While growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Sophia Bailey loved exploring its deserts and inquiring about nature at the molecular level. After conducting research in synthetic organic methods at New Mexico State University, she earned her B.S. in chemistry. Her passion for making molecules led her to a Ph.D. at UC Santa Barbara, where she designed stimuli-responsive molecules for applications in soft materials. She then moved to Stanford for postdoctoral work in translational biomedical research, where she helped develop polymers for drug delivery applications, such as polymer–nanoparticle hydrogel properties.
Now at Oregon State, she leads the Bailey Lab and invites students to explore how stimuli-responsive bonds can be incorporated into biomaterials for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering and biomimicry. She is particularly interested in exploring new molecules that respond to mechanical forces — a largely untapped stimulus for the activation of chemical transformations.
"I'm most excited about working with student researchers at OSU to train the next generation of scientists in fundamental design, investigation, and application of stimuli responsible materials," Bailey said.
She picked Oregon State for numerous reasons including a vibrant student community, state-of-the-art faculties, talented colleagues and access to break-taking scenery around campus and Corvallis.
"Sophia introduces a new direction of research in organic chemistry at OSU, with innovative applications at collaborations," said Department of Chemistry Head Wei Kong. "She also brings enthusiasm and energy to our department. We are all excited to have her join our team."
In her free time, Bailey enjoys roller derby, hiking, and backpacking.
