People
Faculty
Michael Rubinstein
Aleksandar S. Vesic Distinguished Professor
Polymer theory and computer simulations
Postdoctoral Fellows
Brian Chan
Brian's research focuses on understanding the physical properties of biopolymers. His current projects include developing models of chromatin organization in eukaryotic cells, human airway mucus, and RNA-protein condensates.
Beyond the Lab: Brian loves to decompress after work by baking desserts and experimenting with new recipes. Additionally, he works to perfect his culinary abilities by making homecooked meals.
Favorite Polymer: DNA
Hao Guo
Hao's work involves theoretical, computational, and simulation-based study of polymers and polymer systems. Currently, Hao is working to accurately determine the second and third virial coefficients from osmotic pressure via simulations, investigate nonlinear elasticity of slide-ring gel networks, and explore solvent-dependent properties of polymer chains with novel and complex architectures.
Beyond the Lab: When he is not working on research, Hao likes to clear his mind through photography and cooking new dishes. In addition to his creative pursuits, he likes to stay active by playing badminton.
Favorite Polymer: Polystyrene
Aijie Han
Aijie studies the viscoelastic properties of airway mucus to aid the development of respiratory disease therapies. Through rheological experiments, she seeks to clarify mechanisms of mucociliary clearance.
Beyond the Lab: Aijie balances her free time between playing the viola and participating in tennis matches. At the moment, she is also learning to play soccer with a team local to the Research Triangle.
Favorite Polymer: NaPSS
PhD Students
Nicole Cadieu
Nicole is a first year PhD student beginning a project studying polymer entanglements in double networks. She aims to better understand the behavior of polymeric materials on both microscopic and macroscopic scales.
Beyond the Lab: Nicole loves to spend her weekends volunteering at Durham's reptile rescue, powerlifting, taking care of her two geckos, and indulging her houseplant obsession. In her free time, she enjoys practicing calligraphy, drumming, writing, and listening to music.
Favorite Polymer: Myosin II
Jackson Diodati
Jackson is a second year Ph.D. student simulating and modeling networks made through reaction-limited free radical polymerization. The primary aim of his project is to compare parameters free radical polymerization approaches with other polymerization methods to predict how synthesized networks differ. Additionally, Jackson mentors a high school student participating in functionally adjacent research.
Beyond the Lab: When he's not rock climbing, Jackson can be found tapdancing at the studio with performing jazz musicians. Additionally, he has a passion for cheese making, beekeeping, and learning to play the piano.
Favorite Polymer: Pectin
Wade Hernandez
Wade builds models to describe polymer networks of varying complexities subjected to differential constraining parameters, including finite extensibility, non-affineness, and entanglement. In particular, Wade is interested in connecting microscopic network properties to inform macroscopic network models alongside using macroscopic data to infer microscopic conclusions.
Beyond the Lab: In his spare time, Wade loves taking acting classes and performing in various plays hosted by Duke. In addition to running a late-night radio show, Wade enjoys both listening to and playing music.
Favorite Polymer: Jell-O
Shamarie King
Shamarie's research investigates the multi-scale structure and biophysical properties of respiratory mucus in health and disease. In particular, Shamarie focuses on how mucin self-association and interfacial adsorption regulate mucus viscoelasticity and how surfactants can disrupt these interactions to restore function.
Beyond the Lab: On weekends, Shamarie can be found golfing, watching anime, and rewatching One Piece with her son.
Favorite Polymer: Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)
Mary Ma
Mary is a second-year Ph.D. student bridging polymer chemistry and theory to establish molecular-to-macroscopic structure–function relationships in polymer networks, aiming to engineer materials with otherwise unattainable properties.
Beyond the Lab: Mary loves to snowboard (unsurprisingly, outside of Durham) and practice latte art in her spare time.
Favorite Polymer: PEG
Masters Students
Zhijian Liu
Zhijian uses molecular dynamics simulations to study telechelic polymer systems, from single chain to transient networks. His work highlights the impact of sticker dynamics and chain behavior on the resulting rheological performance of such systems.
Beyond the Lab: Zhijian loves to decompress in his free time by playing basketball, gaming, and watching movies. Additionally, he enjoys traveling and exploring new hiking trails whenever he has the chance.
Favorite Polymer: PEG
Undergraduates
Joseph Gaddy
Beyond the Lab: Outside of lab, Joseph likes to spend a lot of his time at Wilson Rec Center powerlifting and working to max out his lifts. When he's not lifting, Joseph like to golf and play football with his friends. Additionally, he is an active member of Duke Motorsports, designing and manufacturing aerodynamic components for student-built cars.
Favorite Polymer: Epoxy resin