Senior Spotlight: Leo Liu Presents Sustainability-Focused Research at the Rotunda

As graduation approaches, many seniors reflect on their time at UW-Madison by celebrating meaningful milestones. For materials science and engineering student Leo Liu, one of those moments came this spring when he presented his research at Research at the Rotunda, a statewide showcase held at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Liu, a McNair Scholar and undergraduate senior, was selected as one of only six UW–Madison students to present a research poster at the event. Research at the Rotunda brings together students from across the Universities of Wisconsin to share work that has relevance to Wisconsin communities, policymakers and industries.

His poster, “Building the Next Generation of Recyclable Plastics: Covalent Adaptable Networks,” highlighted research on vitrimers conducted in Professor Padma Gopalan’s lab. These materials are a relatively new class of polymers that combine mechanical strength with recyclability, an important advancement as society continues to grapple with plastic waste. The work contributes to long-term sustainability efforts, a key reason his poster stood out during the selection process.

Presenting at the Capitol was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Liu found himself explaining complex scientific concepts to a wide range of audiences, including university leadership, legislators, Capitol staff and members of the public. “It was a great opportunity to practice communicating science in accessible terms,” he shared. “Not just what my research is, but why it matters—and why continued support for science is important.”

Beyond the presentation itself, the event offered valuable exposure. Liu connected with faculty from other institutions, representatives from across the Universities of Wisconsin and a broad public audience. He also found some familiar faces in the crowd. “I had people from McNair show up, which I’m very, very thankful for,” he said. “My McNair family being there meant a lot.”

As he prepares to graduate this May, he plans to continue his academic journey in graduate school. Looking back, one of the most meaningful aspects of his undergraduate experience has been the close-knit nature of the materials science and engineering department. “It really feels like a community,” he said. “Those connections, both with classmates and professors, have made a huge difference.”

Liu’s advice to students considering materials science? Go for it. With its interdisciplinary nature and wide-ranging applications, materials science offers flexibility, opportunity and a strong foundation for many career paths.