Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; nanochemistry; research faculty
Our research interests focus on addressing the problems that are at the interface of nanochemistry and bio-analytical chemistry. Combinations of biological and material components with complementary properties will be developed as powerful tools for fabricating functional nanostructures and characterizing the biological world. In particular, our research starts from three directions: nanocrystal synthesis, nanocrystal assembly, and nanocrystals for use as biological markers.
Research Areas
analytical; research faculty
Research interests include trace element analysis, atomic emission/absorption, and atomic mass spectrometry.
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; nanochemistry; research faculty
His research interests are in electrochemistry, nanoscience and bioanalytical chemistry. Beginning in the 1980s, his research group pioneered a powerful and versatile approach for preparing nanomaterials called template synthesis. This method has since become a workhorse procedure for preparing nanomaterials, and is used in laboratories throughout the world. His research currently focuses on applications of template-prepared nanotubes and nanotube membranes to electrochemical biosensors and to electrochemical energy.
Professor Martin was the 2009 recipient of the Charles N. Reilley Award of the Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry, the 2005 recipient of the Florida Award of the Florida Section of the American Chemical Society, and the 1999 recipient of the Carl Wagner Memorial Award of the Electrochemical Society. He was promoted to University Distinguished Professor in 2006. In 2007 he received a Nano 50 Innovator Award from Nanotech Briefs. He is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society, and served, or is serving, on the editorial advisory boards of Chemistry of Materials, Advanced Materials and Small. He is also the Senior Editor of the journal Nanomedicine. He is also an ISI highly cited author in materials science.
Research Areas
analytical; research faculty
Our research is focused on the use of lasers on atomic and molecular systems. Our analytical goal is the development of novel methods of analysis, or the improvement of the selectivity and the sensitivity of the existing ones. Our fundamental goal is the understanding of the basic interaction processes (linear and non linear, including coherence effects) leading to a measurable emission, absorption, fluorescence and ionization signal. Such understanding will allow obtaining quantitative results without the use of standards, i.e., we will be able to approach absolute analysis.
Fundamental diagnostics of various spectral sources, including plasmas and pulsed glow discharges, are another main theme of our research. Here, lasers can be used merely as sampling devices to introduce the material into the discharge (e.g., laser ablation) or as additional excitation-ionization sources of the species already present in the discharge. Both gaseous and solid samples are studied, in particular fine and ultra-fine aerosols.
A strong link exists between our research interests and those of Prof. Winefordner and Dr. Smith, with a resulting close collaboration.
Research Areas
analytical; physical; research faculty
Research in our group focuses on increasing the structural information from mass spectrometry measurements for bioanalytical applications. We make use of physical chemistry tools, such as lasers, and develop methods and instrumentation that allow other physical parameters of the ions to be characterized (e.g. infrared absorption), so that “more than the mass” of the ions can be determined. Topical projects include 1) the structural elucidation of metabolites (and other small molecules) based on cryogenic IR spectra, and 2) the differentiation of oligosaccharides based on IR fragmentation patterns.
Research Areas
analytical; scientist; staff
Research areas include spectroscopic methods for chemical analysis such as emission, absorption, fluorescence and ionization; laser-material interactions, plasma and plasma spectrochemistry.
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; research faculty
Bioanalysis
Chemical Biology
Nanomedicine
Biomedical Engineering
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; research faculty
Our focus is on the development of biosensors exploiting novel materials and nanotechnology for key bioanalytical applications. Our bioanalytical research is supported by new mass spectrometry methods at the interface with electrochemical and LC methods.
Research Areas
analytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
The goal of this team is to develop a vibrant and productive research program focusing on discovering novel electronic and optical properties of metallic and semiconductor nanomaterials and their implications for electronics, photonics, energy, and biomedicine. A fundamental understanding of the structure-dependent localized optical properties of nanostructures with sub-10 nm resolution will lead to comprehensive knowledge of the surface plasmon-directed growth of novel anisotropic nanostructures, and design rules for the synthesis and fabrication of hybrid nanostructures with optimized properties for solar energy harvesting, conversion and storage, photocatalysis, and chemical and biological detection. All these projects are high impact and interdisciplinary in nature that combine analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and materials science and engineering. These exciting, multidisciplinary projects will be launched this August. Postdocs, graduate students and undergraduates who are interested in joining our team are more than welcome to contact me at wei@chem.ufl.edu.
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; Divisions; research faculty
Research in our group centers around three aspects of analytical mass spectrometry and related techniques: instrumentation, fundamentals, and applications. Instrumentation development includes projects in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and ion mobility, including the development of the first laser microprobe MS/MS system able to image trace levels of drugs and biomolecules in tissue specimens. Fundamental studies in our group employ both experiment and computer modeling/simulation to explore such issues as ion motion and ion-molecule interactions in high-field ion mobility. Applications of the techniques developed in our group include a wide range of studies in clinical, pharmacological, biotechnological, environmental, and forensic analysis.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; nanochemistry; research faculty
Our research interests focus on addressing the problems that are at the interface of nanochemistry and bio-analytical chemistry. Combinations of biological and material components with complementary properties will be developed as powerful tools for fabricating functional nanostructures and characterizing the biological world. In particular, our research starts from three directions: nanocrystal synthesis, nanocrystal assembly, and nanocrystals for use as biological markers.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; physical; polymer; research faculty
To address questions regarding structure, function, dynamics, and conformational sampling of biomolecules, our lab utilizes a suite of magnetic resonance techniques. These spectroscopic methods include site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We investigate a diversity of biological systems including binding, structure, and dynamics of membrane associated proteins, conformational changes in RNA riboswitch folding pathways, dynamics of natively unstructured proteins, and conformational sampling in HIV-1 protease.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; research faculty
RNA Molecular Recognition and Catalysis
The past decade has witnessed a rapid increase in our understanding of the essential biological roles of RNA, and how errors in RNA metabolism contribute to cancer, heart disease, and developmental disorders. In our own lab we combine “classic” (but very powerful) tools of mechanistic enzymology with next generation sequencing and bioinformatics to address fundamental unanswered questions that lay at the heart of RNA biochemistry: Do catalytic RNAs (ribozymes) use the same strategies as protein enzymes achieve their catalytic power? How do RNA binding proteins find their cognate binding sites amidst a vast sea of non-cognate binding sites in the transcriptome? Addressing these questions is providing new and often unexpected insights into RNA structure-function relationships, as well as principles useful for engineering novel RNAs or RNA binding proteins with therapeutic potential.
Education and training:
Academic appointments:
Professional Service (selected, since 2000):
Current Teaching
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; nanochemistry; research faculty
His research interests are in electrochemistry, nanoscience and bioanalytical chemistry. Beginning in the 1980s, his research group pioneered a powerful and versatile approach for preparing nanomaterials called template synthesis. This method has since become a workhorse procedure for preparing nanomaterials, and is used in laboratories throughout the world. His research currently focuses on applications of template-prepared nanotubes and nanotube membranes to electrochemical biosensors and to electrochemical energy.
Professor Martin was the 2009 recipient of the Charles N. Reilley Award of the Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry, the 2005 recipient of the Florida Award of the Florida Section of the American Chemical Society, and the 1999 recipient of the Carl Wagner Memorial Award of the Electrochemical Society. He was promoted to University Distinguished Professor in 2006. In 2007 he received a Nano 50 Innovator Award from Nanotech Briefs. He is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society, and served, or is serving, on the editorial advisory boards of Chemistry of Materials, Advanced Materials and Small. He is also the Senior Editor of the journal Nanomedicine. He is also an ISI highly cited author in materials science.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; organometallic; research faculty
Our group is currently divided between three different materials chemistry and biomaterials chemistry projects. The theme that unites them is an understanding of the importance of surfaces and interfaces.
Magnetic nanostructures and thin films. The first series of projects centers on magnetism and related properties in nanostructures and thin films of synthetic inorganic networks. This class of materials differs from traditional magnets in that synthetic chemistry can be used to prepare systems that combine properties, such as photomagnetism.
Biomolecules at inorganic interfaces. This series of projects probes the binding of biomolecules to synthetic inorganic surfaces. Biomolecule adsorption at surfaces is important for many applications, including sensing and biochip technologies. We develop inorganic surface chemistry aimed a introducing specific ligand/metal interactions that can be used to bind and orient biomolecules at surfaces.
Biomineralization. Our understanding of organic/inorganic interfaces is used to explore important biomineralization processes. Biological inorganic solids generally grow with the help of a biomolecule interface. We are exploring the details of these processes in both purposeful biominerals, such as in shells and bones, and pathological biominerals, such as kidney stones.
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; research faculty
Bioanalysis
Chemical Biology
Nanomedicine
Biomedical Engineering
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; research faculty
Our focus is on the development of biosensors exploiting novel materials and nanotechnology for key bioanalytical applications. Our bioanalytical research is supported by new mass spectrometry methods at the interface with electrochemical and LC methods.
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; Divisions; research faculty
Research in our group centers around three aspects of analytical mass spectrometry and related techniques: instrumentation, fundamentals, and applications. Instrumentation development includes projects in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and ion mobility, including the development of the first laser microprobe MS/MS system able to image trace levels of drugs and biomolecules in tissue specimens. Fundamental studies in our group employ both experiment and computer modeling/simulation to explore such issues as ion motion and ion-molecule interactions in high-field ion mobility. Applications of the techniques developed in our group include a wide range of studies in clinical, pharmacological, biotechnological, environmental, and forensic analysis.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
Structurally complex natural products, such as the medicinally relevant antibiotics vancomycin and erthromycin, are biosynthesized by large, macromolecular enzyme assemblies. These assemblies frequently orchestrate difficult and interesting chemical transformations t construct diverse molecular scaffolds. Our research group will use the tools of synthetic organic chemistry, enzymology and structural biology to dissect the mechanism of these systems. A detailed understanding of the biosynthesis of natural products will be extended to the development of new synthetic methodology and to the engineering of biological systems to produce novel molecules with desired properties.
Research Areas
biochemistry; synthesis
Our group is interested in how organisms use small molecules to communicate information. Caenorhabditis elegans (a small roundworm) is a genetically tractable organism that relies on a fine-tuned sense of smell and taste when interacting with other members of its species and with its environment. Thus, C. elegans represents an ideal system for studying the role of environmental cues, such as pheromones and nutritional signals, in modulating development and other complex processes. Our group will use NMR-based small molecule structure elucidation, chemical synthesis, chemical genetics, and biochemical/biological assays to identify the chemical nature of these cues and their mechanism of action. This work will provide fundamental new insights into how environmental signals influence development, metabolism, behavior, and aging in C. elegans and in higher organisms.
Research Areas
biochemistry; biophysical; organic; physical; polymer; theoretical
Professor Colina was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously a faculty member at Simán Bolívar University and joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University as Associate Professor in January 2007. She won the 1999 Award for Outstanding Teaching Achievement (at the Assistant Professor level) at Simán Bolívar University, as well as several other awards from the Venezuelan’s National Committees from the Development of Higher Education and for the Academic Advancement.
Coray has several international collaborations and has presented the results of her research globally in more than 100 national and international conferences. She has published over 51 papers (including conference proceedings).
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; physical; polymer; research faculty
To address questions regarding structure, function, dynamics, and conformational sampling of biomolecules, our lab utilizes a suite of magnetic resonance techniques. These spectroscopic methods include site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We investigate a diversity of biological systems including binding, structure, and dynamics of membrane associated proteins, conformational changes in RNA riboswitch folding pathways, dynamics of natively unstructured proteins, and conformational sampling in HIV-1 protease.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; research faculty
RNA Molecular Recognition and Catalysis
The past decade has witnessed a rapid increase in our understanding of the essential biological roles of RNA, and how errors in RNA metabolism contribute to cancer, heart disease, and developmental disorders. In our own lab we combine “classic” (but very powerful) tools of mechanistic enzymology with next generation sequencing and bioinformatics to address fundamental unanswered questions that lay at the heart of RNA biochemistry: Do catalytic RNAs (ribozymes) use the same strategies as protein enzymes achieve their catalytic power? How do RNA binding proteins find their cognate binding sites amidst a vast sea of non-cognate binding sites in the transcriptome? Addressing these questions is providing new and often unexpected insights into RNA structure-function relationships, as well as principles useful for engineering novel RNAs or RNA binding proteins with therapeutic potential.
Education and training:
Academic appointments:
Professional Service (selected, since 2000):
Current Teaching
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; research faculty
We integrate tools in organic synthesis, enzymology, molecular biology, andcomputational methods to unravel complex biomolecular interactions and events. One ofour interest areas is carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry. For example we haveapplied kinetic isotope effects to understand glycosyltransferase mechanisms. A newproject area is focused on study of the biosynthesis of azasugars. These compounds arewell known glycosidase inhibitors that feature a nitrogen atom in the ring, rather thanoxygen. How and why these compounds are produced in bacteria and plants is an ongoingquestion we are investigating. In another project area, we chemically synthesize newprobes and use homology modeling to define structural, functional, and selectivityfeatures of the ligand binding domain within the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Thisis part of a long standing collaboration with Dr. Roger Papke of the University ofFlorida Pharmacology Department.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
We develop new methods for asymmetric organic synthesis based on enzymes. These efforts include the discovery of novel enzymes by computational and experimental approaches, the development of strategies to rapidly assess their catalytic properties, their applications to organic synthesis and solving problems associated with reaction scale-up.
A second part of our research focuses on developing “smart” nanostructures that assemble and disassemble in response to environmental cues. This project is a collaboration with groups in the Department of Chemistry (Martin) and the Department of Anesthesiology (Dennis and Rogers). We combine our expertise in synthesis and biochemistry with our collaborators’ strengths in nanotechnology and medicine.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
biophysical; physical; research faculty
Photosynthesis:
We utilize modern EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) methods at X-band (9.6 GHz) as well as at ultra-high frequencies (94- 670 GHz) to obtain structural and dynamic information about paramagnetic states in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes. This leads to a better understanding of fundamental electron and triplet energy transfer processes in plant and bacterial photosynthesis.
Mn-Containing Enzymes:
We are developing new pulsed and high-field EPR methods to obtain structural information about the coordination environment of Mn(II) and Mn(III) species in synthetic model systems and in the Mn-dependent enzyme oxalate decarboxylase. The investigation of transient intermediates in the enzyme-substrate complex is expected to reveal the reaction mechanism.
Urate-Derived Free Radicals:
We are using EPR spin trapping in conjunction with other spectroscopies (UV/VIS, HPLC, mass spec, etc.) to identify the radical intermediates in the reaction of uric acid with biological oxidants. This research is performed in collaboration with Prof. Richard Johnson at the Dept. of Nephrology and has potential wide ranging implications on the mechanisms of diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Research Areas
biochemistry; biophysical; organic; physical; polymer; theoretical
Professor Colina was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously a faculty member at Simán Bolívar University and joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University as Associate Professor in January 2007. She won the 1999 Award for Outstanding Teaching Achievement (at the Assistant Professor level) at Simán Bolívar University, as well as several other awards from the Venezuelan’s National Committees from the Development of Higher Education and for the Academic Advancement.
Coray has several international collaborations and has presented the results of her research globally in more than 100 national and international conferences. She has published over 51 papers (including conference proceedings).
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; physical; polymer; research faculty
To address questions regarding structure, function, dynamics, and conformational sampling of biomolecules, our lab utilizes a suite of magnetic resonance techniques. These spectroscopic methods include site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We investigate a diversity of biological systems including binding, structure, and dynamics of membrane associated proteins, conformational changes in RNA riboswitch folding pathways, dynamics of natively unstructured proteins, and conformational sampling in HIV-1 protease.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; research faculty
RNA Molecular Recognition and Catalysis
The past decade has witnessed a rapid increase in our understanding of the essential biological roles of RNA, and how errors in RNA metabolism contribute to cancer, heart disease, and developmental disorders. In our own lab we combine “classic” (but very powerful) tools of mechanistic enzymology with next generation sequencing and bioinformatics to address fundamental unanswered questions that lay at the heart of RNA biochemistry: Do catalytic RNAs (ribozymes) use the same strategies as protein enzymes achieve their catalytic power? How do RNA binding proteins find their cognate binding sites amidst a vast sea of non-cognate binding sites in the transcriptome? Addressing these questions is providing new and often unexpected insights into RNA structure-function relationships, as well as principles useful for engineering novel RNAs or RNA binding proteins with therapeutic potential.
Education and training:
Academic appointments:
Professional Service (selected, since 2000):
Current Teaching
Research Areas
biophysical; nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
New materials with novel photophysical properties are crucial for developing revolutionary molecular-photonic and -electronic components.
We aim at the understanding and control of light-matter interactions and thus discovering new materials for photonics applcations.
Two areas of research are explored in our laboratory. The first one involves the probe of chemical systems in condensed phase, with interest in the energy-transfer area. The goal is to understand novel properties arising not from the accumulation of single units, but those that derive from a macromolecule or polymer as a whole. Central to the project is the use of ultrafast spectroscopy to study energy transport in dendrimers and conjugated polymers whose electronic and optical properties can be chemically controlled at the molecular level.
The second area focus in the control of photochemical reactions through the use of ultrashort phase modulated excitation pulses.
Chemists have long sought to control the branching ratios and product yields of photochemical reactions. Recently, such control became attainable by manipulating the phase properties of excitation pulses, creating quantum mechanical interferences, which ultimately change the reaction outcome. In our lab, processes like isomerization, are investigated, seeking the understanding and control of the reaction mechanisms.
Research Areas
biophysical; physical; theoretical
His main research interest is in accurate calculations of biologically relevant molecular systems and processes using proven methods from Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Dynamics. He is also interested in advanced visualization.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; synthesis
Christou group research is in the synthesis and study of polynuclear transition metal cluster compounds of relevance to several areas, including bioinorganic and materials chemistry. We develop synthetic routes to novel, high nuclearity clusters of the 3d metals V to Cu, with the largest to date being a Mn84 wheel-like compound. We have a particularly strong interest in clusters of Mn and Fe for their often unusual and even unique magnetic properties, such as abnormally high numbers of unpaired electrons and the resulting ability to function as nanoscale magnets. These have potential applications to high-density information storage and quantum computing, which has made them of great interest to chemists, physicists and materials scientists alike. We employ a variety of characterization techniques, including NMR and EPR spectroscopies, electrochemistry, magnetochemistry, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; organic; organometallic; synthesis
Our research involves applications of organometallic chemistry to problems in materials deposition. Recent areas of research include chemical vapor deposition of inorganic films that are of interest for manufacture of semiconductor devices and OLEDs, organometallic precursors for electron beam-induced deposition of nanostructures, and precursors for photochemical metallization of thermally sensitive organic electronics.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; synthesis
Bioinspired Metal Complexes as Catalysts
Our focus is to design, synthesize, and evaluate transition metal complexes for small molecule activation. In particular, our group is interested in energy-related processes, such as water oxidation, carbon dioxide reduction, and dioxygen reduction.
Metal clusters housed within the active sites of proteins carry out basic and challenging redox reactions, such as carbon dioxide reduction or nitrogen fixation. We expect that well-defined and tunable metal clusters can function as highly efficient catalysts in synthetic systems. Our goal is to develop multimetallic complexes in which a tunable ligands controls the assembly and environment of each metal ion within a cluster (e.g., donor atom type, metal-metal distance). Importantly, one design criterion is that complexes retain an active site, which we anticipate will afford selective reactivity with substrates and increase the catalytic efficiency.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; research faculty
The focus of our group is the study of kinetics. By learning about the kinetics of chemical processes, we can deduce a mechanistic scheme of how chemical transformations occur. Kinetics also allow for understanding the factors that influence the progression of reactions. This knowledge permits us to make changes in the reaction conditions and/or reagents to manipulate the reaction to suit our needs. A number of physical methods are used by our group to probe reaction kinetics including NMR and UV-Vis. From the data compiled, mathematical equations can be developed to describe the chemical process. Computer simulation may be necessary when reactions are too complex for simple mathematical modeling. Our current research interests fall into a couple of broad categories including chemical warfare agent decontamination and transition metal catalysis.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; organometallic; research faculty
Our group is currently divided between three different materials chemistry and biomaterials chemistry projects. The theme that unites them is an understanding of the importance of surfaces and interfaces.
Magnetic nanostructures and thin films. The first series of projects centers on magnetism and related properties in nanostructures and thin films of synthetic inorganic networks. This class of materials differs from traditional magnets in that synthetic chemistry can be used to prepare systems that combine properties, such as photomagnetism.
Biomolecules at inorganic interfaces. This series of projects probes the binding of biomolecules to synthetic inorganic surfaces. Biomolecule adsorption at surfaces is important for many applications, including sensing and biochip technologies. We develop inorganic surface chemistry aimed a introducing specific ligand/metal interactions that can be used to bind and orient biomolecules at surfaces.
Biomineralization. Our understanding of organic/inorganic interfaces is used to explore important biomineralization processes. Biological inorganic solids generally grow with the help of a biomolecule interface. We are exploring the details of these processes in both purposeful biominerals, such as in shells and bones, and pathological biominerals, such as kidney stones.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Overview
Our research group is primarily interested in the design, synthesis, isolation, and characterization of novel inorganic molecules. Our efforts are concentrated towards building new complexes that either model or affect new small molecule transformations relevant to the industrial sector. We undertake detailed mechanistic studies in order to uncover subtle details of catalytic processes in hopes of building upon or challenging current models of molecular structure, periodic trends, reactivity, and bonding.
Methods
Students will become experts in the art of air-sensitive molecular manipulations that require the careful use of ultra-high vacuum-line and inert glove-box techniques. Students will become familiar with a variety of spectroscopic methods. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography will be applied extensively.
Outlook
We hope our work will reveal new catalytic transformations that convert inexpensive commodity or feedstock compounds into higher value products for upstream use in specialty chemical synthesis, polymer synthesis, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. We expect to build new molecules that defend or challenge current mechanistic models.
On April 13, 2017, the University of Florida Research Foundation named Professor Adam Veige as one of 34 UFRF Professors for 2017-2020. UF recognizes faculty members for having distinguished current records of research and strong research agendas likely to lead to continuing distinction in their fields.
In August, 2017, Professor Adam Veige was awarded a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship for Research in Japan. Researchers of all countries having diplomatic relations with Japan are eligible for this fellowship. Japanese researchers who wish to host overseas researchers in Japan can submit applications. Dr. Veige was nominated by his host researcher, Yasuyuki Tezuka, of Tokyo Institute of Technology. Their research theme was, “Precision Designing of Cyclic Polymers for Innovative Soft Materials.”
Research Areas
analytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
The goal of this team is to develop a vibrant and productive research program focusing on discovering novel electronic and optical properties of metallic and semiconductor nanomaterials and their implications for electronics, photonics, energy, and biomedicine. A fundamental understanding of the structure-dependent localized optical properties of nanostructures with sub-10 nm resolution will lead to comprehensive knowledge of the surface plasmon-directed growth of novel anisotropic nanostructures, and design rules for the synthesis and fabrication of hybrid nanostructures with optimized properties for solar energy harvesting, conversion and storage, photocatalysis, and chemical and biological detection. All these projects are high impact and interdisciplinary in nature that combine analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and materials science and engineering. These exciting, multidisciplinary projects will be launched this August. Postdocs, graduate students and undergraduates who are interested in joining our team are more than welcome to contact me at wei@chem.ufl.edu.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
The Bowers research is presently focused on the mechanisms for nuclear spin order enhancement (e.g. hyperpolarization) for magnetic resonance sensitivity enhancement and the application to problems of importance in materials science and biochemical-physics. Areas of recent research activity include the following: (i) adsorption, diffusion and exchange in nanotube materials for gas separations (ii) studies of dynamics, order/disorder and porosity in polymers by solid state NMR (iii) xenon NMR as a probe of anesthetic properties in lipid membrane bilayers (iv) resistively detected NMR studies in the regime of the quantum Hall effect in GaAs Quantum Wells (v) optically pumped NMR studies.
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; nanochemistry; research faculty
Our research interests focus on addressing the problems that are at the interface of nanochemistry and bio-analytical chemistry. Combinations of biological and material components with complementary properties will be developed as powerful tools for fabricating functional nanostructures and characterizing the biological world. In particular, our research starts from three directions: nanocrystal synthesis, nanocrystal assembly, and nanocrystals for use as biological markers.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
Research in my laboratory uses organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopic methods, and computation to design, prepare, and study novel organic molecules that show unique and useful behavior. In this context we are particularly interested in predicting and controlling properties that emerge when individual molecules aggregate, by weak noncovalent interactions, in solution. The phenomenon is called “self-assembly,” and it is a process borrowed from nature to achieve complexity rapidly and reversibly (e.g., assembly of the DNA duplex or binding of a receptor to its enzymatic target). It is also the central theme of supramolecular chemistry, an established field that studies chemistry “beyond the molecule.” Our specific areas of interest and expertise include: stereoelectronic effects in supramolecular chemistry, construction of novel donor-acceptor molecules with useful electronic or optical properties, functional molecules (for materials and/or sensing applications) from biorelevant building blocks, and molecular-based strategies to novel therapeutics.
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; synthesis
Christou group research is in the synthesis and study of polynuclear transition metal cluster compounds of relevance to several areas, including bioinorganic and materials chemistry. We develop synthetic routes to novel, high nuclearity clusters of the 3d metals V to Cu, with the largest to date being a Mn84 wheel-like compound. We have a particularly strong interest in clusters of Mn and Fe for their often unusual and even unique magnetic properties, such as abnormally high numbers of unpaired electrons and the resulting ability to function as nanoscale magnets. These have potential applications to high-density information storage and quantum computing, which has made them of great interest to chemists, physicists and materials scientists alike. We employ a variety of characterization techniques, including NMR and EPR spectroscopies, electrochemistry, magnetochemistry, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.
Research Areas
biophysical; nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
New materials with novel photophysical properties are crucial for developing revolutionary molecular-photonic and -electronic components.
We aim at the understanding and control of light-matter interactions and thus discovering new materials for photonics applcations.
Two areas of research are explored in our laboratory. The first one involves the probe of chemical systems in condensed phase, with interest in the energy-transfer area. The goal is to understand novel properties arising not from the accumulation of single units, but those that derive from a macromolecule or polymer as a whole. Central to the project is the use of ultrafast spectroscopy to study energy transport in dendrimers and conjugated polymers whose electronic and optical properties can be chemically controlled at the molecular level.
The second area focus in the control of photochemical reactions through the use of ultrashort phase modulated excitation pulses.
Chemists have long sought to control the branching ratios and product yields of photochemical reactions. Recently, such control became attainable by manipulating the phase properties of excitation pulses, creating quantum mechanical interferences, which ultimately change the reaction outcome. In our lab, processes like isomerization, are investigated, seeking the understanding and control of the reaction mechanisms.
Research Areas
analytical; bioanalytical; nanochemistry; research faculty
His research interests are in electrochemistry, nanoscience and bioanalytical chemistry. Beginning in the 1980s, his research group pioneered a powerful and versatile approach for preparing nanomaterials called template synthesis. This method has since become a workhorse procedure for preparing nanomaterials, and is used in laboratories throughout the world. His research currently focuses on applications of template-prepared nanotubes and nanotube membranes to electrochemical biosensors and to electrochemical energy.
Professor Martin was the 2009 recipient of the Charles N. Reilley Award of the Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry, the 2005 recipient of the Florida Award of the Florida Section of the American Chemical Society, and the 1999 recipient of the Carl Wagner Memorial Award of the Electrochemical Society. He was promoted to University Distinguished Professor in 2006. In 2007 he received a Nano 50 Innovator Award from Nanotech Briefs. He is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society, and served, or is serving, on the editorial advisory boards of Chemistry of Materials, Advanced Materials and Small. He is also the Senior Editor of the journal Nanomedicine. He is also an ISI highly cited author in materials science.
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; organic; organometallic; synthesis
Our research involves applications of organometallic chemistry to problems in materials deposition. Recent areas of research include chemical vapor deposition of inorganic films that are of interest for manufacture of semiconductor devices and OLEDs, organometallic precursors for electron beam-induced deposition of nanostructures, and precursors for photochemical metallization of thermally sensitive organic electronics.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; physical; polymer; synthesis
U.F. Welcomes Dr. Daniel Savin to the Chemistry Department Faculty and Polymer Research
Professor Daniel Savin received a BS in chemistry (1995) from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. While there he worked for Prof. Kerry Karukstis in the area of biophysical chemistry. He went to graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University where he received an MS in polymer science (1997) and a PhD in chemistry (2002) working for Prof. Gary Patterson. After a postdoctoral position with Prof. Timothy Lodge at the University of Minnesota, he began his independent research career in 2003 at the University of Vermont (UVM) in the Department of Chemistry. He moved to the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2008, and joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida in 2015.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
We are interested in materials composed of well-defined polymers with selected functionality, composition, and molecular architecture. Particular focus is on water-soluble polymers that are stimuli-responsive. Such “smart” polymers have the ability to self-assemble or dissociate in solution in response to changes in their surroundings. Potential target applications include controlled and targeted drug delivery, surface modification, and self-healing materials. Our interests are at the interface of bio-, organic, nano-, and polymer chemistry, with particular focus on fusing the fields to prepare materials with synergistic properties.
1.Functional polymer synthesis and efficient polymer modification via specific and orthogonal methodologies. A significant effort is dedicated to devising new synthetic routes to functional macromolecules. In addition to relying on living/controlled radical polymerization techniques to prepare polymers of controlled molecular weight and retained end group functionality, highly efficient postpolymerization modification is required to incorporate functionality not easily included in monomer, initiator, or chain transfer agents. Many chemical transformations employed in organic synthesis do not demonstrate the same degree of efficiency and orthogonality when used for functionalization of high molecular weight macromolecules. Therefore, a significant effort in our group has involved the extension of “click chemistry” methodologies for functional polymer synthesis.
2.Stimuli-responsive water-soluble block copolymers. The solution behavior of polymers that exhibit “smart” behavior in aqueous media is being investigated. Responsive block copolymers can be induced to form micelles, vesicles, or gels, and may ultimately lead to new applications in controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, and surface biocompatibilization.
3.Dynamic-covalent macromolecular materials. By constructing macromolecular assemblies with linkages that are reversibly covalent, we prepare new materials with the ability to adapt their structure, constitution, and reactivity depending on the nature of the surrounding environment. Reversibility being a key attribute, these systems offer versatility typically associated with supramolecular materials (dynamic rearrangement, self-assembly, self-repair, etc.), while maintaining the integrity and robust nature of covalently formed polymers. Materials constructed via covalent bonds that can be triggered to dissociate in response to specific chemical stimuli include smart nanoparticles, organogels, and self-healing coatings.
4.Smart polymer-protein bioconjugates. Modifying biological molecules with “smart” polymers provides a means to externally control the solubility and activity of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Examples of such hybrid materials include polymer-protein conjugates in which the activity, stability, or solubility of the protein can be tuned by capitalizing on the responsive nature of the immobilized synthetic polymer.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; organometallic; research faculty
Our group is currently divided between three different materials chemistry and biomaterials chemistry projects. The theme that unites them is an understanding of the importance of surfaces and interfaces.
Magnetic nanostructures and thin films. The first series of projects centers on magnetism and related properties in nanostructures and thin films of synthetic inorganic networks. This class of materials differs from traditional magnets in that synthetic chemistry can be used to prepare systems that combine properties, such as photomagnetism.
Biomolecules at inorganic interfaces. This series of projects probes the binding of biomolecules to synthetic inorganic surfaces. Biomolecule adsorption at surfaces is important for many applications, including sensing and biochip technologies. We develop inorganic surface chemistry aimed a introducing specific ligand/metal interactions that can be used to bind and orient biomolecules at surfaces.
Biomineralization. Our understanding of organic/inorganic interfaces is used to explore important biomineralization processes. Biological inorganic solids generally grow with the help of a biomolecule interface. We are exploring the details of these processes in both purposeful biominerals, such as in shells and bones, and pathological biominerals, such as kidney stones.
Research Areas
analytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
The goal of this team is to develop a vibrant and productive research program focusing on discovering novel electronic and optical properties of metallic and semiconductor nanomaterials and their implications for electronics, photonics, energy, and biomedicine. A fundamental understanding of the structure-dependent localized optical properties of nanostructures with sub-10 nm resolution will lead to comprehensive knowledge of the surface plasmon-directed growth of novel anisotropic nanostructures, and design rules for the synthesis and fabrication of hybrid nanostructures with optimized properties for solar energy harvesting, conversion and storage, photocatalysis, and chemical and biological detection. All these projects are high impact and interdisciplinary in nature that combine analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and materials science and engineering. These exciting, multidisciplinary projects will be launched this August. Postdocs, graduate students and undergraduates who are interested in joining our team are more than welcome to contact me at wei@chem.ufl.edu.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
organic; organometallic; synthesis
Research in our lab is directed at the development of new synthetic methodology to address difficulties in target-oriented synthesis. To control specificity, nature has evolved enzymes that perform chemical reactions with exquisite chemo- diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Our goal is to develop new small molecule catalysts that exhibit synthetically useful levels of selectivity in new chemical transformations. The significance of this work lies in its application to synthesis. Particular attention is given to bioactive natural products with interesting molecular architecture, wherein the objective is to develop efficient synthetic strategies that facilitate extensive structural modifications to probe biological activity. Students in our group will be exposed to the full repertoire of reactions and learn the analytical skills to plan, execute, and optimize reaction sequences.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
Structurally complex natural products, such as the medicinally relevant antibiotics vancomycin and erthromycin, are biosynthesized by large, macromolecular enzyme assemblies. These assemblies frequently orchestrate difficult and interesting chemical transformations t construct diverse molecular scaffolds. Our research group will use the tools of synthetic organic chemistry, enzymology and structural biology to dissect the mechanism of these systems. A detailed understanding of the biosynthesis of natural products will be extended to the development of new synthetic methodology and to the engineering of biological systems to produce novel molecules with desired properties.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
Research in my laboratory uses organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopic methods, and computation to design, prepare, and study novel organic molecules that show unique and useful behavior. In this context we are particularly interested in predicting and controlling properties that emerge when individual molecules aggregate, by weak noncovalent interactions, in solution. The phenomenon is called “self-assembly,” and it is a process borrowed from nature to achieve complexity rapidly and reversibly (e.g., assembly of the DNA duplex or binding of a receptor to its enzymatic target). It is also the central theme of supramolecular chemistry, an established field that studies chemistry “beyond the molecule.” Our specific areas of interest and expertise include: stereoelectronic effects in supramolecular chemistry, construction of novel donor-acceptor molecules with useful electronic or optical properties, functional molecules (for materials and/or sensing applications) from biorelevant building blocks, and molecular-based strategies to novel therapeutics.
Research Areas
biochemistry; biophysical; organic; physical; polymer; theoretical
Professor Colina was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously a faculty member at Simán Bolívar University and joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University as Associate Professor in January 2007. She won the 1999 Award for Outstanding Teaching Achievement (at the Assistant Professor level) at Simán Bolívar University, as well as several other awards from the Venezuelan’s National Committees from the Development of Higher Education and for the Academic Advancement.
Coray has several international collaborations and has presented the results of her research globally in more than 100 national and international conferences. She has published over 51 papers (including conference proceedings).
Research Areas
organic
One of the main goals that I have is to improve the educational experience that our students have in organic chemistry. As faculty coordinator of the organic chemistry laboratory program, I have the opportunity to introduce students to the many exciting aspects of organic chemistry while reinforcing the material they learn in their lecture courses. I am also interested in designing laboratory experiments that help students see how organic chemistry is connected to other aspects of their lives, including health and well-being, medicine, and materials.
Research Areas
organic; synthesis
The Dolbier research program is dedicated mainly to the synthesis and study of compounds containing fluorine. Organic compounds that contain fluorine are of vital interest and importance to virtually every area of modern technology, including polymers, pharmaceutical/agrochemical products, and material science. Because of the special synthetic challenges that it presents, and because of the unique structure/reactivity relationships observed for fluorine-containing compounds, the field of organofluorine chemistry is one of both fundamental and practical interest. In our case this is reflected by the projects in the group, which are a mixture of fundamental and applied projects. Although we remain interested in the fundamental aspects of reactivity of fluorinated molecules and reactive intermediates, our major research interests now involve the development of new synthetic methods for incorporation of fluorine into organic molecules, mainly through the invention and development of new fluorinated “building blocks.”
Research Areas
organic; scientist
Applications of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is the most powerful method for elucidation of the structure of organic compounds, and most of our research involves collaborations in which we find out what compounds have been obtained in a particular reaction, or isolated from a natural source. We use dynamic NMR and molecular modeling to study the conformational equilibria of small molecules. Other applications are based on the measurement of diffusion coefficients by NMR.
Research Areas
organic; synthesis
Natural products are prized for the potential as pharmaceutical agents. A common bottleneck toward their application in disease treatment is their limited natural abundance and/or inefficient laboratory synthesis.
The Grenning research laboratory aims to design new complexity-generating chemical reactions inspired by bioactive natural products. This strategy will provide rapid access to a variety of structurally complex bioactive molecules with high step-economy. We plan to utilize the reactions developed to prepare collections of natural product inspired molecules and gain insight into their biological activities.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; research faculty
We integrate tools in organic synthesis, enzymology, molecular biology, andcomputational methods to unravel complex biomolecular interactions and events. One ofour interest areas is carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry. For example we haveapplied kinetic isotope effects to understand glycosyltransferase mechanisms. A newproject area is focused on study of the biosynthesis of azasugars. These compounds arewell known glycosidase inhibitors that feature a nitrogen atom in the ring, rather thanoxygen. How and why these compounds are produced in bacteria and plants is an ongoingquestion we are investigating. In another project area, we chemically synthesize newprobes and use homology modeling to define structural, functional, and selectivityfeatures of the ligand binding domain within the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Thisis part of a long standing collaboration with Dr. Roger Papke of the University ofFlorida Pharmacology Department.
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; organic; organometallic; synthesis
Our research involves applications of organometallic chemistry to problems in materials deposition. Recent areas of research include chemical vapor deposition of inorganic films that are of interest for manufacture of semiconductor devices and OLEDs, organometallic precursors for electron beam-induced deposition of nanostructures, and precursors for photochemical metallization of thermally sensitive organic electronics.
Research Areas
organic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Our research group is focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel polymers. Two main research areas are explored.
The synthesis of new polymers from readily available biorenewable feedstocks with the specific intent of mimicking commodity thermoplastics. We use chemical approaches to innovate new polymers, focusing on the origin (birth), properties (life), and degradation (death) of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. By incorporating less-studied functional groups into the polymer chain, novel polymer behaviors can be effected. For example, water-degradable polymers can be constructed that do not require the more stringent conditions of biodegradation.
Prof. Miller appears on TV20 to discuss Plastics from Wood
The development of organometallic, single-site catalysts for the polymerization of olefins to polyolefins having novel structure and properties. The catalytic behavior of single-site catalysts can be precisely tuned to afford interesting and commercially promising materials from simple and inexpensive olefins. We target syndiotactic polymers, branched-polyethylene, elastomeric polyolefins, and a variety of copolymers that can only be achieved with carefully engineered organometallic catalysts.
Research Areas
organic
Research Areas
organic; synthesis
Daniel Seidel is joining the faculty of the Department of Chemistry in August, 2017, as Professor of Chemistry. Professor Seidel has an international reputation in the area of synthetic organic chemistry, his interests focusing mainly on synthesis and catalysis with an emphasis on nitrogen containing compounds The broad interests of his research group are consistent with the Department’s initiative to increase visibility in the area of discovery chemistry. Dr. Seidel has published over 90 peer-reviewed papers. Among other honors, he has been an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, a Humboldt Research Fellow and a Fellow of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
We develop new methods for asymmetric organic synthesis based on enzymes. These efforts include the discovery of novel enzymes by computational and experimental approaches, the development of strategies to rapidly assess their catalytic properties, their applications to organic synthesis and solving problems associated with reaction scale-up.
A second part of our research focuses on developing “smart” nanostructures that assemble and disassemble in response to environmental cues. This project is a collaboration with groups in the Department of Chemistry (Martin) and the Department of Anesthesiology (Dennis and Rogers). We combine our expertise in synthesis and biochemistry with our collaborators’ strengths in nanotechnology and medicine.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
We are interested in materials composed of well-defined polymers with selected functionality, composition, and molecular architecture. Particular focus is on water-soluble polymers that are stimuli-responsive. Such “smart” polymers have the ability to self-assemble or dissociate in solution in response to changes in their surroundings. Potential target applications include controlled and targeted drug delivery, surface modification, and self-healing materials. Our interests are at the interface of bio-, organic, nano-, and polymer chemistry, with particular focus on fusing the fields to prepare materials with synergistic properties.
1.Functional polymer synthesis and efficient polymer modification via specific and orthogonal methodologies. A significant effort is dedicated to devising new synthetic routes to functional macromolecules. In addition to relying on living/controlled radical polymerization techniques to prepare polymers of controlled molecular weight and retained end group functionality, highly efficient postpolymerization modification is required to incorporate functionality not easily included in monomer, initiator, or chain transfer agents. Many chemical transformations employed in organic synthesis do not demonstrate the same degree of efficiency and orthogonality when used for functionalization of high molecular weight macromolecules. Therefore, a significant effort in our group has involved the extension of “click chemistry” methodologies for functional polymer synthesis.
2.Stimuli-responsive water-soluble block copolymers. The solution behavior of polymers that exhibit “smart” behavior in aqueous media is being investigated. Responsive block copolymers can be induced to form micelles, vesicles, or gels, and may ultimately lead to new applications in controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, and surface biocompatibilization.
3.Dynamic-covalent macromolecular materials. By constructing macromolecular assemblies with linkages that are reversibly covalent, we prepare new materials with the ability to adapt their structure, constitution, and reactivity depending on the nature of the surrounding environment. Reversibility being a key attribute, these systems offer versatility typically associated with supramolecular materials (dynamic rearrangement, self-assembly, self-repair, etc.), while maintaining the integrity and robust nature of covalently formed polymers. Materials constructed via covalent bonds that can be triggered to dissociate in response to specific chemical stimuli include smart nanoparticles, organogels, and self-healing coatings.
4.Smart polymer-protein bioconjugates. Modifying biological molecules with “smart” polymers provides a means to externally control the solubility and activity of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Examples of such hybrid materials include polymer-protein conjugates in which the activity, stability, or solubility of the protein can be tuned by capitalizing on the responsive nature of the immobilized synthetic polymer.
Research Areas
organic; polymer; synthesis
The common theme that defines our research relates to synthetic polymer chemistry and how it might be used in creating well defined polymer structures. A large part of our work is devoted metathesis reactions, where the research has been mechanistic in nature. We immerse ourselves in the chemistry associated with creating new polymers, and we also find ourselves interested in modeling well known materials, like polyethylene, to better understand their behavior.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Florida, Gainesville. George B. Butler Professor of Polymer Chemistry and Director, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Teaching, research, and administration related to organic and polymer chemistry. Research group pioneered acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization, engaged in synthesis of precision model polymers for polyolefins, biologically directed polymers, morphological investigation of fuel cell membrane polymers, preparation of latent silicon elastomer structures. Joined faculty as Associate Professor of Chemistry in 1984. ADMET reaction now found in textbooks, internationally recognized as an integral part of poly-mer chemistry. 110 Students (undergrad, grad, and postdoc) have passed through research group to date.
Akzo Nobel nv, American Enka Research, Enka, NC. 1973 – 1984. Research Department Head and Technical Director. Directed activities related to polymerizations and structure/property determinations – research in medical membranes, nylon, polyester & cellulose fibers, biopolymers, polymerization catalysis, conductive polymers, poly-mer decomposition, and NMMO solvents for cellulose. Employed in various positions within this Dutch & German corporation. Continuous consulting in Europe with Akzo Nobel and sister companies the past 25 years.
Promoted four times during this eleven year period (Research Department Head; Membrane Research Section Head; Research Scientist, Polymers; Senior Research Chemist) – served as Technical Director /Membrana, Inc. (an AKZO new venture in California), the last position I held prior to entering academics.
University of North Carolina at Asheville, NC 1975 – 1984 Adjunct Professor of Chemistry. Evening teaching of organic and polymer courses (two courses each year) while working at Akzo Nobel during the day.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
organic; organometallic; synthesis
Research in our lab is directed at the development of new synthetic methodology to address difficulties in target-oriented synthesis. To control specificity, nature has evolved enzymes that perform chemical reactions with exquisite chemo- diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Our goal is to develop new small molecule catalysts that exhibit synthetically useful levels of selectivity in new chemical transformations. The significance of this work lies in its application to synthesis. Particular attention is given to bioactive natural products with interesting molecular architecture, wherein the objective is to develop efficient synthetic strategies that facilitate extensive structural modifications to probe biological activity. Students in our group will be exposed to the full repertoire of reactions and learn the analytical skills to plan, execute, and optimize reaction sequences.
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; organic; organometallic; synthesis
Our research involves applications of organometallic chemistry to problems in materials deposition. Recent areas of research include chemical vapor deposition of inorganic films that are of interest for manufacture of semiconductor devices and OLEDs, organometallic precursors for electron beam-induced deposition of nanostructures, and precursors for photochemical metallization of thermally sensitive organic electronics.
Research Areas
organic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Our research group is focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel polymers. Two main research areas are explored.
The synthesis of new polymers from readily available biorenewable feedstocks with the specific intent of mimicking commodity thermoplastics. We use chemical approaches to innovate new polymers, focusing on the origin (birth), properties (life), and degradation (death) of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. By incorporating less-studied functional groups into the polymer chain, novel polymer behaviors can be effected. For example, water-degradable polymers can be constructed that do not require the more stringent conditions of biodegradation.
Prof. Miller appears on TV20 to discuss Plastics from Wood
The development of organometallic, single-site catalysts for the polymerization of olefins to polyolefins having novel structure and properties. The catalytic behavior of single-site catalysts can be precisely tuned to afford interesting and commercially promising materials from simple and inexpensive olefins. We target syndiotactic polymers, branched-polyethylene, elastomeric polyolefins, and a variety of copolymers that can only be achieved with carefully engineered organometallic catalysts.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; synthesis
Bioinspired Metal Complexes as Catalysts
Our focus is to design, synthesize, and evaluate transition metal complexes for small molecule activation. In particular, our group is interested in energy-related processes, such as water oxidation, carbon dioxide reduction, and dioxygen reduction.
Metal clusters housed within the active sites of proteins carry out basic and challenging redox reactions, such as carbon dioxide reduction or nitrogen fixation. We expect that well-defined and tunable metal clusters can function as highly efficient catalysts in synthetic systems. Our goal is to develop multimetallic complexes in which a tunable ligands controls the assembly and environment of each metal ion within a cluster (e.g., donor atom type, metal-metal distance). Importantly, one design criterion is that complexes retain an active site, which we anticipate will afford selective reactivity with substrates and increase the catalytic efficiency.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; research faculty
The focus of our group is the study of kinetics. By learning about the kinetics of chemical processes, we can deduce a mechanistic scheme of how chemical transformations occur. Kinetics also allow for understanding the factors that influence the progression of reactions. This knowledge permits us to make changes in the reaction conditions and/or reagents to manipulate the reaction to suit our needs. A number of physical methods are used by our group to probe reaction kinetics including NMR and UV-Vis. From the data compiled, mathematical equations can be developed to describe the chemical process. Computer simulation may be necessary when reactions are too complex for simple mathematical modeling. Our current research interests fall into a couple of broad categories including chemical warfare agent decontamination and transition metal catalysis.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; organometallic; research faculty
Our group is currently divided between three different materials chemistry and biomaterials chemistry projects. The theme that unites them is an understanding of the importance of surfaces and interfaces.
Magnetic nanostructures and thin films. The first series of projects centers on magnetism and related properties in nanostructures and thin films of synthetic inorganic networks. This class of materials differs from traditional magnets in that synthetic chemistry can be used to prepare systems that combine properties, such as photomagnetism.
Biomolecules at inorganic interfaces. This series of projects probes the binding of biomolecules to synthetic inorganic surfaces. Biomolecule adsorption at surfaces is important for many applications, including sensing and biochip technologies. We develop inorganic surface chemistry aimed a introducing specific ligand/metal interactions that can be used to bind and orient biomolecules at surfaces.
Biomineralization. Our understanding of organic/inorganic interfaces is used to explore important biomineralization processes. Biological inorganic solids generally grow with the help of a biomolecule interface. We are exploring the details of these processes in both purposeful biominerals, such as in shells and bones, and pathological biominerals, such as kidney stones.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Overview
Our research group is primarily interested in the design, synthesis, isolation, and characterization of novel inorganic molecules. Our efforts are concentrated towards building new complexes that either model or affect new small molecule transformations relevant to the industrial sector. We undertake detailed mechanistic studies in order to uncover subtle details of catalytic processes in hopes of building upon or challenging current models of molecular structure, periodic trends, reactivity, and bonding.
Methods
Students will become experts in the art of air-sensitive molecular manipulations that require the careful use of ultra-high vacuum-line and inert glove-box techniques. Students will become familiar with a variety of spectroscopic methods. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography will be applied extensively.
Outlook
We hope our work will reveal new catalytic transformations that convert inexpensive commodity or feedstock compounds into higher value products for upstream use in specialty chemical synthesis, polymer synthesis, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. We expect to build new molecules that defend or challenge current mechanistic models.
On April 13, 2017, the University of Florida Research Foundation named Professor Adam Veige as one of 34 UFRF Professors for 2017-2020. UF recognizes faculty members for having distinguished current records of research and strong research agendas likely to lead to continuing distinction in their fields.
In August, 2017, Professor Adam Veige was awarded a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship for Research in Japan. Researchers of all countries having diplomatic relations with Japan are eligible for this fellowship. Japanese researchers who wish to host overseas researchers in Japan can submit applications. Dr. Veige was nominated by his host researcher, Yasuyuki Tezuka, of Tokyo Institute of Technology. Their research theme was, “Precision Designing of Cyclic Polymers for Innovative Soft Materials.”
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
biophysical; physical; research faculty
Photosynthesis:
We utilize modern EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) methods at X-band (9.6 GHz) as well as at ultra-high frequencies (94- 670 GHz) to obtain structural and dynamic information about paramagnetic states in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes. This leads to a better understanding of fundamental electron and triplet energy transfer processes in plant and bacterial photosynthesis.
Mn-Containing Enzymes:
We are developing new pulsed and high-field EPR methods to obtain structural information about the coordination environment of Mn(II) and Mn(III) species in synthetic model systems and in the Mn-dependent enzyme oxalate decarboxylase. The investigation of transient intermediates in the enzyme-substrate complex is expected to reveal the reaction mechanism.
Urate-Derived Free Radicals:
We are using EPR spin trapping in conjunction with other spectroscopies (UV/VIS, HPLC, mass spec, etc.) to identify the radical intermediates in the reaction of uric acid with biological oxidants. This research is performed in collaboration with Prof. Richard Johnson at the Dept. of Nephrology and has potential wide ranging implications on the mechanisms of diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Research Areas
physical; theoretical
Rod Bartlett pioneered the development of coupled-cluster (CC) theory in quantum chemistry to offer highly accurate solutions of the Schroedinger equation for molecular structure and spectra, presenting the CCSD, CCSD[T], CCSDT, CCSDT[Qf], and CCSDTQ methods among many others. He extended the CC theory to excited, ionized, and electron attached states with his equation-of-motion EOM-CC methods. His group formulated analytical gradient theory for CC theory, making it possible to readily search potential energy surfaces and to provide vibrational spectra. His group introduced the STEOM-CC extensions for excited states.
His group is also responsible for the widely used ACES II and massively parallel ACES III program system. He is the author of more than 500 journal articles and book chapters. He is the co-author with Isaiah Shavitt of the definitive book on coupled-cluster theory, “Many-Body Methods in Chemistry and Physics: MBPT and Coupled-Cluster theory,” Cambridge Press, 2009.
Research topics include:
* The search for metastable, high-energy density molecules (HEDM) like N4 N8, and N5-, which he has long predicted to exist. (The pentazole anion, an aromatic five-membered ring, was recently observed for the first time in negative ion mass spectra and in solution by NMR, verifying his prediction).
* Non-linear optical properties of molecules, where his work resolved long-standing discrepancies between theory and electric-field induced second and third harmonic generation experiments. The new theory produced in this work introduced any-order time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory for frequency dependent properties and that for the initial time-dependent CC results.
* Carbon clusters, where his work on the rhombic form of C4, which he found to be competitive in stability with its linear triplet form, has been instrumental in the closed-shell vs. open-shell debate about small carbon clusters. Cyclic forms of C5 and C6 have been observed spectroscopically, while reports of rhombic C4 have been reported in Coulomb explosion experiments.
* NMR coupling constants. His EOM-CCSD work is the first to offer predictive results for NMR coupling constants whose average errors are~ 3Hz. With this tool, he provided fingerprints for the non-classical bridged H atom in ethylcarbenium and the bridged, pentacoordinate C atom in the 2-norbornyl cation which had resisted experimental determination. The latter results are also in exceptional agreement with the coupling constants that could be obtained experimentally by Olah, substantiating the accuracy of his predictions. For H bonds he provides formulae to relate the two-atom coupling constant to the distance between the atoms that are H-bonded which provides a new probe to assist biomolecular structure determination that is complementary to Xray determination where the H atoms cannot be observed.
His group continually introduces new correlated quantum chemical methods:
* New correlated methods for polymers, recently reporting the first CCSD results.
* Ab Initio density functional theory, an approach that unlike other current hybrid or gradient corrected DFT methods has to converge to the right answer in the limit like ab initio quantum chemistry. The most recent work derives the exact exchange-correlation potential of DFT from coupled-cluster theory, making a seamless connection between wave-function theory and density functional theory.
* The “transfer Hamiltonian” procedure to make it possible to do quantum mechanically based, “predictive” simulations for materials.
* The natural linear scaled NLSCC methods for very large molecules.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
The Bowers research is presently focused on the mechanisms for nuclear spin order enhancement (e.g. hyperpolarization) for magnetic resonance sensitivity enhancement and the application to problems of importance in materials science and biochemical-physics. Areas of recent research activity include the following: (i) adsorption, diffusion and exchange in nanotube materials for gas separations (ii) studies of dynamics, order/disorder and porosity in polymers by solid state NMR (iii) xenon NMR as a probe of anesthetic properties in lipid membrane bilayers (iv) resistively detected NMR studies in the regime of the quantum Hall effect in GaAs Quantum Wells (v) optically pumped NMR studies.
Research Areas
physical; research faculty
Chemistry is the science of making new molecules, understanding and predicting their properties, and controlling and manipulating those properties toward our own end. It is natural to push the limits of such a strategy by attempting to synthesize more and more bizarre molecules with exotic and unpredictable properties. My interests include making small molecules (ions) with unusual chemical bonds and measuring their detailed quantum-mechanical structure spectroscopically, i.e, with light. This quest has largely focused on open-shell species containing transition-metals, and sometimes even rare-gas atoms, isolated in the gas-phase and cooled to nearly absolute zero of temperature.
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; synthesis
Christou group research is in the synthesis and study of polynuclear transition metal cluster compounds of relevance to several areas, including bioinorganic and materials chemistry. We develop synthetic routes to novel, high nuclearity clusters of the 3d metals V to Cu, with the largest to date being a Mn84 wheel-like compound. We have a particularly strong interest in clusters of Mn and Fe for their often unusual and even unique magnetic properties, such as abnormally high numbers of unpaired electrons and the resulting ability to function as nanoscale magnets. These have potential applications to high-density information storage and quantum computing, which has made them of great interest to chemists, physicists and materials scientists alike. We employ a variety of characterization techniques, including NMR and EPR spectroscopies, electrochemistry, magnetochemistry, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.
Research Areas
biochemistry; biophysical; organic; physical; polymer; theoretical
Professor Colina was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously a faculty member at Simán Bolívar University and joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University as Associate Professor in January 2007. She won the 1999 Award for Outstanding Teaching Achievement (at the Assistant Professor level) at Simán Bolívar University, as well as several other awards from the Venezuelan’s National Committees from the Development of Higher Education and for the Academic Advancement.
Coray has several international collaborations and has presented the results of her research globally in more than 100 national and international conferences. She has published over 51 papers (including conference proceedings).
Research Areas
physical; scientist; theoretical
My research focus is molecular reaction dynamics including explicit non-adiabatic effects. This is done by solving the Schrodinger equation for the coupled system of nuclei and electrons in the molecules. The method is called END for electron nuclear dynamics. During 2005-2008 we are developing a new wave function for such dynamics called VHF for vector Hartree-Fock. This is based on a fully dynamic, non-orthogonal, multi-configurational wave function.
My second interest is in applying modern software engineering techniques to create reliable high-performance software for the solving this coupled system numerically. I have been working with Prof. Rod Bartlett since 2003 on a new architecture for parallel software and a new programming language called SIAL for super instruction assemble language. This software design is used in the new parallel version ACES III of the electronic structure software developed by Dr. Bartlett and his collaborators.
The parallel scaling performance and absolute performance of the new software is surprisingly good.
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; physical; polymer; research faculty
To address questions regarding structure, function, dynamics, and conformational sampling of biomolecules, our lab utilizes a suite of magnetic resonance techniques. These spectroscopic methods include site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We investigate a diversity of biological systems including binding, structure, and dynamics of membrane associated proteins, conformational changes in RNA riboswitch folding pathways, dynamics of natively unstructured proteins, and conformational sampling in HIV-1 protease.
Research Areas
biophysical; nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
New materials with novel photophysical properties are crucial for developing revolutionary molecular-photonic and -electronic components.
We aim at the understanding and control of light-matter interactions and thus discovering new materials for photonics applcations.
Two areas of research are explored in our laboratory. The first one involves the probe of chemical systems in condensed phase, with interest in the energy-transfer area. The goal is to understand novel properties arising not from the accumulation of single units, but those that derive from a macromolecule or polymer as a whole. Central to the project is the use of ultrafast spectroscopy to study energy transport in dendrimers and conjugated polymers whose electronic and optical properties can be chemically controlled at the molecular level.
The second area focus in the control of photochemical reactions through the use of ultrashort phase modulated excitation pulses.
Chemists have long sought to control the branching ratios and product yields of photochemical reactions. Recently, such control became attainable by manipulating the phase properties of excitation pulses, creating quantum mechanical interferences, which ultimately change the reaction outcome. In our lab, processes like isomerization, are investigated, seeking the understanding and control of the reaction mechanisms.
Research Areas
physical; theoretical
Our research deals with theoretical and computational aspects of molecular and materials sciences, with emphasis on the unified treatment of physical and chemical kinetics using quantum molecular dynamics. It includes collision-induced and photoinduced phenomena in the gas phase, clusters, and at solid surfaces. Our aim is to provide a fundamental approach to molecular dynamics, where electronic and nuclear motions are consistently coupled to account for quantal effects. We use quantum and statistical mechanics, mathematical, and computational methods, to describe time-dependent phenomena (such as femtosecond dynamics and spectra) in both simple and complex molecular systems.
Research Areas
analytical; physical; research faculty
Research in our group focuses on increasing the structural information from mass spectrometry measurements for bioanalytical applications. We make use of physical chemistry tools, such as lasers, and develop methods and instrumentation that allow other physical parameters of the ions to be characterized (e.g. infrared absorption), so that “more than the mass” of the ions can be determined. Topical projects include 1) the structural elucidation of metabolites (and other small molecules) based on cryogenic IR spectra, and 2) the differentiation of oligosaccharides based on IR fragmentation patterns.
Research Areas
biophysical; physical; theoretical
His main research interest is in accurate calculations of biologically relevant molecular systems and processes using proven methods from Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Dynamics. He is also interested in advanced visualization.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; physical; polymer; synthesis
U.F. Welcomes Dr. Daniel Savin to the Chemistry Department Faculty and Polymer Research
Professor Daniel Savin received a BS in chemistry (1995) from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. While there he worked for Prof. Kerry Karukstis in the area of biophysical chemistry. He went to graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University where he received an MS in polymer science (1997) and a PhD in chemistry (2002) working for Prof. Gary Patterson. After a postdoctoral position with Prof. Timothy Lodge at the University of Minnesota, he began his independent research career in 2003 at the University of Vermont (UVM) in the Department of Chemistry. He moved to the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2008, and joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida in 2015.
Research Areas
physical; theoretical
The Stanton Research Group investigates theoretical chemical physics, particularly quantum chemistry and its application to problems in molecular spectroscopy.
Education
Research Areas
affiliate; affiliate, courtesy, and joint faculty; physical
Research Areas
analytical; inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; research faculty
The goal of this team is to develop a vibrant and productive research program focusing on discovering novel electronic and optical properties of metallic and semiconductor nanomaterials and their implications for electronics, photonics, energy, and biomedicine. A fundamental understanding of the structure-dependent localized optical properties of nanostructures with sub-10 nm resolution will lead to comprehensive knowledge of the surface plasmon-directed growth of novel anisotropic nanostructures, and design rules for the synthesis and fabrication of hybrid nanostructures with optimized properties for solar energy harvesting, conversion and storage, photocatalysis, and chemical and biological detection. All these projects are high impact and interdisciplinary in nature that combine analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and materials science and engineering. These exciting, multidisciplinary projects will be launched this August. Postdocs, graduate students and undergraduates who are interested in joining our team are more than welcome to contact me at wei@chem.ufl.edu.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
Research in my laboratory uses organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopic methods, and computation to design, prepare, and study novel organic molecules that show unique and useful behavior. In this context we are particularly interested in predicting and controlling properties that emerge when individual molecules aggregate, by weak noncovalent interactions, in solution. The phenomenon is called “self-assembly,” and it is a process borrowed from nature to achieve complexity rapidly and reversibly (e.g., assembly of the DNA duplex or binding of a receptor to its enzymatic target). It is also the central theme of supramolecular chemistry, an established field that studies chemistry “beyond the molecule.” Our specific areas of interest and expertise include: stereoelectronic effects in supramolecular chemistry, construction of novel donor-acceptor molecules with useful electronic or optical properties, functional molecules (for materials and/or sensing applications) from biorelevant building blocks, and molecular-based strategies to novel therapeutics.
Research Areas
biochemistry; biophysical; organic; physical; polymer; theoretical
Professor Colina was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously a faculty member at Simán Bolívar University and joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University as Associate Professor in January 2007. She won the 1999 Award for Outstanding Teaching Achievement (at the Assistant Professor level) at Simán Bolívar University, as well as several other awards from the Venezuelan’s National Committees from the Development of Higher Education and for the Academic Advancement.
Coray has several international collaborations and has presented the results of her research globally in more than 100 national and international conferences. She has published over 51 papers (including conference proceedings).
Research Areas
bioanalytical; biochemistry; biophysical; physical; polymer; research faculty
To address questions regarding structure, function, dynamics, and conformational sampling of biomolecules, our lab utilizes a suite of magnetic resonance techniques. These spectroscopic methods include site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We investigate a diversity of biological systems including binding, structure, and dynamics of membrane associated proteins, conformational changes in RNA riboswitch folding pathways, dynamics of natively unstructured proteins, and conformational sampling in HIV-1 protease.
Research Areas
organic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Our research group is focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel polymers. Two main research areas are explored.
The synthesis of new polymers from readily available biorenewable feedstocks with the specific intent of mimicking commodity thermoplastics. We use chemical approaches to innovate new polymers, focusing on the origin (birth), properties (life), and degradation (death) of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. By incorporating less-studied functional groups into the polymer chain, novel polymer behaviors can be effected. For example, water-degradable polymers can be constructed that do not require the more stringent conditions of biodegradation.
Prof. Miller appears on TV20 to discuss Plastics from Wood
The development of organometallic, single-site catalysts for the polymerization of olefins to polyolefins having novel structure and properties. The catalytic behavior of single-site catalysts can be precisely tuned to afford interesting and commercially promising materials from simple and inexpensive olefins. We target syndiotactic polymers, branched-polyethylene, elastomeric polyolefins, and a variety of copolymers that can only be achieved with carefully engineered organometallic catalysts.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; physical; polymer; synthesis
U.F. Welcomes Dr. Daniel Savin to the Chemistry Department Faculty and Polymer Research
Professor Daniel Savin received a BS in chemistry (1995) from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. While there he worked for Prof. Kerry Karukstis in the area of biophysical chemistry. He went to graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University where he received an MS in polymer science (1997) and a PhD in chemistry (2002) working for Prof. Gary Patterson. After a postdoctoral position with Prof. Timothy Lodge at the University of Minnesota, he began his independent research career in 2003 at the University of Vermont (UVM) in the Department of Chemistry. He moved to the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2008, and joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida in 2015.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
We are interested in materials composed of well-defined polymers with selected functionality, composition, and molecular architecture. Particular focus is on water-soluble polymers that are stimuli-responsive. Such “smart” polymers have the ability to self-assemble or dissociate in solution in response to changes in their surroundings. Potential target applications include controlled and targeted drug delivery, surface modification, and self-healing materials. Our interests are at the interface of bio-, organic, nano-, and polymer chemistry, with particular focus on fusing the fields to prepare materials with synergistic properties.
1.Functional polymer synthesis and efficient polymer modification via specific and orthogonal methodologies. A significant effort is dedicated to devising new synthetic routes to functional macromolecules. In addition to relying on living/controlled radical polymerization techniques to prepare polymers of controlled molecular weight and retained end group functionality, highly efficient postpolymerization modification is required to incorporate functionality not easily included in monomer, initiator, or chain transfer agents. Many chemical transformations employed in organic synthesis do not demonstrate the same degree of efficiency and orthogonality when used for functionalization of high molecular weight macromolecules. Therefore, a significant effort in our group has involved the extension of “click chemistry” methodologies for functional polymer synthesis.
2.Stimuli-responsive water-soluble block copolymers. The solution behavior of polymers that exhibit “smart” behavior in aqueous media is being investigated. Responsive block copolymers can be induced to form micelles, vesicles, or gels, and may ultimately lead to new applications in controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, and surface biocompatibilization.
3.Dynamic-covalent macromolecular materials. By constructing macromolecular assemblies with linkages that are reversibly covalent, we prepare new materials with the ability to adapt their structure, constitution, and reactivity depending on the nature of the surrounding environment. Reversibility being a key attribute, these systems offer versatility typically associated with supramolecular materials (dynamic rearrangement, self-assembly, self-repair, etc.), while maintaining the integrity and robust nature of covalently formed polymers. Materials constructed via covalent bonds that can be triggered to dissociate in response to specific chemical stimuli include smart nanoparticles, organogels, and self-healing coatings.
4.Smart polymer-protein bioconjugates. Modifying biological molecules with “smart” polymers provides a means to externally control the solubility and activity of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Examples of such hybrid materials include polymer-protein conjugates in which the activity, stability, or solubility of the protein can be tuned by capitalizing on the responsive nature of the immobilized synthetic polymer.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Overview
Our research group is primarily interested in the design, synthesis, isolation, and characterization of novel inorganic molecules. Our efforts are concentrated towards building new complexes that either model or affect new small molecule transformations relevant to the industrial sector. We undertake detailed mechanistic studies in order to uncover subtle details of catalytic processes in hopes of building upon or challenging current models of molecular structure, periodic trends, reactivity, and bonding.
Methods
Students will become experts in the art of air-sensitive molecular manipulations that require the careful use of ultra-high vacuum-line and inert glove-box techniques. Students will become familiar with a variety of spectroscopic methods. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography will be applied extensively.
Outlook
We hope our work will reveal new catalytic transformations that convert inexpensive commodity or feedstock compounds into higher value products for upstream use in specialty chemical synthesis, polymer synthesis, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. We expect to build new molecules that defend or challenge current mechanistic models.
On April 13, 2017, the University of Florida Research Foundation named Professor Adam Veige as one of 34 UFRF Professors for 2017-2020. UF recognizes faculty members for having distinguished current records of research and strong research agendas likely to lead to continuing distinction in their fields.
In August, 2017, Professor Adam Veige was awarded a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship for Research in Japan. Researchers of all countries having diplomatic relations with Japan are eligible for this fellowship. Japanese researchers who wish to host overseas researchers in Japan can submit applications. Dr. Veige was nominated by his host researcher, Yasuyuki Tezuka, of Tokyo Institute of Technology. Their research theme was, “Precision Designing of Cyclic Polymers for Innovative Soft Materials.”
Research Areas
organic; polymer; synthesis
The common theme that defines our research relates to synthetic polymer chemistry and how it might be used in creating well defined polymer structures. A large part of our work is devoted metathesis reactions, where the research has been mechanistic in nature. We immerse ourselves in the chemistry associated with creating new polymers, and we also find ourselves interested in modeling well known materials, like polyethylene, to better understand their behavior.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Florida, Gainesville. George B. Butler Professor of Polymer Chemistry and Director, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Teaching, research, and administration related to organic and polymer chemistry. Research group pioneered acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization, engaged in synthesis of precision model polymers for polyolefins, biologically directed polymers, morphological investigation of fuel cell membrane polymers, preparation of latent silicon elastomer structures. Joined faculty as Associate Professor of Chemistry in 1984. ADMET reaction now found in textbooks, internationally recognized as an integral part of poly-mer chemistry. 110 Students (undergrad, grad, and postdoc) have passed through research group to date.
Akzo Nobel nv, American Enka Research, Enka, NC. 1973 – 1984. Research Department Head and Technical Director. Directed activities related to polymerizations and structure/property determinations – research in medical membranes, nylon, polyester & cellulose fibers, biopolymers, polymerization catalysis, conductive polymers, poly-mer decomposition, and NMMO solvents for cellulose. Employed in various positions within this Dutch & German corporation. Continuous consulting in Europe with Akzo Nobel and sister companies the past 25 years.
Promoted four times during this eleven year period (Research Department Head; Membrane Research Section Head; Research Scientist, Polymers; Senior Research Chemist) – served as Technical Director /Membrana, Inc. (an AKZO new venture in California), the last position I held prior to entering academics.
University of North Carolina at Asheville, NC 1975 – 1984 Adjunct Professor of Chemistry. Evening teaching of organic and polymer courses (two courses each year) while working at Akzo Nobel during the day.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
organic; organometallic; synthesis
Research in our lab is directed at the development of new synthetic methodology to address difficulties in target-oriented synthesis. To control specificity, nature has evolved enzymes that perform chemical reactions with exquisite chemo- diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Our goal is to develop new small molecule catalysts that exhibit synthetically useful levels of selectivity in new chemical transformations. The significance of this work lies in its application to synthesis. Particular attention is given to bioactive natural products with interesting molecular architecture, wherein the objective is to develop efficient synthetic strategies that facilitate extensive structural modifications to probe biological activity. Students in our group will be exposed to the full repertoire of reactions and learn the analytical skills to plan, execute, and optimize reaction sequences.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
Structurally complex natural products, such as the medicinally relevant antibiotics vancomycin and erthromycin, are biosynthesized by large, macromolecular enzyme assemblies. These assemblies frequently orchestrate difficult and interesting chemical transformations t construct diverse molecular scaffolds. Our research group will use the tools of synthetic organic chemistry, enzymology and structural biology to dissect the mechanism of these systems. A detailed understanding of the biosynthesis of natural products will be extended to the development of new synthetic methodology and to the engineering of biological systems to produce novel molecules with desired properties.
Research Areas
biochemistry; synthesis
Our group is interested in how organisms use small molecules to communicate information. Caenorhabditis elegans (a small roundworm) is a genetically tractable organism that relies on a fine-tuned sense of smell and taste when interacting with other members of its species and with its environment. Thus, C. elegans represents an ideal system for studying the role of environmental cues, such as pheromones and nutritional signals, in modulating development and other complex processes. Our group will use NMR-based small molecule structure elucidation, chemical synthesis, chemical genetics, and biochemical/biological assays to identify the chemical nature of these cues and their mechanism of action. This work will provide fundamental new insights into how environmental signals influence development, metabolism, behavior, and aging in C. elegans and in higher organisms.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
Research in my laboratory uses organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopic methods, and computation to design, prepare, and study novel organic molecules that show unique and useful behavior. In this context we are particularly interested in predicting and controlling properties that emerge when individual molecules aggregate, by weak noncovalent interactions, in solution. The phenomenon is called “self-assembly,” and it is a process borrowed from nature to achieve complexity rapidly and reversibly (e.g., assembly of the DNA duplex or binding of a receptor to its enzymatic target). It is also the central theme of supramolecular chemistry, an established field that studies chemistry “beyond the molecule.” Our specific areas of interest and expertise include: stereoelectronic effects in supramolecular chemistry, construction of novel donor-acceptor molecules with useful electronic or optical properties, functional molecules (for materials and/or sensing applications) from biorelevant building blocks, and molecular-based strategies to novel therapeutics.
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; physical; synthesis
Christou group research is in the synthesis and study of polynuclear transition metal cluster compounds of relevance to several areas, including bioinorganic and materials chemistry. We develop synthetic routes to novel, high nuclearity clusters of the 3d metals V to Cu, with the largest to date being a Mn84 wheel-like compound. We have a particularly strong interest in clusters of Mn and Fe for their often unusual and even unique magnetic properties, such as abnormally high numbers of unpaired electrons and the resulting ability to function as nanoscale magnets. These have potential applications to high-density information storage and quantum computing, which has made them of great interest to chemists, physicists and materials scientists alike. We employ a variety of characterization techniques, including NMR and EPR spectroscopies, electrochemistry, magnetochemistry, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.
Research Areas
organic; synthesis
The Dolbier research program is dedicated mainly to the synthesis and study of compounds containing fluorine. Organic compounds that contain fluorine are of vital interest and importance to virtually every area of modern technology, including polymers, pharmaceutical/agrochemical products, and material science. Because of the special synthetic challenges that it presents, and because of the unique structure/reactivity relationships observed for fluorine-containing compounds, the field of organofluorine chemistry is one of both fundamental and practical interest. In our case this is reflected by the projects in the group, which are a mixture of fundamental and applied projects. Although we remain interested in the fundamental aspects of reactivity of fluorinated molecules and reactive intermediates, our major research interests now involve the development of new synthetic methods for incorporation of fluorine into organic molecules, mainly through the invention and development of new fluorinated “building blocks.”
Research Areas
organic; synthesis
Natural products are prized for the potential as pharmaceutical agents. A common bottleneck toward their application in disease treatment is their limited natural abundance and/or inefficient laboratory synthesis.
The Grenning research laboratory aims to design new complexity-generating chemical reactions inspired by bioactive natural products. This strategy will provide rapid access to a variety of structurally complex bioactive molecules with high step-economy. We plan to utilize the reactions developed to prepare collections of natural product inspired molecules and gain insight into their biological activities.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
Research Areas
inorganic; nanochemistry; organic; organometallic; synthesis
Our research involves applications of organometallic chemistry to problems in materials deposition. Recent areas of research include chemical vapor deposition of inorganic films that are of interest for manufacture of semiconductor devices and OLEDs, organometallic precursors for electron beam-induced deposition of nanostructures, and precursors for photochemical metallization of thermally sensitive organic electronics.
Research Areas
organic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Our research group is focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel polymers. Two main research areas are explored.
The synthesis of new polymers from readily available biorenewable feedstocks with the specific intent of mimicking commodity thermoplastics. We use chemical approaches to innovate new polymers, focusing on the origin (birth), properties (life), and degradation (death) of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. By incorporating less-studied functional groups into the polymer chain, novel polymer behaviors can be effected. For example, water-degradable polymers can be constructed that do not require the more stringent conditions of biodegradation.
Prof. Miller appears on TV20 to discuss Plastics from Wood
The development of organometallic, single-site catalysts for the polymerization of olefins to polyolefins having novel structure and properties. The catalytic behavior of single-site catalysts can be precisely tuned to afford interesting and commercially promising materials from simple and inexpensive olefins. We target syndiotactic polymers, branched-polyethylene, elastomeric polyolefins, and a variety of copolymers that can only be achieved with carefully engineered organometallic catalysts.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; synthesis
Bioinspired Metal Complexes as Catalysts
Our focus is to design, synthesize, and evaluate transition metal complexes for small molecule activation. In particular, our group is interested in energy-related processes, such as water oxidation, carbon dioxide reduction, and dioxygen reduction.
Metal clusters housed within the active sites of proteins carry out basic and challenging redox reactions, such as carbon dioxide reduction or nitrogen fixation. We expect that well-defined and tunable metal clusters can function as highly efficient catalysts in synthetic systems. Our goal is to develop multimetallic complexes in which a tunable ligands controls the assembly and environment of each metal ion within a cluster (e.g., donor atom type, metal-metal distance). Importantly, one design criterion is that complexes retain an active site, which we anticipate will afford selective reactivity with substrates and increase the catalytic efficiency.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; physical; polymer; synthesis
U.F. Welcomes Dr. Daniel Savin to the Chemistry Department Faculty and Polymer Research
Professor Daniel Savin received a BS in chemistry (1995) from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. While there he worked for Prof. Kerry Karukstis in the area of biophysical chemistry. He went to graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University where he received an MS in polymer science (1997) and a PhD in chemistry (2002) working for Prof. Gary Patterson. After a postdoctoral position with Prof. Timothy Lodge at the University of Minnesota, he began his independent research career in 2003 at the University of Vermont (UVM) in the Department of Chemistry. He moved to the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2008, and joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida in 2015.
Research Areas
organic; synthesis
Daniel Seidel is joining the faculty of the Department of Chemistry in August, 2017, as Professor of Chemistry. Professor Seidel has an international reputation in the area of synthetic organic chemistry, his interests focusing mainly on synthesis and catalysis with an emphasis on nitrogen containing compounds The broad interests of his research group are consistent with the Department’s initiative to increase visibility in the area of discovery chemistry. Dr. Seidel has published over 90 peer-reviewed papers. Among other honors, he has been an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, a Humboldt Research Fellow and a Fellow of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science.
Research Areas
biochemistry; organic; synthesis
We develop new methods for asymmetric organic synthesis based on enzymes. These efforts include the discovery of novel enzymes by computational and experimental approaches, the development of strategies to rapidly assess their catalytic properties, their applications to organic synthesis and solving problems associated with reaction scale-up.
A second part of our research focuses on developing “smart” nanostructures that assemble and disassemble in response to environmental cues. This project is a collaboration with groups in the Department of Chemistry (Martin) and the Department of Anesthesiology (Dennis and Rogers). We combine our expertise in synthesis and biochemistry with our collaborators’ strengths in nanotechnology and medicine.
Research Areas
nanochemistry; organic; polymer; synthesis
We are interested in materials composed of well-defined polymers with selected functionality, composition, and molecular architecture. Particular focus is on water-soluble polymers that are stimuli-responsive. Such “smart” polymers have the ability to self-assemble or dissociate in solution in response to changes in their surroundings. Potential target applications include controlled and targeted drug delivery, surface modification, and self-healing materials. Our interests are at the interface of bio-, organic, nano-, and polymer chemistry, with particular focus on fusing the fields to prepare materials with synergistic properties.
1.Functional polymer synthesis and efficient polymer modification via specific and orthogonal methodologies. A significant effort is dedicated to devising new synthetic routes to functional macromolecules. In addition to relying on living/controlled radical polymerization techniques to prepare polymers of controlled molecular weight and retained end group functionality, highly efficient postpolymerization modification is required to incorporate functionality not easily included in monomer, initiator, or chain transfer agents. Many chemical transformations employed in organic synthesis do not demonstrate the same degree of efficiency and orthogonality when used for functionalization of high molecular weight macromolecules. Therefore, a significant effort in our group has involved the extension of “click chemistry” methodologies for functional polymer synthesis.
2.Stimuli-responsive water-soluble block copolymers. The solution behavior of polymers that exhibit “smart” behavior in aqueous media is being investigated. Responsive block copolymers can be induced to form micelles, vesicles, or gels, and may ultimately lead to new applications in controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, and surface biocompatibilization.
3.Dynamic-covalent macromolecular materials. By constructing macromolecular assemblies with linkages that are reversibly covalent, we prepare new materials with the ability to adapt their structure, constitution, and reactivity depending on the nature of the surrounding environment. Reversibility being a key attribute, these systems offer versatility typically associated with supramolecular materials (dynamic rearrangement, self-assembly, self-repair, etc.), while maintaining the integrity and robust nature of covalently formed polymers. Materials constructed via covalent bonds that can be triggered to dissociate in response to specific chemical stimuli include smart nanoparticles, organogels, and self-healing coatings.
4.Smart polymer-protein bioconjugates. Modifying biological molecules with “smart” polymers provides a means to externally control the solubility and activity of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Examples of such hybrid materials include polymer-protein conjugates in which the activity, stability, or solubility of the protein can be tuned by capitalizing on the responsive nature of the immobilized synthetic polymer.
Research Areas
inorganic; organometallic; polymer; synthesis
Overview
Our research group is primarily interested in the design, synthesis, isolation, and characterization of novel inorganic molecules. Our efforts are concentrated towards building new complexes that either model or affect new small molecule transformations relevant to the industrial sector. We undertake detailed mechanistic studies in order to uncover subtle details of catalytic processes in hopes of building upon or challenging current models of molecular structure, periodic trends, reactivity, and bonding.
Methods
Students will become experts in the art of air-sensitive molecular manipulations that require the careful use of ultra-high vacuum-line and inert glove-box techniques. Students will become familiar with a variety of spectroscopic methods. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography will be applied extensively.
Outlook
We hope our work will reveal new catalytic transformations that convert inexpensive commodity or feedstock compounds into higher value products for upstream use in specialty chemical synthesis, polymer synthesis, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. We expect to build new molecules that defend or challenge current mechanistic models.
On April 13, 2017, the University of Florida Research Foundation named Professor Adam Veige as one of 34 UFRF Professors for 2017-2020. UF recognizes faculty members for having distinguished current records of research and strong research agendas likely to lead to continuing distinction in their fields.
In August, 2017, Professor Adam Veige was awarded a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship for Research in Japan. Researchers of all countries having diplomatic relations with Japan are eligible for this fellowship. Japanese researchers who wish to host overseas researchers in Japan can submit applications. Dr. Veige was nominated by his host researcher, Yasuyuki Tezuka, of Tokyo Institute of Technology. Their research theme was, “Precision Designing of Cyclic Polymers for Innovative Soft Materials.”
Research Areas
organic; polymer; synthesis
The common theme that defines our research relates to synthetic polymer chemistry and how it might be used in creating well defined polymer structures. A large part of our work is devoted metathesis reactions, where the research has been mechanistic in nature. We immerse ourselves in the chemistry associated with creating new polymers, and we also find ourselves interested in modeling well known materials, like polyethylene, to better understand their behavior.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Florida, Gainesville. George B. Butler Professor of Polymer Chemistry and Director, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Teaching, research, and administration related to organic and polymer chemistry. Research group pioneered acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization, engaged in synthesis of precision model polymers for polyolefins, biologically directed polymers, morphological investigation of fuel cell membrane polymers, preparation of latent silicon elastomer structures. Joined faculty as Associate Professor of Chemistry in 1984. ADMET reaction now found in textbooks, internationally recognized as an integral part of poly-mer chemistry. 110 Students (undergrad, grad, and postdoc) have passed through research group to date.
Akzo Nobel nv, American Enka Research, Enka, NC. 1973 – 1984. Research Department Head and Technical Director. Directed activities related to polymerizations and structure/property determinations – research in medical membranes, nylon, polyester & cellulose fibers, biopolymers, polymerization catalysis, conductive polymers, poly-mer decomposition, and NMMO solvents for cellulose. Employed in various positions within this Dutch & German corporation. Continuous consulting in Europe with Akzo Nobel and sister companies the past 25 years.
Promoted four times during this eleven year period (Research Department Head; Membrane Research Section Head; Research Scientist, Polymers; Senior Research Chemist) – served as Technical Director /Membrana, Inc. (an AKZO new venture in California), the last position I held prior to entering academics.
University of North Carolina at Asheville, NC 1975 – 1984 Adjunct Professor of Chemistry. Evening teaching of organic and polymer courses (two courses each year) while working at Akzo Nobel during the day.
Page Top | analytical | bioanalytical | biochemistry | biophysical | inorganic | nanochemistry
organic | organometallic | physical | polymer | synthesis | theoretical
Research Areas
physical; theoretical
Rod Bartlett pioneered the development of coupled-cluster (CC) theory in quantum chemistry to offer highly accurate solutions of the Schroedinger equation for molecular structure and spectra, presenting the CCSD, CCSD[T], CCSDT, CCSDT[Qf], and CCSDTQ methods among many others. He extended the CC theory to excited, ionized, and electron attached states with his equation-of-motion EOM-CC methods. His group formulated analytical gradient theory for CC theory, making it possible to readily search potential energy surfaces and to provide vibrational spectra. His group introduced the STEOM-CC extensions for excited states.
His group is also responsible for the widely used ACES II and massively parallel ACES III program system. He is the author of more than 500 journal articles and book chapters. He is the co-author with Isaiah Shavitt of the definitive book on coupled-cluster theory, “Many-Body Methods in Chemistry and Physics: MBPT and Coupled-Cluster theory,” Cambridge Press, 2009.
Research topics include:
* The search for metastable, high-energy density molecules (HEDM) like N4 N8, and N5-, which he has long predicted to exist. (The pentazole anion, an aromatic five-membered ring, was recently observed for the first time in negative ion mass spectra and in solution by NMR, verifying his prediction).
* Non-linear optical properties of molecules, where his work resolved long-standing discrepancies between theory and electric-field induced second and third harmonic generation experiments. The new theory produced in this work introduced any-order time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory for frequency dependent properties and that for the initial time-dependent CC results.
* Carbon clusters, where his work on the rhombic form of C4, which he found to be competitive in stability with its linear triplet form, has been instrumental in the closed-shell vs. open-shell debate about small carbon clusters. Cyclic forms of C5 and C6 have been observed spectroscopically, while reports of rhombic C4 have been reported in Coulomb explosion experiments.
* NMR coupling constants. His EOM-CCSD work is the first to offer predictive results for NMR coupling constants whose average errors are~ 3Hz. With this tool, he provided fingerprints for the non-classical bridged H atom in ethylcarbenium and the bridged, pentacoordinate C atom in the 2-norbornyl cation which had resisted experimental determination. The latter results are also in exceptional agreement with the coupling constants that could be obtained experimentally by Olah, substantiating the accuracy of his predictions. For H bonds he provides formulae to relate the two-atom coupling constant to the distance between the atoms that are H-bonded which provides a new probe to assist biomolecular structure determination that is complementary to Xray determination where the H atoms cannot be observed.
His group continually introduces new correlated quantum chemical methods:
* New correlated methods for polymers, recently reporting the first CCSD results.
* Ab Initio density functional theory, an approach that unlike other current hybrid or gradient corrected DFT methods has to converge to the right answer in the limit like ab initio quantum chemistry. The most recent work derives the exact exchange-correlation potential of DFT from coupled-cluster theory, making a seamless connection between wave-function theory and density functional theory.
* The “transfer Hamiltonian” procedure to make it possible to do quantum mechanically based, “predictive” simulations for materials.
* The natural linear scaled NLSCC methods for very large molecules.
Research Areas
biochemistry; biophysical; organic; physical; polymer; theoretical
Professor Colina was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously a faculty member at Simán Bolívar University and joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University as Associate Professor in January 2007. She won the 1999 Award for Outstanding Teaching Achievement (at the Assistant Professor level) at Simán Bolívar University, as well as several other awards from the Venezuelan’s National Committees from the Development of Higher Education and for the Academic Advancement.
Coray has several international collaborations and has presented the results of her research globally in more than 100 national and international conferences. She has published over 51 papers (including conference proceedings).
Research Areas
physical; scientist; theoretical
My research focus is molecular reaction dynamics including explicit non-adiabatic effects. This is done by solving the Schrodinger equation for the coupled system of nuclei and electrons in the molecules. The method is called END for electron nuclear dynamics. During 2005-2008 we are developing a new wave function for such dynamics called VHF for vector Hartree-Fock. This is based on a fully dynamic, non-orthogonal, multi-configurational wave function.
My second interest is in applying modern software engineering techniques to create reliable high-performance software for the solving this coupled system numerically. I have been working with Prof. Rod Bartlett since 2003 on a new architecture for parallel software and a new programming language called SIAL for super instruction assemble language. This software design is used in the new parallel version ACES III of the electronic structure software developed by Dr. Bartlett and his collaborators.
The parallel scaling performance and absolute performance of the new software is surprisingly good.
Research Areas
physical; theoretical
Our research deals with theoretical and computational aspects of molecular and materials sciences, with emphasis on the unified treatment of physical and chemical kinetics using quantum molecular dynamics. It includes collision-induced and photoinduced phenomena in the gas phase, clusters, and at solid surfaces. Our aim is to provide a fundamental approach to molecular dynamics, where electronic and nuclear motions are consistently coupled to account for quantal effects. We use quantum and statistical mechanics, mathematical, and computational methods, to describe time-dependent phenomena (such as femtosecond dynamics and spectra) in both simple and complex molecular systems.
Research Areas
biophysical; physical; theoretical
His main research interest is in accurate calculations of biologically relevant molecular systems and processes using proven methods from Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Dynamics. He is also interested in advanced visualization.
Research Areas
physical; theoretical
The Stanton Research Group investigates theoretical chemical physics, particularly quantum chemistry and its application to problems in molecular spectroscopy.
Education
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