• polymer dynamics at both hard and solid surfaces
• dynamics of highly confined polymer melt
  
• structure and dynamics of highly confined simple liquids
  
• boundary condition at the solid-liquid interface
  
  

Previously focused on fracture mechanics, mechanical properties, and surface damage phenomena of solid polymers, strengthening and toughening of polymer, processing-structure-property relationship of polymer composites and polymer blends.

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. During a visit to a steel mill in a summer, I discovered my passion in materials science and eventually joined the Granick group in 2003. Being trained as an engineer during my undergrad study, I enjoy conducting research in here because

• I actually get to build instrumental setup
  - I love to get my hands dirty and we build most of the instruments here
  
• My research has strong relevance to current engineering problems
  - My research actually looks at energy dissipation mechanisms at the interface which impacts on important engineering issues such as tribology, adhesion and toughening mechanisms.
  
• the research opportunities are unlimited
  - While valuable guidance both from the advisor and senior members of the group are given at the early stage of our research here, we have control on what we want to pursue and very importantly, the resources to do so.
  

While a lot of people might think only nerds go to grad school, being a nerd is only one of my facets. On one hand, I love cracking jokes a lot and making funny faces (even in the lab, YES!). On the other, I am very serious about my work and duties. Outsides the lab, I love reading and going to the movies. With the right bunch of people, drinking beer and BBQ (or dinner with friends) are my favourite activities.

• My goal: Do research for the rest of my life (hopefully I get someone to support me financially)
  
• My horoscope: Sagittarius (yep, I love freedom and excitements!)
  
• My favourite movie(s): Omens I, II and III and Exorcist I (Yes, I am a fan of horror movies and these are definitely classics!)
  
• My favourite book(s): The Myth of Social Cost by Steven Cheung (it is a very short book. I learn something every time I read it.)
  
• My favourite pet(s): Cat (I have two in Hong Kong and here is how one of them looks like)
• 
• My favourite beer(s): Foster, Stella Artois and Samuel Adam Boston Lager (depending on what is available on tap at the bar)
  
• My favourite food: Anything unhealthy, high in cholesterol (so long it is not sweet and sour)
  
• My favourite color: yellow (the very bright yellow - best colour for sport car!)
  
• My favourite sport: soccer (but I'm only a spectator and a supporter of Manchester United!)
  
• My favourite place: home in Hong Kong (I miss my family, my cat, my bf…)
  

My contact info: jswong1@uiuc.edu