Joshua Lee
Major
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Award
Marilyn and Howard L. Anseth Outstanding Undergraduate Research Assistant Award (CBEN)
Post-graduation plans
Applying to medical schools
Why did you receive this award?
In the Anseth Research Group, I am studying the properties and potential applications of highly-entangled hydrogels, called tanglemers. These novel polymer networks can distribute force along dynamic chains which lends them impressive strength and elasticity that can’t be achieved with standard hydrogels. By incorporating different crosslinkers or molecules to the polymer backbone, these materials can then be finely tuned for unique biomedical or research applications. My research expands the way that hydrogels can be utilized by pushing the bounds of mechanical properties and enabling cell adhesion. This will hopefully lead to the development of versatile biomaterials that can be used for mechanobiology, regenerative medicine and more.
What are some interesting things about you that others might not know?
In addition to my pre-health extracurriculars, I have been a resident advisor on campus for the past three years. I founded the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØMotorcycle Club, and I love to play guitar in my free time.Ìý
What is you favorite memory from your time at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder?
One of my favorite memories from Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder is going to see an opera with my engineering ethics class. It was a unique learning environment that I deeply enjoyed.Ìý