Meredith Taghon

Graduate Student, UMass Amherst

Meredith Taghon is a PhD candidate in the Polymer Science and Engineering department at UMass Amherst under the advisement of Prof. Alfred J. Crosby. Meredith received her BS from Rutgers University in the Materials Science and Engineering department studying polymer nanocomposites. She received her MS from Northwestern University in the Materials Science and Engineering department under the advisement of Prof. Kenneth R. Shull investigating high shear rheometry of thin glassy polymer films using the quartz crystal microbalance. Her current research focuses on studying the latch components of LaMSA systems by measuring the adhesion of soft elastomer materials during high-speed interface separation. In addition to conducting science, Meredith can be spotted swimming, biking, and running all over Massachusetts as she trains for her first Ironman. She also enjoys cultivating corals and caring for her marine fish tank while her two cats watch the action.