Engineering sustainability at the molecular level
Vivek Garg is a polymer chemist, process engineer, and co-founder of SABER Chemical. His work spans sustainable monomer synthesis, green polymerization techniques, and additive design for commercial thermoplastics. At SABER, Vivek leads materials development and collaborates across R&D, scale-up, and customer engagement.
Academic Background
Vivek holds a PhD (in progress) in Chemical & Biological Engineering from Iowa State University, where he studies under Dr. Eric Cochran. His doctoral work focuses on scalable manufacturing of sustainable polymers and data-driven prediction of thermomechanical properties. He also holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Manipal University Jaipur.
Research and Commercialization
Vivek’s research has led to multiple high-impact publications and U.S. patent filings, including novel RAFT agents and bio-based monomer platforms. He has developed compostable core-shell impact modifiers that improve the toughness of PLA, PBS, and Nylon. At SABER, he has led extrusion and injection molding trials to validate these additives in industrial settings.
Leadership and Outreach
Vivek has served as a co-instructor and TA for computational methods and polymer science courses at Iowa State. He has mentored undergraduate and graduate students, participated in REU programs, and led STEM outreach events for K–12 audiences. His service to the broader community includes technical sessions at ACS and SPE and membership in AIChE and the Society of Plastics Engineers.
Fun Facts
Vivek blends computation and chemistry with equal passion. When he’s not in the lab, you might find him solving chess puzzles or discussing sustainable materials policy.