Matthew Helgeson (he/him/his)

Matthew Helgeson

Professor

Pronounced: HEL-guess-un

Contact

(805) 893-3372
3337 Engineering II
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5080

ChemE Research Areas: 

Honors: 

2020  Neutron Scattering Society of America Science Prize
2018  Van Ness Award Lectures at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
2018  Allan P. Colburn Memorial Lectureship, U of Delaware
2016  Unilever Award, American Chemical Society 
2016  Hellman Foundation Faculty Fellowship
2015  Early Career Award, Department of Energy
2015  Excellence in Teaching Award, Northrop Grumman
2014  Early Career Award, National Science Foundation
2012  Distinguished Young Rheologist Award, TA Instruments
2011  Victor K. LaMer Award, American Chemical Society
2009  National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship
2009  McCullough Award, Delaware Center for Composite Materials
2009  Graduate Teaching Fellowship, University of Delaware
2008  Neutron Scattering Society of America Student Prize
2008  First Prize, SoftMatt Research Conference
2008  Progress Award, Delaware Center for Composite Materials
2007  University Graduate Fellows Award, University of Delaware
2007  Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research, ACS POLY
2004  Robert L. Pigford Fellowship, University of Delaware
2004  McCabe Society, Carnegie Mellon University
2003  Tau Beta Pi, Pennsylvania Gamma Chapter

Research Description: 

Our research is devoted to the design and processing of complex fluids, especially those involving colloidal species (nanoparticles, emulsions, proteins, etc.) in self-assembling & structured liquids. Specifically, we seek to understand how well-specified mesostructure can be obtained in these fluids, and how it can be used to control the mechanical and transport properties of soft materials. Our approach involves combining experimental and theoretical tools (scattering, microscopy, rheology, statistical & colloidal thermodynamics) for multi-scale characterization and description of fluid microstructure and dynamics, ultimately to inform the molecular-level design of mesoscale structure. We have particular expertise in developing methods for in situ monitoring of fluid microstructure during processing. Current projects include the design of functional and stimuli-responsive gels and particulates for applications in biotechnology, advanced materials and energy conversion.

Education: 

BS: Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2004)
PhD: Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware (2009)

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