graphene layer

Molecular structure, physical properties and chemical behavior combine to enhance products and materials of all kinds

Our faculty use cutting-edge methods to design, discover, and characterize new materials for applications in clean energy, thermal management, information technology, transportation, manufacturing, smart agriculture, and medicine. Our research focuses on discovering new 1D and 2D nanomaterials, polymers, semiconductors, and biomaterials, aiming for a better society.

Research Faculty

Rizia Bardhan portrait

Rizia Bardhan

Associate Professor, Jean H. Steffenson Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering

Research Expertise

  • Nanomaterials for drug delivery and therapy
  • Metabolic profiling for patient-oriented diagnostics
  • Immunotherapies and immunoimaging
Eric Cochran

Research Expertise

  • Biopolymers – discovery and applications
  • Circularity – chemical recycling, biodegradable materials
  • Nanostructured soft materials
Kurt Hebert

Kurt Hebert

Professor

Research Expertise

  • High-energy density alkali metal batteries
  • Mathematical modeling and simulation
  • Electrochemical materials science
Andy Hillier

Research Expertise

  • Nanomaterials
  • Electrochemistry
  • Optics and spectroscopy
Molly Kozminsky

Research Expertise

  • DNA-based technology
  • In vitro models
  • Tumor microenvironment
Wenzhen Li

Wenzhen Li

Professor, Herbert L. Stiles Faculty Fellow

  • CO2 capture and conversion
  • Green nitrogen fertilizers
  • Innovative paired electrolyzers
Surya K. Mallapragada portrait

Surya K. Mallapragada

Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering, Carol Vohs Johnson Chair
Associate Vice President for Research, Iowa State University Office of the Vice President for Research
Scientist, Ames Laboratory, Division of Materials Science and Engineering

Research Expertise

  • Biomaterials for drug and vaccine delivery
  • Neuro-regeneration
  • Bioinspired materials
Balaji Narasimhan

Balaji Narasimhan

Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering, Vlasta Klima Balloun Faculty Chair

Research Expertise

  • Biomaterials-based nanovaccines for infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy
  • Nanomedicines for treating neural disorders
  • Nanomedicines to counter antimicrobial resistance
Matthew Panthani portrait

Matthew Panthani

Associate Professor, Herbert L. Stiles Faculty Fellow

  • Nanomaterials for energy conversion
  • Semiconductors, electronics, and photonics
  • Material processing and manufacturing
Nigel Reuel

Nigel Reuel

Associate Professor, Stanley Chair in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Research Expertise

  • Advanced biomanufacturing
  • Industrial enzyme discovery and design
  • Cell free systems
Luke Roling

Luke T Roling

Assistant Professor, Jack R. and Carol A. Johnson Faculty Fellow in Chemical and Biological Engineering

Research Expertise

  • Computational materials design
  • Heterogeneous catalysis
  • Surface science
Brent Shanks portrait

Brent Shanks

Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering, Mike and Jean Steffenson Chair
Director, Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC)

Research Expertise

  • Biobased chemicals
  • Heterogeneous catalysis
  • Bioeconomy

Jean-Philippe Tessonnier

Professor, Richard C. Seagrave Professor

Research Expertise

  • Heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis
  • Sustainable chemical manufacturing
  • Clean energy
Qun Wang portrait

Qun Wang

Research Assistant Professor

Research Expertise

  • Organoids
  • Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
  • Drug Discovery and Development
Yue Wu

Yue Wu

Professor, Herbert L. Stiles Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Research Expertise

  • Nanomaterials
  • Heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis
  • Thermal transport and management