Vision

Imagine a future when engineered materials will be able to mimic the dynamic aspects of living organisms and perform complex tasks in different environments. Such dynamic functional materials have the potential to transform our future by deploying micromachines that can eliminate the need for invasive medical procedures, deliver drugs to targeted cells, remove pollutants from the environment, and so on. Many researchers are working in the field of soft robotics and responsive materials to realize this exciting future. In this group, we take a bottom-up approach to designing materials at the building block level. We are interested in studying how the response (shape-shifting or active motion) of a building block particle affects an assembly of particles, leading to intriguing dynamic and functional properties in a material.  

We also envision research and pedagogy to inform and reinforce one another, which will create a motivating, equitable, and productive environment for every participant. On one hand, our goal is to utilize our experience as researchers to make science classrooms interesting and engaging. On the other hand, we aim to excel in pedagogy at the laboratory in order to train creative and well-rounded researchers of the future.