本日 2026年4月17日(金) 23:00 Etc/GMT-9

2026/05/01 00:30~2026/05/01 01:30

11:30 am, Cristina Thomas '92, "Polymer Science and Engineering at Scale: Materials, Products, and Processes"

https://www.umass.edu/engineering/stories/cristina-thomas-92-phdAbstractI will draw on more than 35 years of experience inindustrial polymer science, engineering design, computational materialsmodeling, and product commercialization to illustrate how fundamentalprinciples of polymer science and engineering translate into impactfulmaterials, products, and manufacturing processes at scale. Using examples frommy own work, I will discuss the development and commercialization oftechnologies spanning pavement markings, mechanical fasteners, windshieldsealants, window films, and connected safety solutions.The talk will highlight how structure–process-propertyrelationships, process understanding, and manufacturability influence productperformance and successful scale-up. I will also discuss strategies used toprotect and deploy innovation, including the effective use of patents, andtrade secrets, illustrated through selected examples from my portfolio of morethan 28 issued patents.I will share perspectives on building cross-functional,high-performance teams and on transitioning new technologies from research tothe marketplace. I will conclude with reflections on career pathways inindustry and the importance of continued advocacy for STEM education andengineering careers.

📍 LGRT 201