This internship offers students the opportunity to conduct research in the interdisciplinary field of engineered living materials, gaining hands-on experience at the interface of polymer chemistry and bioengineering. Our group investigates synthetic polymers that can extend or mimic the properties of the natural extracellular matrix, with the overarching goal of understanding how such materials can promote controlled self-assembly and communication between different cell types. Our approach centers on controlled radical polymerization techniques, including light- and enzyme-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible-addition fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization (RAFT). Participants will contribute to ongoing research, such as the synthesis and characterization of functional polymers designed to interact with living cells. You will gain experience in polymerization techniques, polymer design and analysis, cell culture, analysis of cell-material interactions, and cell imaging. The project scope can be tailored to your interests, with a greater focus on either polymer chemistry or cellular bioengineering. Please indicate your preferences in your application!