Brent Sumerlin from Southern Methodist University, Texas, USA, investigates well-defined polymeric materials with selected functionality, composition and molecular architecture.

 Who or what inspired you to become a scientist?  

My instructor for advanced placement chemistry in high school, Mr. Philip R. Dail, was amazing at conveying the excitement of being able to make new materials from a few basic chemical reactions. I immediately fell in love with the topic, and essentially from that point on, I knew I wanted to do synthetic chemistry. Even in high school I remember discussing with him my desire to eventually obtain a Ph.D. in a chemistry related field.

 What was your motivation behind the work described in your ChemComm article?

While there are many excellent reports of responsive block copolymer self-assembly, most of these have focused on a rather limited number of potentially interesting stimuli. We wanted to expand the available repertoire of stimuli so that new applications (e.g., in drug delivery) might be enabled.

 Why did you choose ChemComm to publish your work?

In addition to focusing on urgent and high quality chemistry, ChemComm has a readership that is truly global. When we publish our results in ChemComm, we know they'll be disseminated broadly, and we don't have to worry anyone will miss what we think are exciting results.

 Where do you see your research heading next? 

We are currently conducting more in-depth investigations into these triply-responsive block copolymers so that we can gain a better understanding of how their structure affects the morphology and stability of the resulting aggregates.

 What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I spend most of my time thinking of ways to entertain my two young daughters until they laugh uncontrollably.

 If you could not be a scientist, but could be anything else, what would you be?

That's a tough question, because I really enjoy being a chemistry professor. However, given the chance I think I would also enjoy being a journalist. I'm a bit of a political junkie, and I'd love the opportunity to travel and cover current events - provided, of course, I'd be allowed to editorialize!

Interviewed by Kathryn Sear