Post by UCLA Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

🔬 From late nights in the chemical engineering lab to performing on the world stage at the FIFA World Cup—meet Fahed Albreiki, a Ph.D. student redefining what it means to be a researcher at UCLA Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. By day, Fahed works in Professor Samanvaya Srivastava's lab, developing ultra-strong, water-based adhesives inspired by the natural chemistry of marine organisms. His biomimetic block polymers have actually outperformed commercial giants like Superglue and Gorilla Glue under wet conditions—a massive breakthrough for biomedicine, energy, and construction. By night, he is a world-class freestyle footballer. A 5-time World Finalist and UAE National Champion, Fahed brings the same discipline, patience, and obsession with originality from the street art form right back into his scientific research. As Fahed beautifully puts it: "What made me happiest was never the glamorous stadiums, theaters, and stages; instead, it was the late nights in the lab, where I made very exciting observations." Check out the full, incredible story of how he bridges the gap between science, art, and sport at UCLA: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gRHRn_fc #UCLACBE #ChemicalEngineering #BiomimeticMaterials #PhDLife #FreestyleFootball #Innovation #UCLAMultitasking #SoftMatter