As a research and development polymer scientist, I perform lab research on environmentally friendly high performance industrial coatings. Primarily, I focus on understanding the interactions between components of waterborne polyurethane coatings at the molecular level. I use fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), infrared spectroscopy, and numerous other techniques to study and characterize polymers in waterborne coatings. Outside of the lab, I do bird photography and practice bird identification. I enjoy thinking puzzles and have an interest in programming. I am currently self studying web development and expanding my knowledge in computer science topics.The Winnik group has been driving research for over 40 years in general areas of polymer science, self-assembly, and nanochemistry. We like problems that require a combination of synthesis and physical measurements. Many of our research projects are tied closely to issues in technology from understanding how to maintain the performance of paints and other coatings when they are made "environmentally friendly" to developing a new generation of reagents for mass cytometry and more. Researchers in the group come from different backgrounds and have different areas of expertise (polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, colloid science, chemical engineering, physics). We are fond of projects that require individuals with different backgrounds to work together.