Please join us in welcoming Molla Islam (he/him) to Schmid College of Science and Technology. Islam will serve as an Instructional Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

Molla Islam’s lab conducts research on polymer-based microparticles and assemblies to develop superior materials for drug delivery and sensing. The lab’s main focuses revolve around understanding the structure-property relationship of polymeric nanomaterials; controlling the mechanical and chemical properties of nano particles; designing hollow core nanomaterials; and developing polymer-based coating as antibacterial/ antifouling surfaces.​

Q&A with Molla Islamd, Instructional Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Q: What is your current area of research — and why are you passionate about it? 

A: My current area of research is in Materials Science. My research group works to develop various polymer-based nanoparticles and gels for sensing and drug delivery applications. I was always intrigued by the ability of nanoparticles and polymers. My interest in materials science grew when I was a graduate student at Carleton University. My current research projects involve basic polymer and organic chemistry, surface/polymer chemistry, bioconjugation, and colloidal chemistry. My group uses various advanced microscopes to analyze nano particles and soft materials in solution and on surfaces.

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a scientist?

A: If I was not a scientist, I would probably be an architectural engineer, because I am passionate about building and designing objects.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this semester?

A: I am looking forward to teaching CHEM 150 Lecture this semester, because it will be my first time teaching this class.

Q: Schmid College believes that the best science happens when diverse individuals are supported, included and empowered to share their voices as a part of scientific discovery. What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?

A: I think diversity is too wide to be defined but it includes sex, religion, color, background, ethnicity, language, appearance, age and ones’ hidden inability. One indispensable part of teaching and learning is to care about diversity and inclusion. Learning is an experience that cannot be fulfilled without making sure everybody feels safe to talk, express, and grow, without being judged. It is very important for a professor to be aware of the diversity in a class. I also mentor undergraduate and high school students from diverse backgrounds in my research lab. Currently, I am working as a member in the curriculum subcommittee under Schmid College DEI Taskforce.