People – Wang Research Group

Millie is a Master's student (co-advised by Dr. Jeff Bates) studying thiol-ene films and coatings and their biodegradability. She is in a combined B.S./M.S program in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, and has worked on developing biodegradable menstrual pads and hot-melt adhesives with the company SHERO, LLC. She has interned at 3form product development, DAAD Rise Germany in a biopolymers lab, U of U Materials Characterization Lab, and U of U Sustainability Office. She enjoys hiking, rock climbing, breweries, yoga, and guitar.

Grant is a second year PhD student working on sustainable polymers and composites. He graduated in May 2020 from the University of Colorado with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Prior to joining the U, Grant worked at Colorado Photopolymer Solutions, now Arkema, working with 3D printing and photopolymer. Grant also worked at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, focusing on bio-based, recyclable-by-design wind turbine blades. Some of his hobbies include skiing, hockey, basketball, football, backpacking, and hiking.

Barnali is a first year PhD student at the U, working on selective chemical depolymerization of plastics waste. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2017. In her undergrad she worked on fiber reinforced polymer composites, and she proceeded to obtain her Master’s degree from University of California, Riverside (UCR) in 2022 where she worked with atomic layer deposition of zirconia over SBA-15 and synthesizing dual functional materials by sol-gel process. Her hobbies are traveling, photography, dancing, playing badminton and watching movies.

Chen obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. He used "click" reactions in heterogeneous polymerization and in some covalent dynamic polymers. After residences in the 3D printing industry and at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Chen now joins the "U" to explore meaningful questions, and hopefully, answers.
Outside of work, Chen tends to stay outside — snowboarding, leisurely biking, backpacking. He also likes cooking, sipping good beer, and as always, great conversations.