10th Notre Dame-Purdue Symposium on Soft Matter & Polymers

November 15, 2025 - Purdue University

Since its inception in 2014, this joint meeting has fostered collaboration, scientific networking, and camaraderie between the faculty and students of the University of Notre Dame and Purdue University. In addition, the annual event offers a valuable and accessible training opportunity for students and postdocs to share their science with the regional Soft Matter & Polymers community.

Time: 8:30-5:30 EST

Date: Nov 15, 2025

REGISTER HERE

Venue Information

Oral session: WALC 3087, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Poster session: WALC B058, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

This year's symposium includes presentations by Notre Dame and Purdue faculty, postdocs, and graduate students on topics related to their research projects in soft matter and polymers, as well as current challenges and future opportunities. Students and postdocs will also discuss their research during the afternoon poster session and networking reception.

Schedule

The detailed schedule will be announced in October.

Speaker Information

Keynote speaker: Prof. Paul V. Braun

Faculty speakers:

• Bill Phillip, University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
• Donny Hanjaya Putra, University of Notre Dame, Department of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
• Matt Webber, University of Notre Dame, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
• Jeffrey Youngblood, Purdue University, School of Materials Engineering
• Rahim Rahimi, Purdue University, Department of Materials Engineering
• Kelly Schultz, Purdue University, Department of Chemical Engineering

Student speakers: TBD

Call for Posters

In addition to the day’s technical sessions, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are invited to showcase their research results in an afternoon poster session, with awards given for the best posters. (Students or faculty will need to cover the cost of poster printing.) Poster presenters can note their intention to present at the registration link below to register both their attendance and poster. 

Organizing committee

• Qi Dong, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Purdue University
• Jonathan Wilker, Professor of Chemistry, Purdue University
• Jianguo Mei, Richard and Judith Wien Professor of Chemistry, Purdue University
• Matthew Webber, Keating-Crawford Collegiate Professor of Engineering and Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame
• Yichun Wang, Keating-Crawford Collegiate Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Food and Refreshments

We will provide the following during the event:

• Breakfast to start the day – light, continental style.
• Morning snack break – assorted items (e.g., granola bars, fruit, maybe muffins).
• Lunch – catered, with options for dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian).
• Afternoon snack break – lighter fare to recharge for afternoon sessions.
• Coffee, tea, and light non-alcoholic beverages available throughout the day (especially morning & breaks).

Parking Information

Guests may use the Grant Street Parking Garage located at 120 Grant St, West Lafayette, IN. This garage is on Purdue’s campus, with frequent vehicle/foot traffic; allow extra time for walking in case of congestion. The garage has accessible parking. Please follow posted signs once inside the garage to find handicap‐accessible spots if needed. Rates will follow the standard Purdue campus parking rates; visitors should check posted signage or online resources for current rates.

Map and Walking Route from Garage to Venue (WALC)

WALC is located at 340 Centennial Mall Drive (corner of University Street & Centennial Mall). The main entrance is visible from Centennial Mall; follow pedestrian sidewalks. Estimated walk time is ~7–10 minutes depending on pace.

Thank you to our sponsors who make this event possible: