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.

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

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 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. Get Started To participate, identify a Senior Investigator near you whose research interests you and reach out to them via email. Let them know why you're interested in their research and request an interview.

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 MONET Center for the Chemistry of M olecularly O ptimized NET works The National Science Foundation ABOUT RESEARCH Impacts MONET's overarching goal is to advance the field of polymer science through innovative research while actively engaging and inspiring the public . 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. MONET's polymer scientists drive interconnected , adaptive societal networks, broadening impact! Impact Gallery

Meet our team of distinguished researchers and staff driving MONET's mission. THE MONET TEAM Our award-winning team comprises senior investigators from across the country and the globe, as well as traditional subfields of chemistry, working together to advance 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 Alumni Emily Wearing Alumni Emmanuel Alejandro Garcia Villatoro Graduate Student

Alumni Alumni ⬅️ All Members Elvis McFee 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 Michigan

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

Exploring models for research and student training that extend beyond R1 institutions. Broader Impacts Broadening Participation Participation Beyond MONET Participation Beyond MONET represents a transformative vision: extending our Center's reach and influence beyond traditional boundaries to create meaningful pathways for participation in the chemical sciences. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, we're building bridges between institutions, fostering mentorship networks, and creating spaces where scientists from all backgrounds can bring their authentic selves to their work. At the heart of this initiative are the stories of connection and community. When Directors of Broader Impacts from multiple NSF-funded Centers gathered at NDiSTEM conferences in Phoenix and Columbus, they weren't just sharing booth space—they were modeling a new approach to scientific collaboration. These cross-center partnerships, bringing together MONET with the Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry and the Center for the Mechanical Control of Chemistry, demonstrated how institutions can amplify their collective impact by working together to engage diverse STEM talent. The symposium "Transforming STEM Through Broader Impacts" at NDiSTEM 2025 took this vision even further. With over 75 attendees, the session became a catalyst for change, exploring how cultural relevance and authentic mentorship can reshape the landscape of scientific education. The conversation continued beyond the conference room through the Science with Impact Podcast, extending these critical discussions to a wider audience and creating lasting resources for the community. Our partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities exemplify the power of bidirectional collaboration. Dr. Juana Mendenhall's leadership at both the SERMACS symposium and HBCU Engage highlighted how genuine partnerships—built on mutual respect and shared goals—can transform research environments and create opportunities for innovation. Dr. Mendenhall was even featured on the Science with Impact Podcast : These aren't one-way relationships; they're dynamic exchanges where each institution brings unique strengths to advance chemistry education and research. The Polymer Women Empowerment & Research (PoWER) initiative brought together over 100 participants for technical workshops and mentorship sessions at Northwestern University. MONET senior investigators Julia Kalow and Monica Olvera de la Cruz led technical talks while MONET trainees served as workshop leaders, creating a supportive community for early-career researchers. This intergenerational mentorship model demonstrates how empowering women and gender minorities in polymer science creates ripple effects throughout the field. When Dr. Vanessa Rosa spoke at the ACS Women in the Chemical Enterprise Networking Breakfast in San Diego, she joined hundreds of women chemists in building professional connections that transcend individual institutions. These moments of connection—whether at a breakfast networking event or a university symposium—form the foundation for sustained participation in chemical sciences. What makes BP Beyond MONET distinctive is its emphasis on authenticity and cultural relevance. We've learned that effective outreach isn't about imposing structures from above; it's about creating spaces where people can integrate their identities, cultures, and passions into their scientific work. It's about student-led collaborations, community-based STEM education, and research that responds to real community needs. It's about recognizing that the path to scientific excellence runs through many doorways, and our job is to ensure those doorways are open and welcoming. Through these initiatives, BP Beyond MONET is building a network of STEM leaders committed to excellence through expanded participation. We're creating best practices for cultural integration in STEM, establishing platforms for leadership development, and fostering collaborative approaches that benefit the entire scientific community. Most importantly, we're demonstrating that when we invest in people—through mentorship, authentic partnerships, and culturally relevant programming—we strengthen the foundation of scientific innovation itself. Previous Next

Explore exciting opportunities to advance polymer chemistry and broaden STEM participation with MONET. Join Us As a center, we seek partnership opportunities with other institutions, researchers, outreach efforts, and industry. To view and sort current partnership opportunities by type, use the tags below: Industry Institutional Join MONET Outreach Industry Partnerships Transforming Polymer Science Through Industry Collaborations Read More Outreach Kits Converting high-touch experiences into MONET Outreach Kits that we develop, deploy, and present to a range of audiences across the country. Read More Participation Beyond MONET Exploring models for research and student training that extend beyond R1 institutions. Read More Undergraduate Research Experiences Expanding access to laboratory research projects through the MONET Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) program. Read More

Impactful Programs As with our research, we seek to be distinct and distinctive in our broader impact efforts by targeting high-impact activities we couldn’t pull off in our laboratories alone. Click on our areas of activity to toggle them on and off and display highlights of our ongoing efforts: Participation Beyond MONET Learn More Lab Exchanges Learn More Art of Polymers Learn More Signature Professional Development Experiences Learn More Training Events Learn More Research Translations Learn More Outreach Partners Learn More Outreach Kits Learn More CRIPT Learn More Industry Partnerships Learn More Undergraduate Research Experiences Learn More Technique Tutorials Learn More

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

Collaborating with the American Chemical Society, Science Olympiad, "for the CURIOUS" and others to bring our messages to the broadest audience possible. Broader Impacts Informal Science Communication Outreach Partners Previous Next