Overview

What research do we do? The Jackson Lab’s research develops AI-driven molecular modeling tools to describe electronic processes (reactivity, conductivity, optical properties) in soft materials (polymers, liquid crystals, glasses) where existing tools are scarce or computationally intractable.

Why do we do this research? First, to generate fundamental chemical knowledge about soft material structure-property relationships that has evaded existing computational methodologies to date. Second, to predict a soft material’s structure, properties, and failure modes prior to costly and time-consuming experimental synthesis and characterization.

Who does the research? The Jackson Lab is an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. We train students and postdocs with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, materials science, computer science, and related fields.

Where do we do the research? In the Center for Advanced Theory and Molecular Simulations on the 3rd floor of Noyes Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign!

Group Culture

The Jackson Lab is committed to maintaining a positive research and learning environment based on open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. The Jackson Lab will not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, gender, economic class, disability, veteran status, religion, color, or national origin. Cultivating a variety of opinions and backgrounds is fundamental to the scientific work that we do on a daily basis.