Brenden Ferland

Polymer Program


About Me

As a dedicated PhD student in Polymer Science at the University of Connecticut’s Institute of Materials Science, I’m passionate about transforming abundant raw materials into breakthrough innovations. My research in the Adamson Lab focuses on developing sustainable graphene-based polymer composites that advance sensing technologies and environmental solutions.

Research Interests

My current work centers on the development and characterization of graphene-siloxane composite materials, with a particular focus on integrating 2D materials into polymer matrices for next-generation applications including osmotic filtration, sensing technologies, and environmental remediation.

Our Mission: Adding extreme value to hyperabundant raw materials; turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Recent Publication:
Transparent conductive PEDOT-graphene films from large-flake graphite
McDermott, S. T.; Ferland, B.; Liu, J.; Abeykoon, P.; Joyce, M. J.; Shuster, S.; Suib, S. L.; Adamson, D. H.
Synthetic Metals, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2025.117866

Leadership & Impact

  • President – ACS Rubber Division UConn Chapter (Founded 2024)
  • President – Society of Plastics Engineers UConn Chapter (2024-2026)
  • Guide – Graduate Employee Union-UAW Local 6950
  • SPE Connecticut Section Scholarship Recipient (2023, 2024)

Technical Expertise

Core Competencies:
Polymer Science, Method Development & Validation, Data Analysis, Workflow Optimization

Advanced Instrumentation:
GPC, NMR, Raman Spectroscopy, TGA/DSC, Agilent 1260 Infinity, QSight 420

Programming & Software:
Python automation for lab processes, VBA for data optimization, ImageJ/Fiji, ChemStation

Education

PhD in Polymer Science
University of Connecticut, Expected 2027

BS in Biochemistry
Central Connecticut State University, 2019

AS in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Tunxis Community College, 2017

Connect With Me

Email: brenden.ferland@uconn.edu
LinkedIn: brendenferland
ORCID: 0009-0008-6566-6088
Google Scholar: Research Publications

Contact Information