Yasmin Bimbatti is an accomplished Ph.D. student in the Polymer Program at the University of Connecticut’s Institute of Materials Science, with an expected graduation between 2025 and 2026. Her research, under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey McCutcheon, focuses on the fabrication and characterization of printed ultrathin film composite ion exchange membranes using electrospray—a cutting-edge area within chemical and biomolecular engineering.
Yasmin’s academic journey began in Brazil, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Centro Universitário FACENS. For seven years, she honed her expertise as a researcher at ELANTAS, a German company and member of the Altana Group. During her time there, she gained extensive experience in the formulation, synthesis, and characterization of organic polymers, including unsaturated and saturated polyesters, polyester-imides, polyamides, polyurethanes, and epoxy resins.
Despite her stable career in industry, Yasmin’s passion for deepening her knowledge led her to pursue a Ph.D. at UConn. Drawn by the stellar reputation of the Polymer Program within the Institute of Materials Science, she joined Dr. McCutcheon’s research group at the Connecticut Center for Applied Separation Technologies (CCAST) in Spring 2023. Her current research involves working with various commercial ionomers to produce both cation and anion exchange membranes, utilizing advanced techniques like in-situ polymerization.
Yasmin has made significant strides in her academic career, presenting her research at prestigious conferences such as the North American Membrane Society (NAMS) and the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Membranes: Materials and Processes. Her work has earned her several accolades, including first and third-place awards in poster competitions, and she was one of the few students selected to present at the GRS in July 2024. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Stephanie Shaw Scholarship, awarded to a female graduate student in the Polymer Program, highlighting her academic excellence and contributions to the field.
At UConn, Yasmin’s journey has extended beyond the lab. She has actively sought out opportunities to develop her leadership skills, leading her to the Jon Lof Leadership Academy (JLLA). Serving as the president of JLLA, Yasmin has embraced the challenge of thinking strategically about the entire organization, learning from her peers, and focusing on how to enhance the impact of JLLA on its members. She views JLLA as a nurturing environment that encourages growth, and she is committed to transforming the lives of members through their participation.
In addition to her research and leadership roles, Yasmin has also taken on internships, demonstrating her belief in the importance of exploring opportunities beyond her primary research. She emphasizes that JLLA has helped her recognize the value of acquiring diverse skills, which are crucial for professional growth. Her advice to aspiring students is to embrace change and responsibility, as these challenges often lead to significant personal and professional development.
Looking ahead, Yasmin plans to return to the industry after completing her Ph.D., motivated by the dynamic nature of industrial work and her desire to be closer to the final stages of research and product development. She is excited about the possibility of following a product’s development across multiple departments, from conception to application. Her journey is a testament to the importance of pushing boundaries and continuously seeking growth.
JLLA has been instrumental in Yasmin’s development as a leader, providing her with hands-on experience, workshops, and networking opportunities that have significantly contributed to her personal and professional growth. It has also encouraged her to think more critically and deeply about topics she might not have explored outside of the academy. Yasmin Bimbatti’s dedication to both her research and leadership roles exemplifies the qualities of a future leader in the field of polymer science and beyond.