Dr. Matthew Tirrell

Biography

Matthew Tirrell is the D. Gale Johnson Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. His research primarily focuses on biomolecular engineering, nanotechnology, and polymer properties, with a particular emphasis on manipulating and measuring surface properties of polymers. Over his career, Tirrell's contributions have led to significant advancements in the understanding of adhesion, friction, and biocompatibility, paving the way for the development of new materials inspired by self-assembly and synthetic techniques. Formerly, he served as the dean of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering from 2011 to 2023 and held the position of chair in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Tirrell's academic journey began at the University of Minnesota, where he was an assistant professor and later the head of the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. His leadership roles also included serving as the Deputy Laboratory Director for Science at Argonne National Laboratory and currently serving as the Interim Deputy Laboratory Director for Science and Technology since June 2022. Tirrell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Northwestern University and his PhD in polymer science and engineering from the University of Massachusetts. He has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Polymer Physics Prize from the American Physical Society and election to prestigious academies such as the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering.

Research Interests