Daniel Savin
Associate Professor
Research Focus
Research in the Savin group is largely associated with the applications of self-assembled polymers and block copolymers, with particular emphasis on solution characterization and property-structure relationships. Research projects can be broken into three broad categories: (1) Self-assembly and responsiveness in polypeptide and bioconjugate block copolymers, (2) Nanoparticle dispersants and organogels as novel remediation and delivery agents, and (3) Impact energy-absorbing polymer nanocomposites. Savin has extensive experience in polymer characterization, in particular rheology and light scattering techniques for both solution and bulk/gel systems.
Education and Training
2002–2003: Postdoc, Chemistry, University of Minnesota (lab of T. Lodge)
1997–2002: Ph.D. Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University (lab of G. Patterson)
1995–1997: M.S. Polymer Science, Carnegie Mellon University (lab of G. Patterson)
1991–1995: B.S. Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College (lab of K. Karukstis)
Selected Awards
ACS PMSE Distinguished Service Award (2025)
University Term Professorship Award (2019-2022)
UF Mentor Academy (2022)
Fellow of the American Chemical Society (2018)
Polymer Chemistry Pioneering Investigator (2017)
Selected Activities
NSF Program Director, Division of Materials Research, Biomaterials (2023–Present)
Polymers Gordon Research Conference: Co-Vice Chair (2025), Co-Chair (2027)
ACS PMSE Treasurer (2019–2020), Vice Chair (2021), Chair Elect (2022), Chair (2023), Past Chair (2024)
Organized or Co-Organized 24 Symposia at ACS National Meetings
Selected Publications
Barnes, B.; Jenkins, T.; Stein, L.; Mathers, R.; Wicaksana, M.; Pasquinelli, M; Savin, D. “Synthesis and Characterization of a Leucine-based Block Co-polypeptide: The Effect of the Leucine Zipper on Self-Assembly.” Biomacromolecules 2020, 21, 2463-2472.
, C.; Smith, I.; Savin, D.* Self-Assembly of Oligo- and Polypeptide-Based Amphiphiles: Recent Advances and Future Possibilities. Macromolecules. 2019, 52, 1899-1911.
Smith, I.; Charlier, A.; Pritzlaff, A.; Shishlov, A.; Barnes, B.; Bentz, K.; Easterling, C.; Sumerlin, B.; Fanucci, G.; Savin, D. “Probing Membrane Hydration at the Interface of Self-Assembled Peptide Amphiphiles Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance.” ACS Macro Lett. 2018, 7, 1261-1266.