This talk will describe efforts in our research group to control the shape and function of soft materials (liquid metals, polymers and  hydrogels) for applications that include stretchable electronics, soft robots, and self-folding polymer sheets. The research harnesses  interfacial  phenomena, micro fabrication, patterning, and thin films. The talk with discuss the underlying fundamental science motivating active areas of research in our group, which include: •   Ultra-stretchable wires, sensors, antennas,  and microelectrodes composed of liquid metal alloys based on gallium. •   Self-folding polymers sheets that change shape in response to light. •   New methods for patterning ions in hydrogels. Bio: Michael Dickey received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (1999) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin (2006) under the guidance of Professor Grant Willson. From 2006-2008 he was a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of Professor George Whitesides at Harvard University. In August 2008, he joined the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University where he is currently a Professor. Michael’s research interests include patterning and actuating soft materials by studying and harnessing thin films, interfaces, and unconventional fabrication techniques.