Current Members – Soft Materials Group

Principle Investigator

Dr. Christopher Li

Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, LeBow 443

Students

Will Fullerton, 5th year PhD, wf85@drexel.edu, Linkedin, Google Scholar; CV

I began my PhD in the fall of 2020 after earning a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and conducting undergraduate research in the Hickey Lab at Penn State. My research focuses on investigating the coupled electro-chemo-mechanical phenomena that govern nucleation and growth of alkali metal in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). Some of my hobbies outside of research include hiking, backpacking, photography and football.

Tong-Jie Zhang, 5th year PhD, tz335@drexel.edu

Tong is a fifth-year PhD candidate at Drexel University, specializing in solid polymer electrolytes. His research focuses on enhancing anode stability, tuning ionic transport pathways, designing systems that promote optimal solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), and improving overall cell performance. Outside of academia, Tong has developed a passion for bodybuilding and soccer. He has served as a sideline coach for the Drexel men’s soccer team and as mat-side support for the wrestling team, fostering friendships and teamwork.

Shichen Yu, 4th year PhD, sy584@drexel.edu, Linkedin; Google Scholar; CV

Shichen joined the Soft Materials group in 2021, where his research focuses on polymer crystallization and polymeric nanoparticle (Crystalsome) studies. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Advanced Study at Shenzhen University in 2019, followed by a master’s degree in Polymer Science from the University of Akron. Outside of academia, Shichen enjoys spending time in nature through activities like hiking, archery, and camping. Recently, he has developed a new passion for amateur astronomy photography.

Carl Furner, 2nd year PhD, ctf46@drexel.edu.

I started PhD in 2023 after completing the BS/MS program in the Drexel MSE department. My research focuses on controlling polymer crystallization through molecular architecture. In my free time, I enjoy Drexel Steel Bridge, gaming, golf, and exploring Philly with my fiancé Mary.

Yuean Wu, 2nd year PhD, yw839@drexel.edu.

Hi, I am from Guangzhou, China. I received my BS degree from the School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, where I studied giant molecules self-assembly with Professor Stephen Z.D. Cheng. At Drexel, I work on developing new solid polymer electrolytes and hybrid nanomaterials for Solid state batteries. My hobbies are basketball, football, and music.

Niloofar Esmati, 2nd year PhD, ne352@drexel.edu

Niloofar is a second-year PhD student working on the development of polymeric carriers for drug delivery applications. She received her BS in Materials Science from K.N. Toosi University of Technology in Iran, and MS in Materials Science from the University of Tehran in Iran. She studied bioactive glasses and protein release from polymers during her graduate studies. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and exploring new places.

Morgan Tiziker, BS, Senior, mzt25@drexel.edu;

Senior design: Designing Functional Polymer Nanoparticles.

Dan Parsons, BS/MS, Senior, dp985@drexel.edu

Senior design: Designing Functional Polymer Nanoparticles.

Hans Geiser, Junior, BS/MS, hag42@drexel.edu

MS: Fabrication of Polymer Crystalsomes