As a researcher in material science, Iโve been always fascinated by the intelligent materialsโliving organismsโthat nature creates. To survive and master in the ever-changing environment, โnature uses soft materials frequently and stiff materials sparingly โ better bent than brokenโ (Vogel, 1995), and is capable of tasks that surpass even the most impressive machines that humans have devised. Interested in synthetically constructing soft intelligent materials, my research focuses on exploiting the rich dynamics in molecular switches and molecular assemblies, and its coupling to mesoscale architectures and macroscale material properties, to realize new exciting functions based on self-regulation across lengthscales. By bringing the intelligence of soft materials to the next level, Iโm hoping to realize next-generation multifunctional materials with increased autonomy to address challenges in healthcare, energy, and sustainability. Specialties: polymer chemistry, material synthesis, nanofabrication
