Spencer D. Brucks Research

Current Projects

1. Shape-dependent polymer function

The accessibility of polymeric materials has led to their widespread use in addressing diverse global challenges from food preservation to light transportation and affordable medical devices. Polymer structure can be tuned in a variety of ways (including length and composition) to target desired outcomes, but one overlooked aspect is its shape itself. We are investigating how polymer shape influences a wide array of properties. Recently, we’ve been exploring how polymer shape can enhance degradability for plastic recycling, or antimicrobial properties for medical equipment. 

Current research students:

Nicole Fang ’27
Grey Karis-Sconyers ’26
Adrianne Baik ’27
Kinsey Myrick ’28

2. Understanding and promoting probiotic bacterial growth

We are just beginning to understand that trillions of microbes live within us and are key regulators of our health. This dynamic population comprises both beneficial commensal organisms and harmful opportunistic pathogens. Historically, we have primarily managed our bacterial communities through antibiotics, but this has promoted the rise of antibacterial resistance. A potentially more sustainable approach will rely on supporting our commensal bacteria with prebiotics instead. We hypothesize that materials could be rationally engineered to selectively favor the growth of beneficial bacteria over pathogens. We are currently investigating how the initial pH of the media influences probiotic bacterial growth and biofilm formation.

Current research students:

Irene Jung ’27