Polymer Science
What is Polymer Science?
Polymer Science is a multidisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and biochemistry. Polymers enable many advanced technologies and everyday items we use, including flat screen TV's, light weight aircraft panels and engines, medical devices, coatings and paints, and more.
Our graduates are employed by companies such as Chevron, Ascend Performance Materials, and Solvay. Students further their study at institutions such as Case Western Reserve University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Illinois, just to name a few.
What Will I Learn?
Students learn to apply chemistry, physics, and mathematics in a practical way in order to:
• Design and develop new materials for existing applications
• Develop new approaches to old problems
• Determine the right materials for a given purpose
• Develop new processes to make materials
• Work toward solutions to important problems
Although not required by the program, many students participate in industrial research internships and university research experiences for undergraduates during the summers. Recent examples of locations are
- Chevron Oronite
- Ascend Performance Materials
- Future Labs
- U.S. Corps of Engineers
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Alchemy Nanotechnologies
- Princeton University
- Vanderbilt University
- University of California – Santa Barbara
- Case Western Reserve University
All students participate in faculty led groups that are involved in cutting edge, externally funded research projects. These projects can range from aerospace composite development to fundamental understandings of the properties of materials of the creation of new polymers. When involved in research projects, students learn the skills, techniques, and methods necessary to solve challenging technical problems. This experience enhances scholarship, internship, and future employment opportunities.
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering offers a student support infrastructure that assists students with individualized tutoring, topic specific workshops, and peer mentoring. Additionally, the Polymer Science Association student group provides access to a study room in the Thames Polymer Science Research Center as well as social and outreach activities that help build relationships among students at all levels.
Internationally recognized faculty mentors for all students
Each faculty member of the School of Polymer Science and Engineering has developed an innovative and vigorous research program that attracts governmental and industrial funding. Students participate along with faculty on these exciting and relevant research projects that build lasting student-mentor relationships.
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Polymer Science Minor |
- Materials/Polymer Scientist and Engineer
- Technical Sales
- Laboratory Technician
- Research Chemist
- Consulting
- Quality Control
- Blake Martin, 2018
National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Awardee Case Western Reserve University - David S. Entrekin, 1980
Owner Future Labs, LLC
- Christopher Stafford, 1996
Project Leader National Institute of Standards and Technology - Matthew Sumpter, 2015
Coatings Chemist, Hexion, Inc
- Neil Treat, 2007
Hardware Engineer, X, The Moonshot Company - Russell Vick, 2018
Process Engineer, PG Technologies