Organization Members
  • Roanoke College

    Steven Hughes Director

    Expertise
    Chemistry, Semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis, CuInS2, AgGaS2
    Instrumentation
    TEM, XRD, SEM (EDS), fluorescence (with integrating sphere), ICP
    Background & Research Interests

    The focus of my continuing research is the synthesis and characterization of I-III-VI semiconductor nanocrystals. I am currently working with CuInS2 and AgGaS¬2 materials including various alloys and shelled compositions. My lab studies these materials to best understand their potential as LED phosphors and photocatalysts. Additionally, I’ve been working in collaboration with a developmental biologist to study the toxicity of these materials in zebrafish embryos. Collaboration Interests: 1.Better understanding the photophysics of our nanomaterials. Like CIS, AGS can have extremely intense trap state emission. Unlike CIS, this emission can be suppressed in order to observe the band gap emission. It’s neat, and I’d love to work with someone to understand this better. 2.Silver gallium sulfide has demonstrated the potential to be an effective photocatalyst for the reduction of hydrogen gas. I’m interested in working with someone who knows how to characterize materials for this application better than me.

  • Furman University

    Mary Elizabeth Anderson

    Expertise
    surface science and nanomaterials
    Instrumentation
    AFM, SEM-EDS, XRD, DSC, TGA, ellipsometry, contact angle goniometry, ICP-OES, DLS, QCM + https://www.furman.edu/academics/chemistry/research/facilities-resources/
    Background & Research Interests

    Currently 2 primary project areas in the lab: 1) surface anchored metal-organic frameworks and 2) nanoparticles with thermoelectric or photovoltaic applications. Focus on characterization of bottom-up self-assembly or formation of these nanomaterials using microscopy (AFM and SEM). The goal is to optimize fabrication and tune material composition and structure in order to tailor material properties. Background in lithography (soft and hard), thin film characterization, surface functionalization, solution-phase solid state synthesis and characterization.

  • Barnard College of Columbia University

    Rachel Austin

    Expertise
    heterogenous catalysis
    Instrumentation
    TEM, GCMS, high pressure reactor
    Background & Research Interests

    inorganic chemistry, catalysis

  • Roanoke College

    Rama Bala

    Expertise
    Physics, synthesis of nanoparticles, superparamagnetism, XRD, Raman, Mossbauer Spectroscopy
    Instrumentation
    AFM, SEM, XRD, MacroRaman, Mossbauer
    Background & Research Interests

    nanowire-nanoparticle dynamics at interfaces; superparamagnetic relaxation;

  • Lewis & Clark College

    Anne Bentley

    Expertise
    inorganic chemistry, nanomaterials chemistry, electrodeposition, surface chemistry of nanoparticles
    Instrumentation
    DLS / zeta, single crystal XRD, powder XRD, benchtop SEM, 600 MHz NMR
    Background & Research Interests

    I have experience in nanomaterials synthesis via templated electrodeposition and thin film electrodeposition. I am also interested in studying nanoparticle surface chemistry and environmental fate.

  • Elon University

    Justin Clar

    Expertise
    Environmental Nanotechnology
    Instrumentation
    ICP-OES, UV-Vis, XRF, Raman.
    Background & Research Interests

    Our group is primarily interested in tracking the release and transformation of NPs from consumer products under realistic use scenarios to better inform risk assessment and regulatory frameworks. We have also begun playing with novel NP composites for water treatment.

  • Haverford College

    Clyde Daly

    Expertise
    Computational Chemistry
    Instrumentation
    See: https://www.haverford.edu/chemistry/resources-instruments
    Background & Research Interests

    Molecular dynamics of nano-bio interactions, vibrational spectroscopy calculations

  • Creighton University

    Joel Destino

    Expertise
    Colloids, surface chemistry, sol-gel, spectroscopy
    Instrumentation
    -Field-emission scanning electron microscope with BSD and EDS (w/mapping) -Scanning probe microscope (capable of AFM, KPFM, etc.) -Hyperspectral epi-luminescence microscope -Raman spectrometer (and microscope) -ATR-FTIR -Handheld XRF For more see– https://www.destinolab.org/research/equipment
    Background & Research Interests

    My research centers on developing novel nanomaterials and analytical methods that help us better understand their fundamental chemistry. Regarding analysis, the group specializes in spectroscopic and scanning probe imaging techniques and analysis of imaging data sets for studying spatially resolved chemical speciation across surfaces. Regarding materials, the group is interested in sol-gel-derived nanomaterials and thin films used for chemical sensing, separations, 3D printing, and antifouling applications.

  • Ursinus College

    Mark Ellison

    Expertise
    physical chemistry; carbon nanotubes and graphene; use of carbon nanomaterials for drug delivery; ion motion through carbon nanotubes
    Instrumentation
    300 MHZ NMR, FTIR-ATR, UV-vis, Dynamic Light Scattering, voltage clamp
    Background & Research Interests

    Our research involves two main projects with carbon nanomaterials. One studies the motion of ions through carbon nanomaterials. The other uses carbon nanotubes and graphene to deliver antibiotics to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

  • Augsburg University

    Vivian Feng

    Expertise
    Bioanalytical chemistry, surface analysis, biophysics, nanotoxicology, environmental chemistry
    Instrumentation
    https://www.augsburg.edu/chemistry/facilities/
    Background & Research Interests

    My lab works at the interface of bioanalytical and materials chemistry. We applies analytical tools to probe the interactions at the nano-bio interface to better understand the environmental fate of novel nanomaterials, as well as the biomolecular impact of model organisms upon nanomaterial exposure.

  • William Paterson University

    Jay Foley

    Expertise
    Physical chemistry, nanophotonics, theoretical and computational chemistry and electrodynamics
    Instrumentation
    Probably most relevant instrumentation include TEM and AFM, though I don't know how to use these! Computational resources. We develop computational electrodynamics and hybrid cavity quantum electrodynamics - electronic structure codes in my group.
    Background & Research Interests

    Theory and modeling of light-matter interactions.

  • Emmanuel College

    Aren Gerdon

    Expertise
    biomaterials and biomineralization, nanocluster synthesis, DNA aptamers and origami, analytical chemistry
    Instrumentation
    QCM, DLS, FT-IR, Raman, ICP-AES, LC-MS, GC-MS, potentiostat, UV/vis, fluorescence, glove box, real-time PCR
    Background & Research Interests

    My research group focuses on understanding and controlling mineralization processes as they relate to biomedical (bones and teeth) and environmental (ocean mineralization) applications. We build hierarchical materials from nanoparticles and DNA technology to mimic biochemistry. We use quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and microfluidics to develop new analytical methods for biomaterials.

  • Hope College

    Natalia Gonzalez-Pech

    Expertise
    nanotechnology, environmental engineering
    Instrumentation
    BET, DLS, ICP-OES, XRD, Raman, AFM
    Background & Research Interests

    Our group focus on the development of nanomaterials for water remediation and energy-related applications in a sustainable manner.

  • Bard College

    Matthew Greenberg

    Expertise
    Semiconductor Nanocrystals, Synchrotron X-ray Techniques
    Instrumentation
    400 MHz NMR Spectrometer Fluorimeter ICP-OES UV-Vis Spectrometer
    Background & Research Interests

    Nanocrystal Synthesis Pair Distribution Function Analysis Small Angle X-ray Scattering

  • California State University Fullerton

    Michael Groves

    Expertise
    Theoretical Heterogeneous Catalysis, Global Optimisation Search
    Instrumentation
    High Performance Computing Resources
    Background & Research Interests

    1) Electrocatalytic properties of acidic functional groups over 2D-Xenes 2) Studying 2D electron hole gas formation over modified diamond surfaces 3) Targeted electrochemical C-C bond breaking over Pd-alloys 4) Heterogeneous enantoselective hydrogenation over Pt using chiral modifiers

  • Cal Poly

    Leslie Hamachi

    Expertise
    Nanocrystal Synthesis & Surface Chemistry, Polymer Nanocomposites
    Instrumentation
    Zetasizer, SEM, powder XRD, AFM, GC-MS, GPC, DSC, TGA, DMA, Fluorimeter
    Background & Research Interests

    We are interested in organic materials research leveraging dynamic covalent bond chemistry. Current research includes work on the synthesis and surface chemistry of porous framework nanoparticle colloids.

  • Trinity College

    Lindsey Hanson

    Expertise
    physical chemistry, effects of pressure on NPs, nanomechanics
    Instrumentation
    TEM, SEM, Diamond anvil cell, Microspectroscopy, Raman, NMR, UV/Vis
    Background & Research Interests

    I study the effects of mechanical forces on nanomaterials. That includes spectroscopy of colloidal nanocrystals under compression in a diamond anvil cell, as well as studying the optomechanical properties of nanoparticle-hydrogel composites.

  • American Unversity

    Matthew Hartings

    Expertise
    3D Printing, Biomineralization
    Instrumentation
    3D printers, SEM, TEM, DSC, FTIR, TGA, DSC, DMA, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, BET
    Background & Research Interests

    Bioinorganic chemistry, composite materials, MOFs, metal and metal oxide nanoparticle formation, catalysis, gas storage

  • Loyola University New Orleans

    Christine Heinecke

    Expertise
    Nanocluster Synthesis, Ligand Exchange, Catalysis, Bio-Organic
    Instrumentation
    PXRD, UV-Vis, Fluorimeter, 60 MHz NMR, IR, GC-MS, HPLC
    Background & Research Interests

    General research interests include synthesis and functionalization of nanomaterials for biological and catalytic applications.

  • Whitman College

    Mark Hendricks

    Expertise
    Nanocrystal Synthesis & Surface Chemistry, NMR, XRD
    Instrumentation
    400 MHz NMR, single-crystal XRD, various UV-Vis/fluorescence spectrometers, 785 nm Raman, N2 glovebox, various mass spectrometers
    Background & Research Interests

    Semiconductor and metallic nanocrystal synthesis, particularly focused on precursors and reaction pathways.

  • Western Oregon University

    Feier Hou

    Expertise
    Green synthesis, environmental impacts of materials
    Instrumentation
    UV-Vis IR GC HPLC AA Bench-top NMR
    Background & Research Interests

    Research in my group focuses on green synthesis and environmental impacts of inorganic and metal-organic framework materials. Traditional syntheses of those materials often involve toxic organic solvents and/or heavy metals or corrosive metal compounds, and many are energy intensive. One of our goals is to find greener synthetic methods to make those materials. For large-scale applications of those materials, we would also like to know their impacts on the environment when they are disposed, so our other goal is to study the decomposition processes of those materials under different conditions, and the impacts of their decomposition products on the environment.

  • Mercer University

    Joe Keene

    Expertise
    Semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots, isothermal titration calorimetry, surface chemistry, ultrafast spectroscopy
    Instrumentation
    300 MHz NMR, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence, FT-IR, Raman, X-ray fluorescence, AAS, ICP-OES, isothermal titration calorimetry, GC-MS, UHPLC-MS, glove box
    Background & Research Interests

    1. thermodynamics of surface modifications on semiconductor nanocrystals 2. adapt existing, alternative techniques to determine chemical composition of nanomaterials 3. chemical- and surface-related challenges for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force including: corrosion prevention and control; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear warfare; and composite repairs and bonding on multiple aircraft and service equipment and vehicles.

  • Hanover College

    Sarah M Fantin

    Expertise
    Nanodiscs (lipid nanoparticles)
    Instrumentation
    ATR-FTIR, HPLC, ICP
    Background & Research Interests

    My background is in bioanalytical chemistry (mass spectrometry of membrane proteins and nanodiscs). As I start my research group, my interests are getting more and more nano focused! My goal is to make nanodiscs of varying lipid composition and examine the fluidity of the membrane in the disc through fluorescent probes. I am also interested in how changing the diameter of the nanodisc through use of longer scaffold proteins changes the fluidity of the membrane. Finally, should this prove a robust method for assessing fluidity, I am ultimately interested in incorporating protein or peptids into the nanodiscs and using the fluidity to tease out details of lipid preference.

  • Bradley University

    Adam Maley

    Expertise
    Biosensing, SPR, single molecule measurements, hydrogel nanomaterials
    Instrumentation
    SEM-EDS, Powder XRD, DLS/Zeta, Raman Microscopy, FLIM, FCS, Fluorescence Microscopy Also: https://www.bradley.edu/academic/departments/chm/resources/instrumentation/
    Background & Research Interests

    Our research interests involve the synthesis and characterization of functional nanomaterials, including stimuli-responsive hydrogels, plasmonic nanoparticles, and magnetic nanoparticles. Our goal is to use these new materials to advance technology for both point-of-care and single-molecule-based medical diagnostics. Background in hydrogel synthesis, surface chemistry, SPR, microscopy, single molecule measurements, digital ELISA, and development of medical diagnostics.

  • Kenyon College

    Katie Mauck

    Expertise
    Spectroscopy, organic materials, optoelectronic materials
    Instrumentation
    Langmuir-Blodgett trough, IR variable-angle reflectance, optical cryostat, evacuable FT-IR Spectrometer, PXRD, NMR
    Background & Research Interests

    Determining orientation-specific vibrational spectral signatures of intermolecular coupling in crystalline organic semiconductors; developing infrared-reflectance absorbance spectroscopy methods for quantifying thin film nanocrystal surface coverage

  • College of Charleston

    Kate Mullaugh

    Expertise
    voltammetry, NP fate in the environment
    Instrumentation
    400 MHz NMR, FT-IR, EPR, ATM, MALDI-TOF, Raman, various UV, HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, DLS, potentiostat and controlled growth mercury electrode
    Background & Research Interests

    My group researches the environmental fate of metal-containing nanomaterials, specifically the processes of dissolution and sulfidation, which can control their bioavailability/toxicity. We recently started investigating how magnetic nanoparticles can be used as a water treatment strategy.

  • Pacific Lutheran University

    Andrea Munro

    Expertise
    Physical Chemistry, Semiconductor Nanocrystal Synthesis, Nanocrystal Surface Chemistry
    Instrumentation
    500 MHz FT-NMR, AFM, GC/MS, HPLC, FTIR, ICP-MS,microwave digestion, inert atmosphere glovebox
    Background & Research Interests

    My research group investigates the synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. We are interested in understanding the chemistry that determines nanocrystal shape and stability. We also examine nanocrystal surface chemistry and ligand exchange processes. We are interested in understanding how the surface of a nanocrystal alters its properties and stability.

  • Hampton University

    Peter Njoki

    Expertise
    Metallic Nanomaterials Synthesis, Electrocatalysis, Fuel Cell
    Instrumentation
    400 MHz NMR, CEM Microwaves, ICP-OES, BAS Electrochemistry workstation, TGA-DSC. Other instruments: https://science.hamptonu.edu/chem/facilities.cfm
    Background & Research Interests

    The main focus of our research interests is materials chemistry, nanocatalysis, renewable energy, electrocatalysis and application of nanotechnology in forensic chemistry. Current projects involve fabrication of multimetallic alloyed nanoparticles based on copper, silver, gold, palladium, and platinum.

  • Montclair State University

    Glen O'Neil

    Expertise
    Electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, electrochemical imaging, 3D printing
    Instrumentation
    My lab: Multiple 3D printers, Sutter P2000 laser puller, HEKA El-Pro Scan electrochemical scanning probe workstation, spin coater, dip-coater, contact angle goniometer, multiple potentiostats. University: https://www.montclair.edu/mmrl/equipment/
    Background & Research Interests

    We study electrochemical reactions at the micro- and nanoscale using scanning electrochemical probe microscopies. We use these fundamental studies to help guide us to developing new measurement strategies and sensors. We are particularly interested in developing new chemical sensors based on semiconducting photoelectrodes for monitoring neurotransmitter release from single cells, measuring stochastic nanoparticle collisions on semiconductor surfaces for solar fuels applications, and using 3D printing for developing new sensing schemes.

  • Amherst College

    Jacob Olshansky

    Expertise
    QD synthesis, photophysical characterization, charge transfer
    Instrumentation
    Fluorimeter with integrating sphere, TCSPC lifetime spectrometer, 400 MHz NMR, inert atmosphere glovebox
    Background & Research Interests

    We are interested in understanding and harnessing photo-initiated charge and energy transfer in nanoscale systems, with a focus on nanoscale assemblies such as nanocrystal – organic molecule conjugates. Current work aims to use these systems for photocatalysis schemes and as spin qubits.

  • Manhattan College

    Alexandre Pinto

    Expertise
    Solution based synthesis of nanoparticles and carbon based materials
    Instrumentation
    XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, fluorescence, HPLC, GC-MS, atomic absorption, high temperature ovens.
    Background & Research Interests

    Synthesis of transition metal oxides Wastewater Remediation by Adsorption and Photocatalysis and their kinetic studies. Development of solid state chemistry experiments for undergrad education.

  • Franklin & Marshall College

    Kate Plass

    Expertise
    semiconductor nanoparticle synthesis, cation exchange, plasmonics, copper chalcogenides
    Instrumentation
    TEM, UV/visible/NIR absorption spectroscopy with integrating sphere, SEM-EDS, PXRD, ICP
    Background & Research Interests

    Our group has been working on synthesizing plasmonic copper chalcogenide nanoheterostructures. We explore how to alter and control the optical behavior. We are also developing new procedures and deeper understandings of how to alter chemistry through anion and cation exchange. These materials can be useful photocatalysts and this is an area where I would be particularly interested in new collaboration. In addition, I have a collaborative project exploring how the solid-state behavior of iron sulfide ocean sediments affects the adsorption of trace metals.

  • Swarthmore College

    Kathryn Riley

    Expertise
    analytical chemistry, nanometrology
    Instrumentation
    UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, FAAS, DLS, CE, HPLC, GC-MS, various electrochemistry workstations, CD, XRD, EPR, 400 MHz NMR
    Background & Research Interests

    Research in my group involves the development of analytical techniques for the characterization of nanomaterials. This ranges from purification of DNA origami nanostructures to the evaluation of silver nanoparticle transformations in complex biological and environmental matrices to the study of nano- and microplastic fate and transport.

  • Montclair State University

    Amrita Sarkar

    Expertise
    Polymer synthesis, self-assembly, nanostructured porous block copolymer template fabrication
    Instrumentation
    SEM, TEM, XRD, 400 MHz NMR, ESI-MS, GC-MS, FTIR.
    Background & Research Interests

    Current research interets is to synthesize nature-inspired polymer and their uses in energy devices. Additional interst is chemical recycling of Li ion battery.

  • Albright College

    Matt Sonntag

    Expertise
    physical chemistry, Raman spectroscopy, silver nanoparticles
    Instrumentation
    Raman spectrometer, 400 MHz NMR, FTIR, Fluorimeter, AFM, SEM, UV-Vis, LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC
    Background & Research Interests

    I have two main research interests at the interface of chemistry, physics and material science. It primarily focuses on using Raman spectroscopy as an analytical tool to characterize both materials and physical processes. Current projects focus on the probing the influence of composition on the structure of glassy materials while the other involves probing the dynamics of individual molecules using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

  • Dickinson College

    Sarah St Angelo

    Expertise
    Au/Ag/Cu nanoparticle synthesis, catalysis, photocatalysis, green(er) nanoparticle synthesis
    Instrumentation
    UV-vis-NIR, fluorescence, AAS, LC-MS, SEM-EDS, PXRD, DSC, AFM
    Background & Research Interests

    Synthesis and characterization of hybrid metal oxide-metal nanomaterials for applications in photocatalysis and solar energy capture. Applications of ultrasmall copper nanoparticles in solution based catalysis and electrocatalysis.

  • St. Olaf College

    Rodrigo Sánchez González

    Expertise
    Physical chemistry and applied laser diagnostics
    Instrumentation
    Pulsed nanosecond and CW laser sources, spectrometers and scanning monochromator, liquid nitrogen cryostat, converging-diverging nozzle gas expansion instrument. Other equipment: https://wp.stolaf.edu/chemistry/files/2013/07/Dept_equipF07.pdf
    Background & Research Interests

    Development and use of optical sensing techniques for the characterization of gaseous high-speed flows and combustion, study of energy transfer phenomena, and development of associated instrumentation and data analysis methodologies.

  • Gettysburg College

    Luke Thompson

    Expertise
    Gold/silver nanoparticle synthesis, nanoparticle surface modifications with polymers, environmental fate of NPs
    Instrumentation
    DLS/Zeta, ITC, CD, TEM, AFM, Fluorescence microscopy
    Background & Research Interests

    My research group is broadly interested in understanding how the surface chemistry of nanoparticles impacts their behavior. Current work explores the quantification and characterization of responsive polyelectrolyte adsorbates to drive nanoparticle assemblies.

  • University of Puget Sound

    Emily Tollefson

    Expertise
    Metallic nanoparticle synthesis, protein-nanoparticle interactions, nanoparticle toxicity
    Instrumentation
    Malvern Nano ZS, SEM, Confocal microscopy, QToF Tandem MS/MS
    Background & Research Interests

    My research group will be examining the biomolecular interactions of bismuth nanoparticles and their potential non-acute toxicity in the model organism C. elegans

  • Elizabethtown College

    Lauren Toote

    Expertise
    Polymer nanoparticles, biomolecule assay development, lateral flow assays
    Instrumentation
    Dynamic Light Scattering, ICP-OES, 400 MHz NMR, FTIR, Fluorimeter with solid state cell, UV-Vis, LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC
    Background & Research Interests

    I developed polymer nanoparticle-based detection strategies for biomolecules in my graduate work. I also developed methods to enhance the sensitivity of current low-resource diagnostics to better understand infectious disease biomarkers. At E-town, I'm the analytical chemist in the department and my research focuses of the development of a lateral flow assay, that utilizes polymer nanoparticles, for detection of heavy metals in drinking water.

  • Santa Clara University

    Korin Wheeler

    Expertise
    nanoparticle biochemistry
    Instrumentation
    SEM, fluorimeter, various MS, DLS, other instrumentation here: https://www.scu.edu/cas/chemistry/research/facilities-and-instrumentation/
    Background & Research Interests

    We focus on development of methods to characterize and predict the biochemical interactions that mediate nanomaterial behavior.

  • Georgia Gwinnett College

    Cynthia Woodbridge

    Expertise
    Computational & Materials Chemistry
    Instrumentation
    IR, benchtop NMR, AA, GC, HPLC, DSC
    Background & Research Interests

    Interested in reactions on metal oxide nanoparticles and how they (might) remediate environmental pollutants