Lab Director
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
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
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
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 ChemistryGraduate 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.
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
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.
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
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
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.