Ph.D. Dissertation Defense - Jude Musongong
- When
- Friday, November 13, 202612:20 PM – 1:20 PM CSTAdd to calendarGoogle Calendar
- Where
- Abbott Hall 138151 Cornell St, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9024Open in Maps
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About
Doctoral Defense Seminar
Jude Ambe Musongong
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Chemistry
University of North Dakota
Presents:
“Molecular Engineering of Polyester Networks Tailored for Light-Responsive, Self-Assembling, and Crosslinked Functionalities via Zinc-Catalyzed ROCOP”
Friday, Nov. 6 at 12:20 p.m.
Abbott Hall Room 138
Bio: Jude Ambe Musongong is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry at the University of North Dakota. Originally from Cameroon, he began his academic journey at the University of Bamenda, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2016 and Master of Science in Chemistry in 2019. Driven by his passion for science and molecular innovation, Jude moved to the United States in 2022 to pursue graduate studies at the University of North Dakota. He joined Dr. Du's research group, where he began his research in synthetic chemistry and developed a strong interest in polymer science, particularly the catalytic synthesis of functional polyesters with potential applications in biomedicine and materials science. He subsequently earned a second Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Dakota in 2025.
His doctoral research focuses on the molecular engineering of functional polyesters through zinc-catalyzed ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP), exploring the design of light-responsive, self-assembling, and crosslinked polymeric materials with tunable properties.
Beyond the laboratory, Jude is passionate about scientific discovery, education, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Abstract: Jude's doctoral research focuses on the molecular engineering of functional polyesters through zinc-catalyzed ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides. By controlling monomer composition and incorporating functional substituents, his work explores developing light-responsive, amphiphilic, and crosslinkable polymeric materials. His research shows how UV-induced crosslinking can tune glass-transition temperatures, while amphiphilic polyesters can be engineered to exhibit tailored surface properties and self-assemble into polymeric micelles with potential applications in drug delivery. Through controlled polymer synthesis and post-polymerization functionalization, this work highlights the versatility of molecular design in developing advanced materials with tunable properties and functionalities.