As our generation of polymer scientists are tasked to develop superior polymeric materials to meet the rapidly increasing demands of new applications, the Gu Lab seeks to explore the upper limit of the level of complexity that can be achieved in synthetic macromolecular systems. By applying a unified view on molecules—of any forms—that have macromolecular origins, we combine organic/polymer synthesis, biomacromolecular engineering, and polymer physics to design and synthesize macromolecular systems/materials that possess life-like features. Through this approach that we termed as macromolecular biomimicry, we aim to gain new knowledge about polymers and living matter, and more importantly, to develop macromolecular systems that mimic, interface, and even surpass those found in biological systems, ultimately providing new solutions to challenges associated with biotechnology, healthcare, sustainability, and autonomous materials.

In the current stage, we are interested in but are not limited to the following three research questions:

1. How can we design synthetic polymers to achieve biomacromolecule-like functions?
2. How can we use synthetic chemistry to empower biomacromolecules with new functions?
3. At the material level, how can we achieve organic materials that mimic or even surpass the complexity of biological systems?

Qualifications

GPA: > 3.5
Course Experience: Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Lab

  • Kristen Reale
  • Ilona Litvak

Publications with Undergraduate Co-authors

None recently.