Ethan Poppen

Exploring bismuth catalysis on ring-opening trans-​esterification polymerization on lactone monomers

Ethan is a senior at Augsburg University in Minneapolis studying chemistry, and is originally from Verona Wisconsin. This summer Ethan is a part of the Center for Sustainable Polymers program as a member of the Wissinger Lab. During the summer of 2020 Ethan conducted research at Augsburg University under Dr. Michael Wentzel developing a game based application focused on the education of polymers. The application highlighted the key variables in a polymerization and how they affect the physical characteristics of a polymer as well as exposing users to multiple applications of polymers. Away from academia Ethan enjoys watching and playing soccer and spending time outside hiking or going on bike rides.