My research focuses on studying the multiscale structure–processing-properties relationships of soft material systems to understand and further program how they interact with the environment and the biological systems. The understanding of how soft materials respond to external stimuli and in return change the stimuli will lead to the design of smart Actuating Materials that adapt to its surroundings spontaneously. The understanding of how soft materials can be processed and functionalized at the micrometer scale will enable the fabrication of Micromachines. The understanding of how naturally-derived biopolymers assemble and form both biotic and abiotic interfaces with the surroundings will enable the design and fabrication of devices that can tackle pressing problems in Food & Sustainability. By studying fundamental questions and application-driven engineering, I build devices that can find applications ranging from robotic components to devices that can promote human and planetary health and solve pressing problems the world is facing.