Email
ejstewart@wpi.edu
Office
GP4038, Life Sciences & Bioengineering Center, Gateway Park
Affiliated Department or Office
Education
Postdoc Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 2015-2017
PhD Chemical Engineering University of Michigan 2015
MS Chemical Engineering University of Michigan 2010
BS Chemical Engineering Worcester Polytechnic Institute 2008

My research utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to explore and exploit the physical properties of biological soft matter systems. Through investigating the biophysical properties of cells, multicellular communities and their microenvironments, my group seeks to reveal connections between the physical properties of living systems and their disease states and to utilize these findings to develop biological control strategies, therapeutics and diagnostics. We are particularly focused on using our soft matter approach to address bacterial infection prevention and control.

My approach to teaching focuses on creating an inclusive learning environment where every student is capable of succeeding and active learning tools are used to engage students within the classroom. Beyond the classroom, the emphasis on project-based learning at WPI is highly effective for enabling students to apply the tools learned in their coursework to real world problems. Advising student projects within my research lab allows me to coach students through the process of formulating research questions and applying the theory learned in the classroom to their work in the lab. It is a great honor and privilege to teach and mentor the next generation of WPI chemical engineers!


Visit Digital WPI to view undergraduate student projects advised by Professor Stewart

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being

SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

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SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 4: Quality Education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

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Scholarly Work

Professor Stewart's research focuses on microbial soft matter, in particular bacterial biofilm structure and mechanics, therapeutics for biofilm infection prevention and control, and diffusiophoresis-based water purification technologies

Professional Highlights & Honors
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship - National Science Foundation, 2009 - 2013

NIH-funded Representative of the United States Delegation at Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates, 2010

Co-organizer, Topical Conference on Microbes at Biomedical Interfaces - AIChE Annual Meeting, 2019 - 2021