ISMSM Stories

ISMSM Stories is a chance to put the spotlight on the people behind the Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology (ISMSM). The researchers sit down for interviews and can tell their story, including their academic path, current research, and career goals. People from different stages in their academic journey, especially postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, get a chance to discuss what they love about research and soft matter. Readers get to see what research at the ISMSM entails and can learn from people who’ve experienced it!

Inside ISM’s Shared Soft Matter Facility at Georgetown University

October 8th, 2025

The Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology (ISMSM) at Georgetown University is home to two state-of-the-art shared facilities designed to advance discovery in soft matter research. By opening these labs to academic collaborators, industry partners, and Georgetown scientists, ISMSM provides the tools, expertise, and collaborative environment needed to tackle challenges in materials science, physics, chemistry, and beyond.…

Ascorbic Acid Improves the Mechanical Properties of Collagen-Based Matrix

October 3rd, 2025

A new study led by Micaila Curtis in collaboration with Dr. Xinran Zhang and the Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology (ISMSM) amongst others, titled “Ascorbic Acid Improves the Mechanical Properties of Collagen-Based Matrix” and published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, reveals how Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances the structure and mechanical integrity of collagen matrices—even in the absence of cells.…

ISM Day 2025 Brings Together Researchers Across Disciplines

September 26th, 2025

The Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology (ISM) hosted ISM Day 2025 last week on Georgetown University’s Main Campus, bringing together scientists from across disciplines to share their work and spark new collaborations.…

Leah Chen: From Physics to Public Health, Bridging Science and Global Health at Georgetown

September 9th, 2025

When Leah Chen (C’25) first arrived at Georgetown, she wasted no time jumping into research. “First or second week of freshman year, I was emailing the head of the physics department about research opportunities, and then immediately got involved in the Van Keuren lab,” she recalled.…

Student Highlight: Abhishek Bathina

May 7th, 2025

Abhishek Bathina is currently a graduate student in Georgetown’s Physics Department. Bathina is working within the Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology (ISMSM) in the Del Gado lab group. He was recently awarded a $5,000 COMPASS grant to fund collaborative research with groups at the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California. …

Alexis Demirjian

April 16th, 2023

Alexis Demirjian discusses her academic journey and her current research at Georgetown.…

Roch DeSilva

November 21st, 2022

Graduate student Roch DeSilva discusses his research and experience. …

Mauro standing in front of greenery, smiling.

Dr. Mauro Mugnai

September 28th, 2022

Dr. Mauro Mugnai, an ISMSM-NIST fellow, talks about his path to soft matter research at Georgetown. …