Hannah Murnen

2nd Year Ph.D Student

E-mail: hkm@berkeley.edu

B.E. Engineering Science / Dartmouth College (2007)

Biomineralization using Polypeptoids

Research description:

Polypeptoids are a class of easily synthesized biomimetic polymers that have been shown to bind to specific crystal faces and affect inorganic crystal growth. Polypeptoids combine the high-degree of molecular recognition and defined conformation of natural biopolymers with the self-assembly properties of block copolymers. My research focuses on using these bioinspired polymers to create new materials capable of unprecedented control over inorganic crystal shape, morphology, and patterning under environmentally friendly conditions.

Brief Bio:

I grew up in Princeton, New Jersey and attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. My undergraduate research was mainly performed during 2 summers at Michigan State University with Dr. Bruce Dale studying the ammonia fiber expansion pretreatment for Miscanthus Giganteus in the production of cellulosic ethanol. I also spent a summer in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on an NSF REU researching several coal deposits. My interests include most outdoors ativities such as rock climbing and hiking. I also play lots of sports, particularly soccer, but I tore my acl for the second time in the spring of 2008 so I’m taking a break from sports right now.