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Lilo D. Pozzo
Vice Chair of Operations & Boeing-Roundhill Professor
Leading research at the intersection of materials science, AI-driven experimentation, and autonomous laboratories. Developing next-generation soft materials for energy storage, medical applications, and sustainable technologies.
Research Focus
Our laboratory develops and controls self-assembly processes for soft materials at nano and micrometer scales, combining cutting-edge experimental techniques with AI-driven approaches to accelerate materials discovery.
AI-Driven Materials Discovery
Using machine learning, laboratory automation, and high-throughput experimentation to accelerate the pace of materials research. Developing open-source tools for autonomous experimentation.
Energy Storage Materials
Creating next-generation electrolytes, conjugated polymer blends, and nanostructured additives for advanced lithium and sodium-ion batteries with improved performance.
Functional Emulsions
Developing emulsion contrast agents for ultrasound imaging and medical applications, including photoacoustic imaging and targeted drug delivery systems.
Neutron & X-ray Scattering
Advanced characterization using small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) to understand structure-property relationships in soft materials.
Self-Assembly & Nanostructures
Controlling the assembly of polymers, proteins, and nanoparticles to create materials with novel properties optimized for engineering applications.
Ultrasound & Sonochemistry
Leveraging ultrasound for materials synthesis, manipulation of emulsion systems, and development of sono-photoacoustic imaging technologies.
Recognition & Awards
Fellow of the Neutron Scattering Society of America
Recognition for significant contributions to neutron scattering research
Anne Mayes Memorial Award
Neutron Scattering Society of America
DOE Women in Clean Energy C3E Education Award
Recognizing efforts in driving uptake of clean energy technologies in society
UW College of Engineering Distinguished Teaching Award
University of Washington
DOE Early Career Award
Department of Energy Office of Basic Energy Sciences
From Lab to Market
I believe in translating research into real-world impact. Technologies developed in our laboratory have led to multiple startup companies:
JanuTech
Nanostructured additives for performance improvement in fast-charging lithium and sodium-ion batteries.
ActiveMembrion Inc.
Nanoporous ceramic membranes for efficient ion separations and industrial process water purification via electrodialysis.
ActivePolyDrop LLC
Conductive polymer additives for electrostatic charge dissipation in coatings and rubber materials.
CompletedHurricane Maria Energy & Health Project
In 2017, following Hurricane Maria's devastation of Puerto Rico, our team launched a research and humanitarian initiative in Jayuya, studying health impacts of extended power outages on rural patients dependent on electricity for medical treatments. We deployed 21 solar nanogrid installations and published peer-reviewed research on small-scale clean energy systems for emergency applications. This work was featured in The New York Times and other major publications.
Education
Thesis: "Templating Nanoparticles using Thermo-reversible Soft Crystals"
Teaching
I teach courses ranging from foundational engineering to innovative experiential learning:
- Heat Transfer - Core chemical engineering transport phenomena
- Surface & Colloid Science - Advanced interfacial phenomena and applications
- Kitchen Engineering - Award-winning course introducing engineering through culinary science
- Intermolecular & Surface Forces - Graduate-level colloidal systems
- Entrepreneurial Capstone Design - Guiding students through product development and technology translation
Connect
Department of Chemical Engineering | University of Washington | Seattle, WA