This $386,034 National Science Foundation project grant supports the development of chemically resilient, fouling resistant polymer membranes for water separation applications. Funded under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041), the 24-month award to the University of Massachusetts Amherst enables fundamental research to manufacture porous polymer membranes using an all-aqueous process that eliminates toxic solvents currently used. The research aims to (1) develop a mechanistic understanding of manufacturing high-performance membranes from water-soluble charged polymers, water and salt, and (2) evaluate the stability, performance and fouling resistance of the porous membranes. By conducting permeance testing in parallel with membrane production, the project establishes a feedback loop between chemistry, morphology and performance. The award also provides research opportunities for underrepresented students at the chemical engineering, polymer science and microbiology interface.