with our research teams and explore collaboration opportunities Technology Transfer - Access to our patent portfolio and licensing opportunities Joint Research Projects - Collaborative development of industry-specific solutions Student Internships - Access to our talented pool of graduate students and postdocs Our Industry Network MONET has established relationships with companies across multiple sectors, including Under Armor, Dow, Eastman, Poly Analytik, Johnson & Johnson, Momentive Performance Materials, Window Therapeutics, IBM, BASF, Braskem, ExxonMobil, Henkel, Boston Scientific, Synthos, and LEGO. Our collaborative approach has led to the filing of provisional patent applications, the completion of research projects, and the transfer of technology. Get Started Ready to explore how MONET's innovations can benefit your organization? We'd love to discuss partnership opportunities in these and related areas. Click the "Contact MONET" button to get started: Contact MONET Previous Next