Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Gianmarco Terrones Graduate Student Publications Visible-Light-Mediated aza Paternò-Büchi Reaction of Acyclic Oximes and Alkenes for the Synthesis of Monocyclic Azetidines Visible Light-Mediated (2+2)-Cycloadditions for the Formation of Macrocyclic Dimers 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)

Trainees collaborate with and visit another MONET-affiliated lab for cross-disciplinary research exposure. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Lab Exchanges International Lab Exchanges: Building Global Networks and Advancing Research MONET's International Lab Exchanges Initiative represents a cornerstone of our Signature Professional Development Experiences, providing trainees with transformative opportunities to expand their research capabilities, forge international collaborations, and gain perspectives that fundamentally reshape their scientific careers. Through partnerships across Switzerland, Germany, and Australia, our trainees have participated in immersive experiences that bridge academic research and real-world applications in materials science and sustainability. The impact of these exchanges extends far beyond technical skill development. When Ana Paula Kitos Vasconcelos participated in the Research University Alliance (RUA) Program, she spent a week visiting leading Swiss institutions, including ETH Zurich, EPFL, EMPA, and the Adolphe Merkle Institute. Her goal was clear: identify research groups aligned with her future career aspirations and discover pathways to postdoctoral opportunities. The connections she made opened doors to fellowship opportunities and potential postdoctoral projects, demonstrating how international exchanges catalyze long-term career trajectories. As Ana Paula reflected, the experience allowed her to "identify avenues of potential research opportunities" while receiving "direction and support for applying to fellowships." Similarly, Alex Foret's 10-week research experience in Dresden, Germany, exemplifies how international exchanges provide access to specialized expertise and techniques. Working under Professor Christian Roßner at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research, Alex gained hands-on experience in synthesis and characterization techniques previously outside their research scope. The program, which brought together seven participants and culminated in a joint symposium between German and US labs, expanded Alex's professional network across continents while developing proficiency in methods that will prove invaluable throughout their materials science career. Juan Antonio Cintrón Cruz's two-week collaboration at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg demonstrates how MONET leverages connections with senior investigators to facilitate cutting-edge research opportunities. Through relationships between MONET PIs Steve Craig and Jeremiah Johnson and NMR expert Professor Kay Saalwächter, Juan gained access to advanced NMR characterization techniques to study polymer network structures. This collaboration not only enhanced Juan's analytical capabilities but also aims to implement these techniques at MIT, thereby expanding the characterization tools available across the entire center. The ongoing partnership is expected to yield a joint publication that showcases how these exchanges generate lasting scientific contributions. Perhaps most distinctive is the PELICANS program (Plastic in the Environment, Leaders in Collaboration from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States), which took Ana Paula and Herbert Wakefield IV to Australia for an intensive two-week exploration of the plastic industry's sustainability challenges. Through partnerships with the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers, CSIRO, UNSW, Monash University, and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organization, they examined packaging, recycling, policy, education, and pollution from an industry perspective. The trainees created educational materials on plastic food packaging and recycling challenges and contributed to a podcast series on plastic waste. This experience bridged the gap between academic research and industry needs, helping them "examine their research in the context of potential innovations that could be developed and applied to make a genuine difference in the plastic industry." Collectively, these International Lab Exchanges embody MONET's commitment to developing scientists who can navigate the global research landscape, communicate across disciplinary and cultural boundaries, and translate their work into societal impact. By providing access to specialized facilities, fostering international collaborations, and exposing trainees to diverse research cultures and industry perspectives, these exchanges prepare them not only to advance materials science but also to lead the next generation of sustainable innovation. Previous Next

Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Xiao Huang Graduate Student Publications Caged AIEgens: Multicolor and White Emission Triggered by Mechanical Activation A Thermally Stable SO2 Releasing Mechanophore: Facile Activation, Single-Event Spectroscopy, and Molecular Dynamic Simulations Metal Identity Effects in the Fracture Behavior of Coordinatively Crosslinked Elastomers PolyMOF Nanoparticles: Dual Roles of a Multivalent polyMOF Ligand in Size Control and Surface Functionalization 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 Julian Smith-Jones 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 C2 Educational Center

Graduate Student Graduate Student ⬅️ All Members Ryann Kemmerling 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 Johns Hopkins University

Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Kelsie Wentz 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 Indiana University

Undergraduate Researcher Undergraduate Researcher ⬅️ All Members Juliana Marston 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 Columbia University

Converting high-touch experiences into MONET Outreach Kits that we develop, deploy, and present to a range of audiences across the country. Broader Impacts Informal Science Communication Outreach Kits MONET's Research-Aligned Outreach Kits: Bringing Polymer Science to Life Three Kits, Three Age Groups, One Mission 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 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 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 Previous Next

CRIPT is a partnership between MIT, Citrine Informatics, Dow Chemical, NIST, and the University of Chicago in which a community database for polymer science is developed through an NSF Phase I Convergence Accelerator project. Broader Impacts Innovation CRIPT Previous Next

Postdoctoral Researcher Postdoctoral Researcher ⬅️ All Members Ilia Kevlishvili Postdoctoral Researcher Publications Isomer-driven Polymerization, Depolymerization, and Reconstruction The Tension-Activated Carbon–Carbon Bond Nested Non-Covalent Interactions Expand the Functions of Supramolecular Polymer Networks Internal Catalysis in Dynamic Hydrogels with Associative Thioester Cross-Links Angle-Strained Sila-Cycloalkynes A Thermally Stable SO2 Releasing Mechanophore: Facile Activation, Single-Event Spectroscopy, and Molecular Dynamic Simulations Highly Efficient Bromine Capture and Storage Using N-Containing Porous Organic Cages Self-Amplified HF Release and Polymer Deconstruction Cascades Triggered by Mechanical Force Visible Light-Mediated (2+2)-Cycloadditions for the Formation of Macrocyclic Dimers Metal Identity Effects in the Fracture Behavior of Coordinatively Crosslinked Elastomers Polymer Networks with Cubic, Mixed Pd(II) and Pt(II) M6L12 Metal–Organic Cage Junctions: Synthesis and Stress Relaxation Behavior Systematic Investigation of Silicon Substitution on Single Macromolecule Mechanics Tailoring Dynamic Hydrogels by Controlling Associative Exchange Rates Synthesis and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of a Strained trans-Silacycloheptene and Single-Molecule Mechanics of Its Polymer Remolding and Deconstruction of Industrial Thermosets via Carboxylic Acid-Catalyzed Bifunctional Silyl Ether Exchange Endohedrally Functionalized Metal–Organic Cage-Cross-Linked Polymer Gels as Modular Heterogeneous Catalysts 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 Abe Herzog-Arbeitman Graduate Student Publications Toughening and Imparting Deconstructability to 3D Printed Photopolymer Resins with “Transferinker” Additives Facile Mechanochemical Cycloreversion of Polymer Cross-linkers Enhances Tear Resistance Synthesis and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of a Strained trans-Silacycloheptene and Single-Molecule Mechanics of Its Polymer 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 Sean Hsu 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 California San Diego