Hongyun (Sophie) Xu

Associate Research Scientist at Dow

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

About

• Hands-on research experience with polymer chemistry/synthesis, polymer physics, and structure-property characterizations. • Expertise in the design and characterization of ion-conductive polymers, block polymers and polymer emulsions. • Strong cross-functional team cooperation and communication through consulting, volunteering and outreach experiences.

Experience

  • Dow (Full-time · 6 yrs)
    • Associate Research Scientist
      Aug 2023 - Present · 3 yrs

    • Senior Research Development Specialist
      Aug 2020 - Aug 2023 · 3 yrs 1 mo

  • Graduate Student Researcher at University of Minnesota
    Sep 2015 - Jul 2020 · 4 yrs 11 mos

    Thesis: "Imperfect" Block Polymers: Effects of Dispersity and Morphological Defects • Salt-doped triblock polymers for battery electrolyte design Achieved to design and synthesize a series of triblock polymers compatible with lithium salts. Correlated structure-property relationship of ion-conductive block polymers via tuning the conductive block dispersity and chain architecture. • Nanoporous materials templated from self-assembled block polymers

  • Internship at Johnson & Johnson
    Mar 2015 - Aug 2015 · 6 mos

  • Undergraduate Student Researcher at Fudan University
    Jun 2014 - Aug 2015 · 1 yr 3 mos

    •High Permeability Porous Polymer Monoliths for Microfiltration Synthesized high permeability porous polymer monoliths from open-cell structures derived from polymerization of high internal phase emulsions. Optimized open-cell structures and mechanical properties by tuning polymerization conditions. • Microcapsules of Phase Change Material with Improved Barrier Property Designed microcapsules with enhanced barrier properties derived from ultra-stable Pickering emulsions stabilized by graphene oxide.