Marc Hillmyer

College of Science and Engineering
Department of Chemistry
612-625-7834
hillmyer@umn.edu

Marc Hillmyer is a professor of chemistry and director of the University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Polymers, established in 2009 with funding from the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE). Much of his work revolves around synthetic polymers and the environment—how synthetic polymers can help solve environmental problems in areas such as water purification and solar cell technology, and how polymers can be designed to be more environmentally friendly.

As an IonE resident fellow, Hillmyer is expanding his interdisciplinary research activities related to the development and application of synthetic polymers. One area of focus will be on exploring the use of renewable feedstocks to make small molecules that can be polymerized. He will also explore life cycle issues, toxicity, degradation and other environment-related dimensions of new sustainable polymers.

Hillmyer also plans to develop interdepartmental undergraduate research teams to help focus interdisciplinary attention on sustainable polymers, and work with the Humphrey School of Public Policy & Affairs to engage scientists, policymakers and the public on these important issues.

See Marc Hillmyer's faculty page for more info.

Marc Hillmyer

BEYOND THE BIO

  • Favorite Quote:
    “In the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind” – Louis Pasteur

Big Question Video: Can we make plastics sustainable?

  • Plastics are a vital part of our lives, but they also are rife with adverse environmental impacts. In "Can We Make Plastics Sustainable?", the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment and the Center for Sustainable Polymers explore how we can enjoy the benefits of plastics and keep our planet healthy, too.