B.S.   University of Utah - Chemical & Fuels Engineering (1985)
M.E.   University of Utah - Mechanical Engineering (1989)
Ph.D.  University of Utah - Materials Science and Engineering (1990)

Research in our group is concerned with elucidating property/structure relationships in soft condensed matter, with particular emphasis on polymer structure and dynamics. Modeling and experimental methods are used to study static and dynamic properties of polymer melts and glasses, polymer interfaces, and polymers in aqueous solution. Other materials of interest include low molecular weight organic melts and solutions, including high energy and self-organizing materials, and polymers of biomedical significance.

Modeling techniques include ab initio electronic structure calculations, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, and coarse-grained models such as lattice mean-field and bond-fluctuation Monte Carlo approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on obtaining accurate atomistic potential functions using quantum chemistry. Experimental methods include neutron reflectivity studies of interfaces, NMR spin-lattice and dielectric relaxation studies of conformational dynamics and quasi-elastic neutron scattering. The synergetic effect between experiment and accurate atomistic level modeling is critical in gaining new insight into the behavior of materials and the design of new materials, and comparison of modeling predictions and experiment plays a key role in our studies.