Samruddhi Gaikwad

Graduate Research Assistant @Ud Center For Composite Materials

Clemson, SC, US

Advisor: Prof Marek. W. Urban• Invented, designed, and developed novel sustainable polymers, including self-healing acrylic- and styrene-based systems, and poly(ionic liquids) with dual conductivity and self-healing functionality• Designed acrylate-based one-component liquid adhesive coating for functional biomedical use using emulsion polymerization technique• Led polymer R&D projects from concept through lab-to-pilot and industrial-relevant scale-up using stage-gate methodology, enabling successful commercialization of thermoset and composite formulations• Established structure–performance relationships using advanced materials characterization (GPC, NMR, FTIR, Raman, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, tensile, EIS) to drive optimization and intellectual property (IP) generation• Applied scientific knowledge and statistical tools (DoE, Minitab, Excel) to optimize formulations, resulting in 40% performance improvement and generation of new IP• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (R&D, business development, industry partners) to translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications in biomedical, consumer, and energy sectorsI also served as Lab Safety Representative, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and good housekeeping practices, achieving zero safety incidents over 5 years at research lab. I have provided mentorship to 5+ junior researchers in synthesis, characterization, and resource management, resulting in improvement in their project outcomes and successful transitions to academia and industry.