GlycoMIP welcomes Proctor & Gamble

GlycoMIP welcomed scientists from Procter & Gamble to the National Science Foundation‑funded GlycoMIP User Facility at Virginia Tech's Steger Hall on April 13, 2026,

Jackie Thomas, PhD, principal scientist, and Andrew “Gio” Giordani, PhD, senior scientist and Virginia Tech alumnus, met with GlycoMIP Director and Professor Maren Roman and members of the Materials Innovation Platform (MIP) synthesis team for a presentation and facility tour.

During the visit, GlycoMIP Research Scientist Gustavo Kashiwagi, Ph.D., provided an overview of carbohydrate synthesis methods, with a particular focus on the MIP’s progress toward the automated synthesis of carbohydrates. The presentation also included contributions from GlycoMIP Research Scientist Saniya Khan, Ph.D., who recently completed a user project for Procter & Gamble, and Postdoctoral Associate Stephy Jomy.

The presentation concluded with a discussion led by Thomas on current scientific challenges and research needs at Procter & Gamble, particularly related to the synthesis and characterization of natural polymers.

“This visit reflects the unique capabilities of GlycoMIP’s user facility, which provide industry partners access to expertise and infrastructure not readily available elsewhere,” said Roman. “The discussions with Procter & Gamble provided valuable insight into industry research needs and helped identify areas where our capabilities may be well aligned.”

The visit offered an opportunity for GlycoMIP leadership, researchers, and early‑career scientists to engage directly with industry research leaders and gain insight into the business‑focused needs of companies working within the glycomaterials community.