Yutan D. Y. L. Getzler has always liked working with his hands and taking things apart so he can put them back together. Since arriving at Kenyon in 2004, his scholarship has focused on sustainability in materials science. In collaboration with Kenyon undergraduates, he developed one of the first catalysts to make a new topology of poly(lactic acid), a biodegradable plastic derived from annually renewable feedstocks. Another project seeks to understand the design of bespoke degradable polymers for specialty applications. Recent work has built a theoretical framework for an ideal circular polymer economy. His work has been extramurally funded and publications at Kenyon include manuscripts in Macromolecules and Nature Reviews Materials.

Getzler is also the Pamela G. Hollie Endowed Chair, Global Challenges, a professorship funded by D. Matthew Voorhees ’95 that encourages engagement with international issues.

Areas of Expertise

Catalysis, polymer chemistry, recycling

Education

2004 — Doctor of Philosophy from Cornell University

1998 — Bachelor of Science from Beloit College, Phi Beta Kappa

Courses Recently Taught