A team from the Olsen and Rubinstein labs, in collaboration with others at University of Campinas and University of South Florida, extend BigSMILES to accommodate nonatomic particles, enabling it to represent coarse-grained models of polymers in a manner directly analogous to atomic structures. The new syntax coarse-grained BigSMILES (CG-BigSMILES) combines a layer-based annotation with linking to force field files to capture both chemical structures and interacting potentials. Article Link

A team from the Olvera de la Cruz and Campos labs develop a mean-field framework that connects microscopic bond reactions and molecular packing-induced conformational changes to macroscopic elastic behavior. The work provides a predictive platform for designing responsive and adaptive polymer networks with tailored properties. Article Link

A team from the Craig , Rubinstein , Sottos , and Gong labs report the impact of fused ring size in bicyclic cyclobutane mechanophores within the strands of polymer network gels. They observe the first evidence of covalent reactive strand extension (RSE) effects in a single-network gel, and strands with greater RSE lead to gels with greater stretchability and toughness. Article Link

A team from the Kulik and Craig labs report the computational, machine learning guided discovery of synthesizable ferrocene mechanophores. The work establishes a generalizable framework for the high-throughput discovery and rational design of mechanophores and offers insights into structure–activity relationships in mechanically responsive materials. Article Link

A team from the Kalow and Olvera de la Cruz labs establish rheological isotope effects (RIEs) as a new tool for studying dynamic covalent exchange in bulk networks. RIEs present new opportunities to study mechanisms of exchange in bulk networks, deconvolute modes of stress relaxation in complex CANs, and provide insight into the impact of defects on viscoelasticity. Article Link

Shixuan has successfully defended his thesis, "Visible-Light-Activated Photopolymerization and Dynamic Covalent Chemistry for Adaptive Materials". Congratulations Dr. Wei!

The GRFP provides stipend and tuition support for a three-year period to individuals who have demonstrated their potent Congratulations Jolly!

Grace has successfully defended her thesis, "Network Toughening Strategies: Interplay of Mechanophore Reactivity, Polymer Chemistry and Network Topology". Congratulations Dr. Yao!

MONET hosted an industry career with our trainees and industrial partners. Topics covered include: What does it take to bridge academic research and real-world impact? How are technical skills in academia translated into a rewarding industry career? What was the most significant change in the way you do research (academia vs. industry)? What was (or was not) effective in your job search process? How to maintain professional network connections beyond the initial meeting? How do you anticipate AI changing the field? How has your work-life balance changed from academia to industry?

Zhuohong has successfully defended his thesis, "Optimizing Stability of Plant Virus-Based Nanoparticles for Applications in Agriculture and Material Advances". Congratulations Dr. Wu!

Craig and Rubinstein discuss how reducing the crosslink density in highly entangled natural rubber increases its crack resistance and prolongs its useful life. Article Link

This award recognizes outstanding early career investigators conducting research in any area of fundamental polymer or biopolymer science. Professor Kalow will be honored during an award symposium at ACS Fall 2025 in Washington, D.C. from August 17-21. Congratulations Julia!