"The Fundamental Science of Nanoscale Polymer Brushes" In this project, I am investigating the fundamental properties of nanoscale polymer brushes. Although polymer chemistry is a relatively new discipline, the bulk properties of many polymers are well-understood. Similarly, the properties of even microscale polymers have been investigated. To date, however, nanoscale polymerization has not been well-characterized; thus many questions remain about whether there are any fundamental changes in polymer properties as their size decreases. In particular, we are interested in edge effects, wettability, mechanical properties, and kinetics. This is a great project because it integrates nearly every field of chemistry into a cohesive effort: it combines organic polymer synthesis with analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and instrumentation. With the understanding that this research will bring to the field, we will be better able to anticipate and develop novel applications for nanoscale polymer compounds.