The study of polymers, molecular structures composed of thousands of atoms, may be one of the fastest growing fields in science today. According to the World Economic Forum, research involving the synthetic versions of these macromolecules could lead to significant advances in healthcare, technology, transportation and clean energy.
The physical forces that govern polymer structures are extremely complex, and little is known about the mechanisms that control their growth. Kateri DuBay, an assistant professor of chemistry in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, is working to advance our understanding of that complexity. For her efforts, she was recently named a Cottrell Scholar, an award that recognizes outstanding teacher-scholars for their innovations as researchers and their contributions as academic leaders. She is only the third UVA faculty member to have received the award in its 26-year history.