Sumit Kumar, a Master’s Candidate in MEAM, has defended his thesis titled “The Rheology and Microphysics of Monodisperse Synthetic Mucin.” His research focused on understanding the behavior of mucins, essential components of mucus, using synthetic models. Contrary to previous findings on natural mucins, his experiments revealed a shear-thinning behavior in synthetic mucin solutions, attributed to molecular associations at the liquid-air interface. Under the guidance of Prof. Robert Carpick and Dr. J. Brandon McClimon, Sumit’s work advances our understanding of mucin dynamics. His successful defense marks a significant milestone, showcasing his dedication and innovation. Congratulations, Sumit Kumar, on this remarkable achievement!
This story was written by Li Yuan for the Carpick Research Group website.