Controlling order at the molecular level, liquid crystals have enabled technological advances in displays and stimuli-responsive “smart” plastics. This unique class of materials provides unparalleled precision in molecular alignment by leveraging mesophases where solid-like order and liquid-like mobility exist in harmony. However, owing to their inherently complex nature, structure-function relationships of liquid crystals in soft materials remain limited, precluding their utility in applications that take full advantage of their potential. This sub-group aims to develop novel liquid crystalline polymer systems with spatial control over molecular alignment, while understanding how structure correlates with localized property changes upon application of various stimuli. Research consists of liquid crystal synthesis, optical manipulation and of molecular alignment, and characterization of morphology and thermomechanical properties.