Dr. Julia Kornfield

Biography

Julia Kornfield is the Elizabeth W. Gilloon Professor of Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Caltech in 1983, her Master of Science degree in 1984, and her Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1988. She began her academic career as an Assistant Professor at Caltech from 1990 to 1995, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1995, and has held the position of Professor since 2001. Her research focuses on polymeric supramolecular liquids, particularly studying the relationships between macromolecular structure and the dynamics of macroscopic properties. The Kornfield group investigates how the diverse physical properties of polymeric materials lead to applications in various products, including fibers, plastics, elastomers, adhesives, and coatings. The group's aim is to understand the molecular-level factors influencing the diverse properties of these materials and the implications they have for sustainable engineering. Her courses include Sustainable Engineering, where she teaches about the intersection of engineering and Earth's resources such as water and carbon cycles.

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