Matthew R. Golder (he/him)

Matthew Golder received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Rochester in 2010. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in 2015 from the University of Oregon working under Ramesh Jasti on the total synthesis and characterization of strained aromatic "nanohoops". His graduate work was recognized with an IUPAC-Solvay International Award for Young Chemists. Matt was then an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow with Jeremiah Johnson at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he worked at the interface of polymer methodology, soft materials, and drug delivery. In 2019, Matt joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington as an Assistant Professor.

The Golder Research Team innovates polymer synthesis using advancements in molecular design to redefine the plastic lifecycle with respect to construction, utility, and end-of-life. Inspired by the omnipresent “plastics problem”, our laboratory aims to synthesize more sustainable polymers by extending service lifetimes and promoting chemical circularity. By leveraging our unique expertise across the molecular and macroscopic length scales, we design tougher, longer-lasting plastics and circular soft materials that reduce landfilling and extend product lifetimes. In our first focus area, we reimagine polymer architecture and structure. Motifs such as cyclic macromolecular topology and shape-shifting building blocks are harnessed to enhance mechanical durability and lifetime in soft materials. In our second focus area, we holistically approach the plastic lifecycle by tackling polymer construction, modification, and deconstruction. For example, we utilize ball mill mechanochemistry to make, modify, and repurpose soft materials. In addition, we develop new methodologies towards recyclable thermosets, including thermoset elastomer rubbers and high Tg epoxys.