Kerry C. DeMella

University of Maryland, College Park, Park University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Kerry C. DeMella is pioneering the next generation of smart materials, focusing on the design and programming of shape-shifting composite hydrogels. Her research ingeniously combines soft matter physics with nanotechnology to create materials that can transform in response to external stimuli. DeMella’s major contributions include developing robust strategies for programming light-induced shape transformations in thermoresponsive hydrogels. Her most cited work, "Programming the Shape Transformation of a Composite Hydrogel Sheet via Erasable and Rewritable Nanoparticle Patterns" (2019, 27 citations), introduces a groundbreaking method for reprogramming hydrogel shapes using erasable nanoparticle patterns—a feat that allows for dynamic, rewritable material behavior. Her earlier foundational paper, "A shape-shifting composite hydrogel sheet with spatially patterned plasmonic nanoparticles" (2018, 18 citations), established a reliable fabrication technique using contact printing and galvanic replacement to create spatially patterned plasmonic nanoparticles. These innovations enable precise, localized heating via near-infrared laser irradiation, driving reversible shape changes. DeMella’s work is not only highly cited but also holds transformative potential for soft robotics, biomedical devices, and adaptive materials, positioning her as a rising leader in responsive polymer systems.