CAS researcher studies polymers, materials for emerging technologies
This March, as part of Women’s History Month, the College of Arts and Sciences is spotlighting the scientific research conducted by women at Mississippi State University.
Department of Chemistry Associate Professor Colleen Scott—a recent guest on Vision Podcast—discussed her research and career in academia. Listen to the episode here.
Scott’s scientific interests, as she explained in the podcast, revolve around polymer science and small molecules. Polymers have a range of application not met by other material types—everything from adhesives, coatings and industrial fabrics to structural components in the construction, biomedical and aerospace industry.
Scott’s lab focuses on designing and preparing conductive polymers that are electrochemically stable for use in devices like cellphones and televisions. Her research seeks to improve the life span and quality of these devices. For example, polymer research is paving the way to a new generation of “flexible” cell phones that are rollable, foldable or compactable.
“The technology is on the horizon, and we hope our materials can help advance the field,” Scott said. Scott has been awarded the prestigious NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award in 2020 for her work in making electrochemically stable conductive polymers.
A major goal of Scott’s research is to develop new materials from a “design by properties” approach by designing materials with specific properties based on organic functional groups. Scott’s lab implements this concept by incorporating specific functional groups within the polymers to behave as a molecular switch for sensing applications.
Scott considers sustainability an important aspect in the study of polymers. The lab focuses on making commodity polymers like plastic bags and other disposable plastics degradable. A recent article coauthored by Scott, “Synthesis and characterization of thermally stable bio-based poly(ester amide)s from sustainable feedstock,” (European Polymer Journal, 2019) focuses on the possibility of a bioplastic alternative to petroleum-based plastics for high performance materials.
Scott finds herself on the forefront of polymer science as she uses her research to improve the quality of frequently used devices as well as their ethical disposal.
MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences includes more than 5,000 students, 323 full-time faculty members, nine doctoral programs, 14 master’s programs, and 27 undergraduate academic majors offered in 14 departments. MSU is classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a “Very High Research Activity” doctoral university, the highest level of research activity in the country. MSU is one of only 120 schools to hold the designation. For more details about the College of Arts and Sciences, visit www.cas.msstate.edu.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.