Brent Sumerlin wins two prestigious awards in September

Professor Brent S. Sumerlin has received two major recognitions this fall, highlighting his innovative research and accomplishments in polymer and materials chemistry.

Sumerlin was named one of the inaugural recipients of the Krzysztof Matyjaszewski Award for Chemical Sciences and Materials Engineering, presented by the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI). The award honors exceptional achievements in polymer science, green chemistry, and sustainable materials. Sumerlin was recognized for his pioneering work on functional and responsive polymers with applications ranging from self-healing materials to targeted drug delivery.

He was also selected for a UF Foundation Term Professorship for 2025–2026. This three-year appointment provides support for research and mentorship, recognizing faculty who demonstrate outstanding scholarly accomplishments and leadership in their fields.

Together, these honors celebrate both the international reach and campus impact of Sumerlin’s research program. His work continues to advance the design of smart polymer materials and strengthens UF’s reputation as a leader in chemical innovation.

The Department of Chemistry congratulates Professor Sumerlin on these well-deserved achievements.