DMAS Research Group
What drives our research.
We are interested in finding alternative techniques to manufacture materials in a more sustainable fashion. We work at the interface of polymer chemistry and materials science, developing cutting edge technologies based on macromolecules.
Bioderived Polymers
Use of bio-renewable monomers in the synthesis of degradable polymers.
Molecular Linchpin
Link and Pin strategy used in railway vehicles to reversibly connect building blocks.
Force-Driven Exchange
Exchange reactions in covalent adaptable networks promoted by mechanical forces.
Group Culture
The main goal of our research group is to train the next generation scientists with interdisciplinarity and sustainability as their core values.
Diversity is rooted in the core values of our research group. We value contributions from any individual independently from their background. In the DMAS Research Group, we will not tolerate harassment or hateful speeches.
Mentoring in the DMAS Research Group comes from different levels. Diego will always be accessible to discuss research projects, career goals, personal matters, etc. Peer-mentorship is also part of our group culture, where all group members will have opportunities to provide and/or receive advice in a respectful and cordial manner.
Encouraging Diversity
Increasing diversity in STEM education starts by encouraging underrepresented youth groups to pursue careers in STEM. Outreach activities are a great vehicle to inspire kids and engage/immerse them in STEM related topics. Our group continuously participates in hands-on activities that showcases science concepts to K-12 students in the surrounding communities.
We welcome and respect people of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, religious beliefs, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We are a multidisciplinary, diverse, supportive, and energetic group, where each member has equal opportunity to grow scientifically and personally. Our main goal is to enrich STEM with a more diverse workforce.
Strategies in the Classroom
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching philosophy is rooted in developing logical thinking and problem solving, aiming to deemphasize the role of straight recall. Testing the student’s ability to connect the content of the lecture to their core knowledge–to reason by analogy.
Building Self-Confidence
Focused on inspiring students and showing them that everyone can be a scientist. Inviting and hearing from scientists with different backgrounds, while emphasizing their failures and successes will highlight to the students that they may share similar backgrounds with current day scientists.
Inclusive Classrooms
We aim to motivate women, LGBTQ+, first generation, disabled, and underrepresented minority students to continue in an academic path as a vehicle to increase diversity in STEM.