Emily Cranston PhD
Professor, President’s Excellence Chair in Forest Bio-Products
Chemical & Biological Engineering, Wood Science
Background:
Dr. Cranston received her PhD from McGill University in Materials Chemistry where her work explored nanocellulose in coatings. Her current research program is focused on the extraction, functionalization, and characterization of bio-based polymers and nanomaterials for the design of sustainable bioproducts. Despite an abundance of scientific publications and patents on nanocellulose, many properties are currently underutilized; Dr. Cranston’s group aims to bridge gaps between industrial producers of nanocellulose and the potential commercial receptors of new technology by elucidating the fundamentals. The overall goal of her multidisciplinary group is to reduce plastics pollution and society’s dependence on petroleum-derived materials by demonstrating the versatility of plant-based materials. To date, her group has successfully developed hybrid cellulose materials for energy production and storage, water purification, food and cosmetic additives, thermal insulation, (bio)adhesives, and tissue engineering.
Research Interests:
- Bio-based polymers and nanocellulose
- Atomic force microscopy (forces, adhesion, friction, imaging)
- Colloid and interface science
- Polymer chemistry
- Gels, emulsions, latexes, foams, aerogels