Professor Karen Wooley (Texas A&M University) visited UCLA on February 21 to give the 2025 Chemistry & Biochemistry Distinguished Lecture. A pioneer in the field of polymer science and nanotechnology, Wooley is recognized for her contributions to the development of novel synthetic methodologies, particularly in the design and preparation of functional materials.
Enthusiastic students, postdoctoral researchers, staff and faculty members attended the lecture in the Dongwon Yoo Seminar & Conference Hall in the Mani L. Bhaumik Collaboratory in Young Hall. A reception followed the lecture in the Collaboratory study area.
Select photos from the event can be viewed below, and the full photo gallery is available here.
In her lecture, Wooley discussed the chemistry of degradable polymers derived from natural products, unique macromolecular architectures and complex polymer assemblies, and the design and development of nanostructured materials. Wooley presented creative approaches to materials for nanomedicine applications, degradable polymers from natural resources, coatings for marine antifouling, hybrid magnetic nanomaterials for environmental remediation, encompassing both fundamental and applied aspects of polymer chemistry.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
