Lab Director

Picture of Prof. Jinsang Kim

Jinsang Kim

Professor of Macromolecular Science & Engineering (Director), Materials Science & Engineering
Professor (by courtesy) of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 133N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education/Experience

Postdoc, Chemical Engineering & Chemistry Division, California Institute of Technology, 2001-2003 (Advisor: Prof. David Tirrell)

Ph.D. – Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusets Institute of Technology, 2001 (Advisor: Prof. Timothy Swager)

M.S. – Fiber & Polymer Science, Seoul National University, 1993 (Advisor: Sungil Hong)

B.S. – Fiber & Polymer Science, Seoul National University, 1991

To learn more about Prof. Kim, visit his MSE faculty page.

Visiting Professor

Professor Ming Sang Kwon Picture

Min Sang Kwon

Associate Professor, Materials Science & Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea (on sabbatical leave)
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 123N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

MS, Ph.D. – Organic Chemistry, Seoul National University, 2011

B.S. – Chemistry/Materials Science & Engineering, Seoul National University, 2006

Past Experience

2022 – Current: Seoul National University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Associate Professor

2020 – 2022: Seoul National University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Assistant Professor

2016 – 2020: UNIST, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Assistant / Associate Professor

2013 – 2016: University of Michigan, Depertment of Material Science and Engineering, Postdoctoral researcher

2011 – 2013: Seoul National University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Postdoctoral researcher

To learn about Prof. Kwon’s research and lab group, visit here.

Research Fellows

This is the picture of Jung-moo Heo

Jung-moo Heo

Postdoctoral Fellow, Materials Science & Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 117N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

Ph.D. – Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 2022

B.S. – Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 2015

Research

I am currently engaged in research focused on the development of metal-free organic phosphors specifically designed for organic light-emitting materials. My research involves the synthesis and purification of purely organic phosphors. By strategically manipulating the assembled structure of these phosphors, I am able to finely adjust their lifetime and emissive properties to enhance their performance.

Deokwon Seo

Postdoctoral Fellow, Materials Science & Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 121N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

Ph.D. – Nano Science & Technology, Seoul National University, 2022

M.S. – Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, 2015

B.S. – Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2013

Research

Picture of Jinho Choi

Jinho Choi

Postdoctoral Fellow, Materials Science & Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 121N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

Ph.D – Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 2022

B.S. & M.S. – Organic Materials Engineering, Inha University, 2016 & 2018

Past Experience

Postdoc, Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 2022-2023

Postdoc, Materials Science & Engineering, Korea University, 2023-2024

Research

Phosphorescence, Organic Semiconductors, 2D semiconductors, Photophysics, Organic Chemistry

Graduate Students

Mira Diab El Harakeh

PhD Candidate, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 115N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

M.S. – Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut, 2017

B.S. – Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lebanese University, 2013 

Research

I am developing a sensory platform for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using the Polydiacetylene (PDA) conjugated polymer. My research utilizes the specific Antibody-Antigen interactions for creating a selective detection mechanism for the virus. I am also working on tailoring the sensing unit so that it can be applied in the universal detection of viruses. Previously, I was involved in the research on photopolymerization of thiophene-based precursors.

Picture of Jiwon Lim

Jiwon Lim

Ph.D. candidate, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 123N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

M.S. – Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 2013

B.S. – Biomaterials Engineering, Seoul National University, 2011

Research/Experience

I worked on the following areas in our lab: surface engineering via polydopamine chemistry and silane-based self-assembled monolayer(SAM); Polymer/organic small molecule engineering with expertise in synthesis and processing; currently studying a selective coating on the metal/Si surface for semiconductors; studied thermal conductivity of polymer and composites for automotive applications. I am experienced in the chemical industry: R&D, technical sales, and product manager.

Meng-Hsun Lee

Meng-Hsun Lee

Ph.D. Student, Macromolecular Science & Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 119N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

M. S. – Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, 2022

B.S. – Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), 2020

Research

I am currently engaged in two primary areas of research. Firstly, my focus is on universal virucidal coating techniques, where I aim to develop coatings with broad-spectrum virucidal properties. Additionally, I conduct fundamental research on Polydopamine (PDA) coating mechanisms, exploring the underlying processes and properties of PDA coatings. My research encompasses surface modification through both chemical and physical approaches, involving techniques such as PDA coating, dip coating, and nebulization coating. Finally, to characterize the modified surfaces and coatings, I utilize various analytical techniques such as FTIR, Uv-Vis spectroscopy, DSC, and SEM.

Picture of Md Ikramul Hasan

Md Ikramul Hasan

Ph.D. Candidate, Macromolecular Science & Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 121N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

M. S. – Bioproducts Engineering, University of Maine, 2022

B.Sc. – Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, 2019

Research

Currently, I am engaged in three distinct areas of research. Firstly, I am working on the development of an additive for asphalt-based roads using plant polyphenols. The purpose is to enhance the roads’ durability when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and exposure to salty conditions. Secondly, my focus lies in the exploration of the utilization of the micron-scale pores found in delignified wood. Specifically, we are investigating the possibility of loading biosensing molecules onto the inner cavities of wood cells. The unique hierarchical porous structure of wood can accommodate these molecules while also providing structural support. Lastly, I will be embarking on the exploration of dynamic covalent bond design principles, which can be employed in the creation of inherently recyclable plastics.

Oguz Cetinkaya

MS Student, Macromolecular Science & Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 117N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

B.S. – Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, 2017

Research

 I am currently working on synthesis of molecules containing boron that demonstrate thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with multiple resonance (MR) characteristics. These molecules are known for their exceptional efficiency in electroluminescence and for emitting light with a narrow spectrum. 

Fatma Cetinkaya

MS Student, Macromolecular Science & Engineering
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 115N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

B.S. – Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, 2017

Research

I am currently engaged in a research focused on the enhancement of thermal conductivity in polymer composites by incorporating materials renowned for their high thermal conductivity, exceptional insulating properties, and self-healing capabilities. This project aims to make significant contributions to the development of advanced automotive components.

Visiting PhD Student

Picture of Changhoon Yu

Changhoon Yu

PhD Student, Materials Science & Engineering, Seoul National University
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 119N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

B.S. Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST), 2018

Research

 I am currently a visiting Ph.D. student under the guidance of Prof. Kim. Under advising under Prof. Kwon at SNU, I focused on visible light-induced reversible-deactivation radical polymerization such as photoinduced electron/energy transfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (PET-RAFT) and catalyst-free photoiniferter polymerization. Based on these methods, I synthesized the α, ω-hydroxyl end-functionalized polyacrylate and applied it to the functional thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. Additionally, I have experience in conjugated molecule design and synthesis, self-assembled monolayer (SAM) small molecules, epoxy materials, acrylic dielectric actuators, degradable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), etc

Undergraduate Researcher

Jihyun Park

Jihyun Park

Undergraduate Researcher, Chemistry
NCRC Bldg 26 Rm 119N, Biointerfaces Institute, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Education

B.S. – Chemistry, University of Michigan, 2024

Research

Jihyun is working with Jungmoo on purely organic phosphorescent material.