Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

The Hickner Research Group is focused on the synthesis and properties of ion-containing polymers, measurement of water-polymer interactions using spectroscopic techniques, additive manufacturing of polymer and composite materials, and the application of polymeric materials in energy and water treatment technologies. Our group has current projects with the Department of Energy on fuel cells and flow batteries and regularly works on federally-funded research at the intersection of materials and energy. 

Biomaterials with bioactive and bactericidal properties for tissue healing and regeneration. Antibacterial bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics with bactericidal action against antibiotic resistance strains. Micro and nanosize particles, nano-patterned coatings, 3D scaffolds, composites with natural and synthetic hydrogels. Glasses, glass-ceramics and composites for hard and soft tissue regeneration with applications in dentistry and orthopedics.      

Seokhyoung Kim is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Pohang University of Science and Technology in 2012 and M.S. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 2013. He earned his Ph.D.

Valeriy Ginzburg joined MSU as Visiting Professor in January 2021. His research interests include theory and simulation of polymers and other soft materials (colloids, liquid crystals, emulsions, foams).

Nicole Shriner is a Teaching Specialist in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. She received her BS in Chemical Engineering in 2014 at Michigan State University with concentrations in biomedical engineering and fermented beverage science and technology. She completed her PhD in Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University in 2018.

Chengcheng Fang joined the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University as an assistant professor in 2020. Her research group focuses on developing multiscale quantitative characterization tools, and designing advanced materials and manufacturing methods for energy storage and conversion devices.