Overview
The research of the Rubinstein group is in the field of polymer theory and computer simulations. The unique properties of polymeric systems are due to the size, topology and interactions of the molecules they are made of. Our goal is to understand the properties of various polymeric systems and to design new systems with even more interesting and useful properties.
Our approach is based upon building and solving simple molecular models of different polymeric systems. The models we develop are simple enough to be solved either analytically or numerically, but contain the main features leading to unique properties of real polymers. Computer simulations of our models serve as an important bridge between analytical calculations and experiments.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Aleksandar S. Vesic Distinguished Professor
·
2020 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2018 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Chemistry
·
2018 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Physics
·
2018 - Present
Physics,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2018 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Publications
Ring polymer physics and rheology: Challenges and opportunities
Journal Article Journal of Rheology · January 1, 2026 Understanding the structure and dynamics of ring or cyclic polymers is a long-standing challenge in polymer science, with important implications for emerging biological phenomena such as chromosome territories. This Perspective article provides a comprehen ... Full text CiteReimagining Polymer Networks from Molecule to Material
Journal Article Macromolecules · December 23, 2025 Polymer networks are complex materials with a broad distribution of molecular states, making it challenging to establish direct connections between the structure of individual network components and macroscopic material behavior. Recent advancements in mec ... Full text CiteReduction of Kuhn Length upon Chain Extension.
Journal Article ACS macro letters · December 2025 Both polymer size and chain elasticity depend on long-range bond correlations, which determine the chain Kuhn length. These correlations are gradually cut off with increasing externally applied force or polymer confinement, thereby decreasing the effective ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Multi-Scale Investigations of Respiratory Mucus/Mucin Structure and Function in Health and Disease
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2022 - 2027NSF Center for the Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks
ResearchSenior Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2021 - 2026Multi-Scale Investigations of Respiratory Mucus/Mucin Structure and Function in Health and Disease
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2025View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Harvard University ·
1983
Ph.D.