Rodney

Priestley

Dean of the Graduate School, Pomeroy and Betty Perry Smith Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Research interests: Materials synthesis, processing, structure and properties. The physics of polymeric materials and the development of novel polymeric systems as responsive and self healing materials and membranes.

A palm-sized octopus figurine made of hydrogel — Princeton researchers have developed a new type of recyclable hydrogel that can be cut and molded into different forms. Photos by Dan Komoda

Reusable and recyclable, this new hydrogel squishes the old version’s environmental impact

A network of intricate fibers forms a structure with a bubble at its center. — Researchers created a physical model that mimics the material structure within cells, where small liquid droplets form within fibrous networks. In the model, individual strands confined the droplets’ expansion, squeezing the separating oily liquids into disjointed, aspherical shapes. When enough oily liquid glommed together, strands cracked, and the droplets swelled into fully formed globules. The image was provided by the researchers. Its color has been adjusted for display.

Researchers built a physical model to probe the creative destruction inside cells

Priestley in suit with orange tie and pocket square on steps of Clio Hall. — Rodney Priestley. Photo by Sameer A. Khan/Fotobuddy

Polymer expert Rodney Priestley elected APS Fellow

Black-and-white illustration with portrait and the words "William B. Russel 1945-2023"

William Russel, groundbreaking engineer, cherished mentor, and tireless dean who championed graduate students, dies at 77

Researchers Néhémie Guillomaitre and Xiaohui Xu hold a sample of the solar absorber gel, which acts like a sponge to soak up clean water and filter out contaminants. Photo by Bumper DeJesus

Solar-powered gel filters enough clean water to meet daily needs

Egg frying in a pan — New research shows that egg whites can be transformed into a material capable of filtering water. Photo by Nathan Dumlao

Researchers cook up a new way to remove microplastics from water

Professor and student work together in lab setting.

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Advancing human health, energy, materials science, and industrial processes

Rodney Priestley