Polymer chemist with a passion for scale-up
Dr. Michael Forrester is a senior scientist at Iowa State University and a key contributor to SABER Chemical’s research and scale-up efforts. He specializes in polymer synthesis, reactive extrusion, and the commercialization of bio-based materials.
Academic & Professional Background
Michael earned his BS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University, where he now serves as Research Scientist III in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He also co-founded the Polymer Consulting Group and is a partner at Soylei Innovations.
Innovation & Commercialization
Michael is a named inventor on over 30 patents and patent applications, spanning cleavable PET additives, flame-retardant nylons, and bio-based elastomers. His work is foundational to SABER’s additive portfolio, including impact modifiers and chemically recyclable polymers. He co-developed SABER’s RAFT-enabled core-shell particles and has published extensively on muconic acid derivatives and performance polyesters.
Mentoring & Outreach
Michael has mentored more than 70 undergraduate researchers through REU, DOE, and NASA programs. He leads K–12 outreach, contributes to grant writing, and reviews for journals like Macromolecules, Green Chemistry, and Polymer International.
Fun Facts
Michael is a meticulous experimenter with a knack for lab-to-market translation. He’s known for troubleshooting polymer reactors and advising early-stage startups—often in the same afternoon.