CAREER: Precise Assembly and Evaluation of Sequence-Defined Macromolecular Architectures

序列限定的低聚物是具有化学和生物学性质的短聚合物，其可以通过控制结构单元的组成和相对排列来决定。受其在生物系统（如治疗学）中的潜在应用的启发，康奈尔大学的Alberi教授开发了合成序列定义聚合物的新方法，并研究了组成和序列如何影响其特性。 在整个研究项目期间，通过一个共同的主题，将教育和外联活动结合起来，该主题的重点是促进同行之间的学习，并使有抱负的年轻科学家能够在向更广泛的公众传播科学思想方面担任领导职务。根据Dr.Kristi为代表性不足的高中生创建为期3天的综合研讨会的经验，该项目开发了一个“大使计划”，包括教授和支持高中生如何向同龄人和更广泛的公众传播科学和工程方面的思想。该研究项目旨在进一步开发用于合成序列定义的多环结构的新颖，有效的方法。 为了实现这一具有挑战性的目标，本研究探讨了分子组成和序列如何影响链动力学，大环化的效率，并最终大分子组装的性能。 除了向研究生和本科生提供研究培训外，还正在制定一项“大使方案”，以培训和培养高中生具备向同龄人和广大公众传播科学和工程专题所需的领导能力和沟通技能。

Sequence-defined oligomers are short polymers with chemical and biological properties that can be dictated by controlling the composition and relative arrangement of the building blocks. Motivated by their potential applications in biological systems, such as therapeutics, Prof. Alabi of Cornell University develops novel approaches to the synthesis of sequence-defined polymers and investigates how the composition and sequence affect their properties. Educational and outreach activities are integrated throughout the duration of this research project through a common theme that is focused promoting peer-to-peer learning and empowering young aspiring scientists to take up leadership positions in communicating science ideas to the broader public. Based on the Dr. Alabi's experience creating a comprehensive 3-day workshop for underrepresented high school students, this project develops an "Ambassador Program" that involves teaching and supporting high school students how to disseminate ideas in science and engineering to their peers and the broader public.Building on the method invented by the Alabi group for the synthesis of sequence-defined linear oligothioetheramides (oligoTEAs) that undergo pre-programmed self-assembly into desired 3D architectures, this research project aims to further develop novel, efficient methods for the synthesis of sequence-defined multicyclic structures. Towards this challenging goal, this research investigates how molecular composition and sequence influence chain dynamics, the efficiency of macrocyclization, and ultimately the properties of the macromolecular assemblies. In addition to providing research training to graduate and undergraduate students, an "Ambassador Program" is being developed to train and equip high school students with the leadership and communication skills required to disseminate topics in science and engineering to their peers and the broader public.