Hi, I'm Iskinder! This page is a snapshot of my professional journey — past experiences, current work, and future interests.

I am a materials and polymer scientist with a Ph.D. from the University of Akron, with experience spanning both academic research and regulatory science. My work centers on understanding how molecular interactions, material properties, and environmental conditions govern transport, stability, and performance in complex systems. In my current role as a research fellow at the U.S. FDA, I focus on sterilant transport through polymeric materials, developing mechanistic frameworks that connect material chemistry, device-relevant conditions, and quantitative modeling to evaluate system-level behavior. More recently, I have expanded this work to include data-driven approaches, developing machine learning models to predict molecular transport properties across polymer systems.

Prior to this work, my research explored a range of problems in molecular environmental science and materials design. I investigated adsorption and interfacial phenomena using carbon nanotubes to better understand capture mechanisms for organic contaminants, and I studied bio-derived material systems as potential alternatives to conventional asphalt with reduced environmental impact. In parallel, I have contributed to interdisciplinary research on prebiotically plausible amphiphilic systems, examining how molecular structure and environmental conditions drive the formation and stability of cell-like assemblies. Across these efforts, I have developed a broad, quantitative perspective on how molecular-scale interactions translate into material behavior, with an emphasis on integrating mechanistic understanding with predictive modeling to address practical, scientifically grounded problems.

• Materials Science & Transport Phenomena: Diffusion, partitioning, reaction kinetics, sterilization chemistry, adsorption and contaminant retention, interfacial and surface phenomena, with regulatory-aware understanding of material performance and exposure pathways

• Materials Characterization & Experimental Methods: Mechanical and processability testing, adsorption isotherms (e.g., Freundlich models), surface mass density measurements, microscopy and spectrometry techniques, supporting lifecycle-informed material evaluation

• Modeling & Simulation: Molecular dynamics (LAMMPS, GROMACS), quantum calculations (Q-CHEM), finite-volume and diffusion modeling, structure–property analysis of polymers and nanostructured systems, with emphasis on model-informed and decision-relevant insights

• Programming & Scientific Computing: Python, MATLAB, Fortran, Bash, Mathematica, Jupyter, Excel

• Data Science & Machine Learning: NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib, statistical modeling and fitting, machine learning for predictive modeling of material behavior and transport

• Technical Communication & Tools: Scientific writing, technical reporting, structured documentation, Git, LaTeX; operating systems: MacOS, Linux, Windows

• Transport and Reaction Modeling in Polymeric Systems for Sterilization and Material Performance

• Data-Driven Prediction of Molecular Transport in Polymer Systems

• Molecular Interactions and Adsorption at Material Interfaces

• Structure–Property Relationships in Complex Polymer Materials

• Self-Assembly and Stability of Amphiphilic Systems in Complex Environments

I am interested in opportunities where I can apply my expertise in materials science, polymers, and data-driven modeling to solve real-world challenges. My work is particularly aligned with roles that integrate applied R&D, computational analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to translate scientific insight into practical solutions.

I am especially drawn to work that advances material performance, product reliability, and scientifically grounded decision-making, whether in development, evaluation, or innovation-focused settings. My background across both academic and regulatory environments enables me to approach problems with a balance of technical depth, quantitative rigor, and lifecycle-aware thinking.

I also welcome opportunities for professional service and collaboration, including journal peer review, conference organization, and technical consultation. I have served as a reviewer for several materials science and biophysics journals, including Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Materials Chemistry and Physics, and Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

In my downtime, I enjoy activities that fuel creativity, community, and curiosity:

• I spend a lot of time exploring jazz theory and playing in amateur ensembles, both as a creative outlet and a way to stay musically curious.

• I enjoy engaging with local volunteer and secular discussion groups.

• I am also interested in public engagement with science and conversations around the role of science in society.

• Finally, I get the most joy out of spoiling my two cats, Helena and Harmony.

I’m always open to collaboration, project inquiries, or professional networking. You can reach me by email, or through:

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