Adam L Larkin

About

I received my B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a Polymer Engineering option from Pennsylvania State University in 2008. My research interests include high-end engineering polymers and thin films for a variety of applications ranging from medical through automotive.

I completed my Ph.D. dissertation in the Laboratory for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at Virginia Tech in 2012 under the guidance of Professor Rajagopalan. My thesis focused on layer-by-layer assembly of naturally occurring polyelectrolytes for mimicking the Space of Disse in vitro. 

Currently, I am an Advanced Research Engineer at Celanese Corporation in Dallas, TX. I am working on strategic corporate initiatives in the Engineered Materials business unit to drive new products and profitability. The CTE IGEP has impacted every aspect of my professional career. The interdisciplinary nature has taught me collaboration and the ability to work in multifunctional groups where many different opinions and skills are present. Additionally, the CTE has taught me the importance of understanding the broader picture when diving into our daily research tasks. I have come away with a large amount of practical skills and interpersonal skills that I will rely heavily on for continued success.

A few fun facts about me: I have recently taken up golfing to fill in my non-working hours. Though mediocre, I hope to someday become proficient in the game. I am also an avid trout fisherman and camper. I also enjoy reading non-fiction books with topics such as new product development, strategic thinking, project management, and lean manufacturing.

Areas of Research

• Tissue engineering
• Layer-by-layer assembly
• Engineered materials