Biography
The research in my group falls at the interface of polymer engineering, materials science, and biomimicry. We develop techniques using polymers and polymer networks to produce materials with the order, functionality, and performance of examples surrounding us in nature. Beyond identifying materials that mimic natural functionalities, our research addresses the need for efficient and versatile methods that make this class of mimicry feasible for broad-reaching materials needs. The materials developed in my group are explored for a variety of applications including: biomaterials, coatings, plastics, membranes, and adhesives.
Research Area
Education
PhD, Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 2014
BS, Chemical Engineering, Lafayette College, 2009
Publications
Ingrid Calvez, Caroline R. Szczepanski, & Véronic Landry. (2022) “Hybrid Free-Radical/Cationic Phase-Separated UV-Curable System: Impact of Photoinitiator Content and Monomer Fraction on Surface Morphologies and Gloss Appearance” Macromolecules, 55, 3129–3139.
Md Nuruddin, Justin Hamlin, Caitlyn M. Clarkson, John A. Howarter, Caroline R. Szczepanski, & Jeffrey P. Youngblood. (2021) “Processing and Characterization of Food-Grade Plasticizer-Compatibilized Cellulose Nanocrystals and Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Nanocomposites” ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 3(10), 5000–5011.
Md Nuruddin, Reaz A. Chowdhury, Ryan Szeto, John A. Howarter, Kendra A. Erk, Caroline R. Szczepanski, and Jeffrey P. Youngblood. (2021) “Structure-property relationship of cellulose nanocrystal-polyvinylalcohol thin films for high barrier coating applications.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces; 13, 12472-12482.
Kelsey-Ann Leslie, Robert Doane-Solomon, Srishti Arora, Sabrina J. Curley, Caroline R. Szczepanski, and Michelle M. Driscoll. (2021) “Gel rupture during dynamic swelling.” Soft Matter; 17, 1530-1520.
Degree Programs
Primary Department
