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Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Shu Wang 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Devosmita Sen 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)

Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Su Nguyen 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Undergraduate Researcher Undergraduate Researcher ⬅️ All Members Jade Watson 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 University of Victoria

Postdoctoral Researcher Postdoctoral Researcher ⬅️ All Members Noy Nechmad 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 Duke University

Undergraduate Researcher Undergraduate Researcher ⬅️ All Members Twila Lefeber 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 College of Saint Benedict

Converting high-touch experiences into NSF MONET Outreach Kits that we develop, deploy, and present to a range of audiences across the country. Broader Impacts Informal Science Communication Outreach Kits NSF MONET's Research-Aligned Outreach Kits: Bringing Polymer Science to Life Three Kits, Three Age Groups, One Mission NSF MONET has developed three evidence-based outreach kits that translate cutting-edge mechanophore research into accessible, hands-on learning experiences. Each kit is designed for a specific age group and has been rigorously tested and refined based on comprehensive feedback from trainees, participants, and facilitators. Chemistry of Slime (Ages 5-8) Overview Developed in partnership with the American Chemical Society Kids Zone , this kit introduces young learners to non-Newtonian fluids through engaging polymer chemistry. Impact at ACS Kids Zone San Diego 2025 90 participants engaged across diverse age groups 58.9% correctly identified slime as both solid and liquid 50.9% demonstrated a significant conceptual shift from sensory observations ("you can hold slime") to chemical mechanism reasoning ("break the bonds of the polymer") Key Learning Outcomes Participants progress from experiential descriptions to molecular-level understanding: Before: "I think that slime is a solid because it is not a liquid like water or milk. You can't hold a liquid like you would to a solid, yet you can hold slime..." After: "I think that to make slime flow more easily, you would have to break the bonds of the polymer. When they break, the polymer doesn't have to hold on to other pieces..." External Validation ACS Program Manager Patricia M. Galvan praised MONET's approach: "I am impressed with the way you incorporated the evaluation into the activity to provide evidence of kids' ideas changing as a result of doing the activity... There were 280 participants at the March Kids Zone in NOLA." Kit Components Complete facilitator guide with pedagogical insights Pre-post assessment materials measuring conceptual depth Branded materials, including stickers and storage boxes All necessary chemistry supplies with safety protocols Access to digital resources and case study Request the Slime Kit Materials Science of Soccer (Ages 9-12) Overview This kit explores the materials inside soccer balls through authentic scientific methods, including tensile testing and wettability testing. Research Foundation The kit builds on work that resulted in: ACS conference presentation Peer-reviewed publication in Journal of Chemical Education (2025, 102(4), 1465-1475) Teaching materials for soccer-themed science camp in Brazil Field-Tested Impact 100% enjoyment reported by 13 fourth-grade participants at Barack and Michelle Obama Academy Media Center Successfully piloted at Cambridge Science Festival with 2.0 revisions Demonstrated learning gains in materials science concepts Version 2.0 Improvements The Materials Science of Soccer Festival Edition 2.0 systematically addressed comprehensive stakeholder feedback: Technical Issues Eliminated Removed protractor-based measurements that caused inconsistencies Replaced with simple observation-based wettability testing (water beads up vs. spreads out) Standardized 3-ball preparation protocol for consistency Instructional Clarity Enhanced Specific participant directions: "Take the exterior layer piece and gently stretch it . " Clear questioning sequence with exact wording provided Step-by-step water testing protocol with timing guidance Opening hook: "Welcome to Materials Science of Soccer! You're about to become materials scientists!" Real-World Connections Built In Rain game scenario: "If you're playing soccer in the rain..." Career connections: "Materials scientists study how different materials behave." Transfer questions: "Name another object that uses similar materials." Kit Components Three demonstration soccer balls (intact, cut open, deconstructed) Materials testing supplies (water, pipettes, spill trays) Complete facilitator guide with framework integration Pre-post assessment materials with a 5-level progression rubric Professional development support for facilitators Digital access to complete materials via Canva Request the Soccer Kit Mechanophores in Action (Ages 13+) Overview This innovative kit connects music to molecular structure through the Multiverse app, allowing participants to explore how weak molecular crosslinkers can create stronger polymer networks—a counterintuitive concept drawn directly from university research. Pilot Success at Cambridge Science Festival 2025 250+ participants engaged in musical polymer activity 10-15 minutes per participant group for deep engagement Rigorous assessment using a pre-post evaluation framework Participant feedback: "I never thought science could be creative like this." Research Connection The activity directly references Wang et al. Science publication findings demonstrating how strategic weaknesses in materials enhance overall strength—principles with applications ranging from car bumpers to biomedical implants. Innovative Multi-Modal Approach Digital Phase: QR code access to the Multiverse app Participants "play" chemical structures as music Build crosslinker molecules and explore stability through sound Physical Phase: Hands-on polymer network construction using beads, fishing line, and Velcro Tensile testing with calibrated spring scales (0-5N for velcro, 0-20N for network) Data collection and pattern recognition Real-time hypothesis testing Through hands-on activities, students build connections between experimentation and molecular-level understanding, moving from sensory observations to chemical reasoning as they explore. On March 22, 2025, the ACS Kids Zone 2025 (San Diego, CA) Glaciers and Polymers event engaged 90 participants through an interactive slime activity. Nearly 59% correctly identified slime as both solid and liquid, and among the 57 participants who initially described slime in observational terms, 29 (50.9%) shifted to chemical mechanism explanations by their follow-up responses. One student's progression captures this shift. Their initial response, "I think that slime is a solid because it is not a liquid like water or milk. You can't hold a liquid...", evolved into: "I think that to make slime flow more easily, you would have to break the bonds of the polymer. When they break, the polymer doesn't have to hold on to other pieces..." This movement from sensory observation to molecular reasoning represents substantial cognitive advancement, with the strongest gains among 8–12 year olds, who made up 41.1% of participants. It's a clear example of how informal science education can make complex chemistry tangible and inspire future scientists. Version 2.0 Enhancements The Musical Mechanophores Festival Edition systematically addressed feedback: Instruction Precision Specific measurement protocols: "Pull spring scale steadily (~1 cm/second) . " Exact material specifications: 50lb/0.6mm fishing line, 30 beads per chain Detailed preparation steps with backup protocols Measurement Accuracy Professional-grade EISCO Spring Scale Newton Meters Calibration protocols ensuring reproducible results Quality control: "Test one complete network setup to confirm design." Research Integration Explicit citation of university research (Wang et al.) Application examples: acrylic paints, adhesives, biomedical hydrogels Professional terminology with scaffolded explanations Kit Components QR codes for Multiverse app access Polymer network testing materials (beads, fishing line, Velcro, rubber bands) Calibrated spring scales for force measurement Complete facilitator guide with pedagogical insights Pre-post assessment index cards Musical crosslinker structure guides Digital resources and complete documentation Request the Mechanophores Kit Evidence-Based Development Process Systematic Feedback Integration All three kits have undergone rigorous evaluation and revision based on: Multiple Data Sources: Annual Trainee Professional Development Surveys Annual Climate Surveys Participant evaluations (90+ index cards from ACS Kids Zone) Google Forms feedback (38+ responses) Facilitator observations across multiple venues Cross-activity comparisons Framework-Driven Design Each kit integrates two evidence-based educational frameworks: CURIOUS Educator Meta-Framework Seven-step approach for brain-aligned content: Connect: Establish relevance Uncover: Reveal problems or gaps Reveal: Introduce concepts Integrate: Connect to existing knowledge Organize: Provide structured steps Unify: Synthesize key takeaways Self-Assessment: Enable reflection SDD Evaluation Framework Quantifies impact using: Scale: Number of participants reached Depth: Level of conceptual understanding achieved Duration: Timeframe and sustained engagement Impact Summary NSF MONET's three research-aligned outreach kits demonstrate how materials science centers can create accessible, evidence-based public engagement that: ✓ Translates cutting-edge research into age-appropriate learning experiences ✓ Demonstrates measurable learning gains through rigorous pre-post assessment ✓ Reaches diverse audiences across ages 5 through adult ✓ Scales globally with distribution to 12+ institutions worldwide ✓ Integrates validated frameworks ensuring pedagogical rigor ✓ Continuously improves through systematic feedback integration ✓ Produces academic outputs including peer-reviewed publications ✓ Partners with major organizations like American Chemical Society The NSF MONET Outreach Kit initiative has changed how polymer science research reaches communities nationwide, turning complex laboratory discoveries into accessible, hands-on educational experiences. Through the Three NSF MONET Outreach Kits (v.2.0) initiative, NSF MONET distributed updated versions of three research-based outreach kits to 13 labs across the country. Evolved through feedback from events like the Cambridge Science Festival and developed in collaboration with the Multiverse Concert Series, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and the American Chemical Society, these kits, from mechanophores to slime chemistry, enable scientists nationwide to bring hands-on chemistry education directly to their communities. By developing comprehensive, research-based kits, refining them through community feedback, and distributing updated versions across the network, this collaborative effort removes the logistical barriers that often prevent meaningful science communication, empowering scientists at every NSF MONET institution to translate cutting-edge research into engaging experiences that spark curiosity and make science education more inclusive and impactful. NSF MONET's Summer Science Kits initiative shows how targeted educational resources can bring hands-on STEM learning directly into the homes of young learners, fostering curiosity and family engagement. From May 21 to 23, 2024, NSF MONET Delivers Engaging Summer Science Kits to Chicago Elementary Students brought STEM education into the homes of 178 third and fourth-grade students at Hayt Elementary School. Led by Christina Hemmingsen, along with Emmanuel Alejandro Garcia Villatoro and Steven Chapman from the Julia Kalow lab at Northwestern University, the team developed and distributed 200 kits as part of a science communication and outreach project, each containing seven take-home activities, lab notebooks, and bilingual English-Spanish lesson guides. The initiative involved collaborations with Phi Lambda Upsilon (Alpha Gamma Chapter) and the International Institute for Nanotechnology, which funded the Gumdrop Graphene activity. Christina Hemmingsen gained valuable skills in program creation, budget tracking, volunteer organization, and community partnership building through the experience, skills she'll carry into future instructor positions in higher education. NSF MONET's Outreach Kit program has expanded access to hands-on chemistry education by delivering comprehensive materials science kits to institutions and organizations across three continents. Since May 3, 2024, External Recipients of Outreach Kits has shipped chemistry kits to 13+ institutions, including Louisiana State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Boston Scientific, Seattle Pacific University, Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, the United Moroccan American Association in Cleveland, Ohio, Williams College, Monmouth College, Trinity Washington University, Marshall University, California State University, and individual homeschooling families. This diverse network, spanning R1 research universities, liberal arts colleges, corporate partners, community groups, and informal educators, reflects NSF MONET's commitment to making university-level STEM education accessible across varied contexts and demographics, proving that impactful science outreach knows no institutional or geographic boundaries. Previous Next

Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Jianshe Xia 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 Southwest Jiaotong University

Members List Juliana Marston Read More Dylan Gregson Read More Len Needham Read More Sebastian Pujet Read More Gaile Ng Read More Lily Auster Read More Chuting Deng Read More Zhuohong Wu Read More Emmanuel Alejandro Garcia Villatoro Read More Christina Hemmingsen Read More Nicholas (Nick) Van Zee Read More Danyang Chen Read More Steven Chapman Read More Tetsu Ouchi Read More Scott Danielsen Read More Kelsie Wentz Read More Shu Wang Read More Haley Beech Read More Emily Wearing Read More Curt Waltmann Read More Jianshe Xia Read More Cody Ng Read More Yunyan Sun Read More Elvis McFee Read More Sophie Melvin Read More Clara Troyano-Valls Read More Edgar Mejia Read More Julian Smith-Jones Read More Zina S. Medina-Barreto Read More Allison Rattay Read More Chinyere (Connie) Okeke Read More Jade Watson Read More Feiyang Liu Read More Brogan Dietsche Read More Xavier Simpson Read More Twila Lefeber Read More Madelyn Gregory Read More Sean Hsu Read More Noy Nechmad Read More Hao Guo Read More Yao Xiong Read More Yu Zheng Read More Fangbai Xie Read More Jorge Leganés Bayón Read More Mary Ma Read More Yixin Hu Read More Claire Ogilvie Read More Jafer Vakil Read More Jolly Patro Read More Nicholas (Nick) Fromel Read More Xiangyin Zhao Read More Rowina Bell Read More Thomas Hicks Read More Anthony Mack Read More Alayna Johnson Read More Calvin Shih Read More Samina Yasmeen Read More Brian Richard Carrick Read More Devosmita Sen Read More Shixuan (Shishan) Wei Read More Ana Paula Kitos Vasconcelos Read More Ryann Kemmerling Read More Grace Yao Read More Annika (Alex) Foret Read More Herbert (Herb) Wakefield IV Read More Sunay Dilara Ekim Read More Alexis Martell Monterroza Read More Anna Gray Davis Read More Xiao Huang Read More Gianmarco Terrones Read More Ilia Kevlishvili Read More Juan Antonio Cintron Cruz Read More Abe Herzog-Arbeitman Read More Su Nguyen Read More

Undergraduate Researcher Undergraduate Researcher ⬅️ All Members Xavier Simpson 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 Morehouse College

Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Thomas Hicks 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 Edgar Mejia 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign