Alexander Osterbaan completed his Ph.D. under Professor Christopher Bowman at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he focused on expanding the processing window of UV-curable systems. He developed dynamic covalent networks that can be rearranged under UV stimulation and then permanently fixed through a sequential curing step and advanced holographic photopolymers that use light to directly pattern stable holograms.
In volumetric additive manufacturing, where entire 3D parts are formed simultaneously with projected light, Osterbaan introduced degradable scaffold resins that prevent settling, increase contrast and deliver mechanically robust green parts. These innovations establish a more reliable foundation for high-fidelity printing and illustrate how carefully engineered photopolymer chemistry can unlock new capabilities for UV-curing technologies.
Outside of work and school, Osterbaan lives in the Boulder area with his wife and schnauzer. An avid player of board games, he enjoys spending his spare time with friends and family over games, meals or disc golf.
When did you first learn about UV&EB as an industry and technology? Where/how did you learn the UV&EB technology?
My first introduction to photochemistry came five years ago when I started working with Chris Bowman. It initially intrigued me, but my interest in it grew when I learned more about it in a class taught by Chris. In the lectures, he emphasized the distinct advantages of UV, specifically in regards to spatial-temporal control.
Have you run into any challenges as a young professional?
The current job market is difficult to navigate well as a young person with a new doctorate. This largely is due to the specificity of skills developed when earning a doctorate – the degree basically makes you a leading expert in a very distinctive method, or sub-section, of a field. Thus, finding where those talents can best benefit industry and scientific knowledge is a bit like a treasure hunt. The right job is out there, but it takes some patience and tenacity to find it.
How could more young professionals be encouraged to get involved in UV/EB technology?
From a photochemistry perspective, the emphasis of light is just fun. It gives us room for creativity, experimentation, unique hypotheses and space to grow. We are not simply limited to curing. We can make things that are responsive to light, use light to pattern things that interact with light (such as holographs) or use sequential light to get more processing capability than we could ever imagine.
So, when asking the question of how to encourage young professionals, it is to make these aspects of photochemistry more widely known. It is an incredible, exciting, fast-paced field, and young professionals just need to understand this.
What would your suggestions be for students or YPs who are just starting their professional careers?
For starters, do not take yourself too seriously and be willing to learn. It can be hard to cope with set-backs, but it is through realigning that both learning and insight are obtained. As such, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – to seek advisement when needed, to push yourself and to be creative.
What else do you want to share?
PAMA and Fundamentals meetings were excellent! Thank you for this opportunity to share some of my thoughts on this exciting and dynamic field.
Connect with RadTech Young Professionals
With a mission to connect professionals at all levels, all industry members are invited to connect with the RadTech YP group through a mailing list or the group’s LinkedIn page. These communication methods advance the group by driving innovation through connections and providing the opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities faced by YPs – both parts of the group’s mission statement. YP networking events, volunteering opportunities and job referrals also are communicated. Interested members can join the mailing list by visiting https://radtech.org/radtech-young-professionals or join the LinkedIn group at www.linkedin.com/groups/12561148/.
The RadTech YP Committee aims to help young professionals (YPs) grow in the use and development of UV/EB technology. The committee is comprised of a group dedicated to enhancing interactions between YPs and senior experts within RadTech. YPs are students and professionals early in their careers who utilize UV and EB technology in industry, government or academia. To ask questions or get involved, contact yp@radtech.org.
