Congratulations to Chemical Engineering Professor Boxin Zhao for being awarded a University of Waterloo Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology. This five-year appointment supports Professor Zhao’s vision to advance sustainable development goals by engineering nanosystems inspired by nature.
Professor Zhao’s research lab is currently working on several exciting projects with a strong focus on nanoscience, nanotechnology, and sustainability, including: 1) biomimetic smart materials and polymeric gels for advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and robotics; 2) antimicrobial nanocoatings that can kill bacteria, fungi and viruses for controlling the spread of infections; and 3) photocatalytic and biocatalytic degradation of microplastics to enable a circular economy.
An appreciative Professor Zhao says: “This Endowed Chair position will allow me to develop new lines of nanotechnology research, lead collaborative initiatives to enhance the national and international representations of both the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnnology, and ultimately bring benefits to our industry and society.”