Thrust Teams

Thrust #1 - PPW Deconstruction
Tunable heterogeneous catalysts and microwave energy for the conversion of plastic packaging waste (PPW) into fuels, lubricants, precision macromolecules, and monomers.
Thrust #2 - PPW Upcycling
Functionalization and upcycling using a) plasma-assisted, catalysis and surface treatment, b) photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylation, and c) enzymatic routes to generate high-value monomers and polymers.
Thrust #3 - Cross-Cutting Tools
New cross-cutting tools driven by AI, PPW characterization, macromolecular property prediction through modeling, and additive manufacturing to enable scientific advances.
Senior Investigators
At the Center for Plastics Innovation, Senior Investigators represent one or more thrusts based on their core knowledge and develop emergent projects through collaboration across thrust boundaries.
LaShanda Korley
Director
Thomas H. Epps, III
Deputy Director
Raul Lobo
Thrust #1 Leader
Peng Bai
Thrust #1 Co-Leader
Mary Watson
Thrust #2 Leader
Aditya Kunjapur
Thrust #2 Co-Leader
Mike Berg
Thrust #3 Leader
Hui Fang
Thrust #3 Co-Leader