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

序列定义的低聚物是具有化学和生物特性的短聚合物，可以通过控制构建块的组成和相对排列来决定。受其在生物系统（如治疗学）中的潜在应用的激励，康奈尔大学的Alabi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性质。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，重点是促进同龄人之间的学习，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。根据阿拉比博士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。基于Alabi小组发明的合成序列定义线性低聚醚胺（oligotea）的方法，该方法经过预编程自组装成所需的3D结构，该研究项目旨在进一步开发新的、有效的方法来合成序列定义的多环结构。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、大环化效率以及最终大分子组装的性质。除了为研究生和本科生提供研究培训外，正在制定一项“大使计划”，以培训和装备高中学生，使他们具备向同龄人和更广泛的公众传播科学和工程主题所需的领导能力和沟通技巧。

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.