Welcome to the Van Lehn Group!
We are a group in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We develop and apply molecular simulation methods to characterize, predict, and engineer the physicochemical properties of synthetic and biological soft materials. We broadly seek to uncover relationships between nanoscale properties and macroscopic behavior in order to inform materials design, and particularly focus on understanding interactions at complex, multicomponent interfaces. We study a range of systems, including nanoparticles, peptides, surfactants, liquid crystals, and polymers, for applications in drug delivery, environmental sensing, plastic recycling, catalysis, and self-assembly.
Welcome to Srija and Ugo!
The group is thrilled to welcome two new first-year PhD students: Srija Chakraborty and Ugochukwu (Ugo) Ikegwu! Ugo is also co-advised with Prof. Victor Zavala. We’re thrilled to have them both – learn more about …
November 2, 2022New papers + highlights in Nature and Science!
Several new papers have come out from the group lately, including: Medium-chain lipid conjugation facilitates cell-permeability and bioactivity – a new paper in JACS to which ByungUk contributed Expanding plastics recycling technologies: Chemical aspects, technology …
October 25, 2022Reid promoted to associate professor with tenure!
Reid has received tenure and been named the Hunt-Hougen Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering! We are tremendously grateful to all group members, colleagues, collaborators, and mentors, past and present, who contributed to the …
July 1, 2022Jonathan defends his PhD thesis!
Dr. Jonathan Sheavly is the newest PhD recipient from the Van Lehn group!!! Jonathan defended a thesis entitled “Multiscale Modeling for the Design of Responsive Soft Materials.” Many congratulations to Jonathan – we wish him …
May 9, 2022- More News