Robin L. B. Selinger

Papers

Total Citations

1,058

H-Index

About

Robin L. B. Selinger is a leading researcher in the physics of soft matter, with a focus on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and photoactive polymer films. Her work bridges materials science and robotics, exploring how these smart materials can be engineered to change shape in response to external stimuli like light or heat. Selinger’s most cited paper, “Making waves in a photoactive polymer film” (2017), has garnered over 1,035 citations, highlighting her breakthrough in understanding how light-induced molecular reorientation drives dynamic wave patterns in polymer films—a key insight for designing self-actuating surfaces. Her earlier foundational work, “Modeling liquid crystal elastomers: actuators, pumps, and robots” (2008), introduced a finite element elastodynamics model that predicts 3D shape evolution in LCEs under thermal or photonic triggers, enabling the design of soft robotic actuators and microfluidic pumps. Selinger’s contributions have advanced the field of responsive materials, with applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and adaptive optics. Her research is widely recognized for its blend of theoretical modeling and experimental validation, making her a pivotal figure in the development of next-generation smart materials.