What area of research does your lab focus on?
Our lab focuses on nature-inspired engineering of surfaces, interfaces, and micro/nanostructured materials, with a central mission of translating biological discoveries into materials innovations that improve human life. We study how nature controls liquid, light, and matter at micro- and nanoscale, and transform these principles into novel materials and scalable technologies.
Key research areas include slippery and adaptive surfaces, multifunctional coatings, synthetic brochosomes, and microfluidics. These platforms enable a wide range of applications, including antifouling biomedical devices, water harvesting and water management technologies, ultrasensitive diagnostic systems, and novel optical and photonic materials. Beyond uncovering new physical mechanisms, our goal is to engineer nature-inspired concepts into practical, manufacturable solutions that address real-world challenges.
How does the interdisciplinary aspect of your research enhance your work and add value to it?
Our research is inherently interdisciplinary, sitting at the intersection of materials science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine. Many of the problems we tackle cannot be solved within a single discipline. By integrating fundamental physics, materials science, biology, biomedical engineering, and advanced manufacturing, we can both understand underlying mechanisms and translate them into functional technologies.
We collaborate across Penn State and with external partners, including universities and industry in advanced materials, healthcare, and consumer products. These collaborations help us accelerate translation, validate performance in real-world environments, and ensure that our research addresses meaningful societal and technological needs.
How does your lab enhance your student's education? Are there any ways that someone might find surprising?
Our lab emphasizes learning through discovery, translation, and real-world impact. Students are trained not only in fundamental science and engineering, but also in how research becomes real-world technology. They gain experience in experimental design, advanced characterization, micro/nanofabrication, modeling, and data-driven analysis, while also learning about intellectual property, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
One aspect that may surprise people is how early students participate in translational and entrepreneurial activities. Many students contribute to patent filings, startup development, or industry-driven research, and see firsthand how fundamental discoveries can evolve into real products and societal impact. This experience helps them develop both scientific depth and innovation mindset.
From the Students
How has the experience working in this lab helped with your education?
Working in this lab has significantly contributed to my education by providing both technical training and independent research experience. I gained hands-on experience in microfluidics and a range of materials characterization techniques, including FE-SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and goniometry. Beyond technical skills, I discovered how to learn independently, especially when dealing with topics not covered in my coursework. Although my major is mechanical engineering, my research focuses on materials science, so I often had to learn physics or chemistry concepts by reading literature or consulting experts in the MCL. Through this process, I became comfortable tackling unfamiliar problems and developed confidence in solving new challenges, which is essential for engineers and scientists.
One of the most valuable aspects of working in this lab has been exposure to research commercialization. Dr. Wong actively runs a startup company and emphasizes practical, application-driven research. This environment allowed me to think about the translational potential of my work, including opportunities to file patents and participate in programs such as NSF I-Corps, which is a national program that helps researchers explore the commercial potential of their technologies. Through these experiences, I learned to view research not only from a scientific perspective but also from an innovation and societal-impact perspective.
How do you engage with industry, and create connections and collaborations? What are the benefits for both sides - your research and for the company?
We engage with industry through collaborative research, sponsored projects, technology licensing, and startup creation. Our lab works closely with companies in areas such as advanced materials, healthcare, and consumer products, where our bio-inspired platforms can address real-world technical challenges.
In addition, I co-founded spotLESS Materials, a company focused on commercializing PFAS-free coatings, addressing one of the most pressing global challenges in sustainable materials. Since its inception, spotLESS Materials has translated fundamental research from our lab into commercial technologies, with PFAS-free coating products now sold across all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries spanning six continents. This journey highlights how academic research can evolve into scalable technologies with global impact.
These collaborations create strong mutual value. For industry, they provide access to new scientific insights, emerging technologies, and high-risk, high-reward innovation. For our research, industry partnerships help guide problem selection, accelerate translation, and validate performance in real-world applications. Importantly, these interactions also benefit our students, who gain exposure to industry-relevant challenges, interdisciplinary teamwork, and pathways from research to commercialization.
