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.

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.

Brian Augustine

Expertise

Surface characterization and micro/nanofabrication

Instrumentation

https://www.highpoint.edu/chemistry/instrumentation/

Background & Research Interests

Trained in emission from semiconductor nanocrystals and have since developed interests in chemical modification of polymer films and nanoporous polymer structures. Experience with conventional and alternative lithographic strategies.

Rachel Austin

Expertise

heterogenous catalysis

Instrumentation

TEM, GCMS, high pressure reactor

Background & Research Interests

inorganic chemistry, catalysis

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;

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.

Zoe Boekelheide

Expertise

magnetic hyperthermia, magnetic measurements of magnetic nanoparticles

Instrumentation

SEM, magnetic hyperthermia, dynamic hysteresis loop measurement, micromagnetic simulations

Background & Research Interests

magnetic measurements of magnetic nanoparticles, novel compounds for self-controlled magnetic hyperthermia

Karina Ckless

Expertise

Biochemistry, Immunology. Mammalian cell cultture. Cellulose nanocrystal.

Instrumentation

Zetasizer, Flow cytometer. Microplate reader. Cell imager. FTIR

Background & Research Interests

I have expertise ranging from biochemistry and redox biology to cellular and molecular immunology and toxicology. Currently the focus my research is on the cytotoxicity and immune response of cellulose-based nanomaterials and their potential application as vaccine adjuvants. I have been working in collaboration with a colleague from my department who synthesizes and characterizes the nanomaterials.

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.

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

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.

Mary Devadas

Expertise

Nanochemistry, metal clusters

Instrumentation

FESEM-EDX, XRD, NMR, fluorimeter, UV-vis, Potentiostat, LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, ICPMS, XRF

Background & Research Interests

Nanoscience and Optical spectroscopy

Meagan Elinski

Expertise

Surface chemistry, tribology, nanotribology, mechanochemistry, tribochemistry

Instrumentation

AFM, SEM/EDS, confocal Raman microspectroscopy

Background & Research Interests

My primary research area is surface materials chemistry. My group focuses on nanotribology (nanoscale friction, lubrication, adhesion, and wear), aiming to understand how to control chemical reactions with mechanical sliding forces (tribochemistry). Our primary methodology involves atomic force microscopy (AFM) and its derivative methods - friction force microscopy, quantitative nanomechanical mapping, current sensing, etc. We also employ confocal Raman microspectroscopy, SEM/EDS. Collaboration interests: 1) Exploring nanomaterials with unique optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. Surface coatings developed through sliding forces "in situ" have the potential to provide multiple functions from electronic applications to lubrication and wear prevention. 2) Anything and everything involving the AFM.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Debanjana Ghosh

Expertise

Photophysics of organic molecules in solution phase, biomimetic drug delivery vehicles, colorimetric and fluorometric sensing, energy transfer between probes and metal nanoparticles

Instrumentation

UV-Vis absorption, steady state and time-resolved fluorescence, Confocal fluorescence, DLS, NMR, ESI-MS

Background & Research Interests

Experimental physical chemistry on the interface of biophysical and analytical chemistry. Postdoctoral experience on materials chemistry, coatings and self-healing polymers. Currently, developing sensitive and efficient methods to understand the efficacy of different drug delivery vehicles (e.g., micelles, liposomes, cyclodextrins) that will facilitate encapsulation and transportation of small pro-drug molecules to the targeted affected sites. We design model systems using biomimics and study the excited state dynamics of the probes to understand the effectiveness of drug loading and its interaction with the delivery systems. A parallel focus of research involves sensing of toxic metal ions and inorganic ions (e.g., F-, OAc-, H2PO4-, NO3-) in solution phase.

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.

Matthew Greenberg

Expertise

Semiconductor Nanocrystals, Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and Scattering, Pair Distribution Function Analysis

Instrumentation

400 MHz NMR Spectrometer, Fluorimeter, GC-MS, FTIR, ICP-OES, UV-vis, Glove Box

Background & Research Interests

Our research focuses on the synthesis, structure, and formation mechanisms of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. We are interested in the atomic structures of these nanocrystalline and disordered materials, and their relationship to material properties.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Rebecca Hunter

Expertise

bioanalytical chemistry; sensor development; nanotoxicology

Instrumentation

Electrochemical workstations, SEM, DSC, TGA, FT-IR, various UV, HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, MALDI-TOF, 400 MHz NMR, XRD (and more: chemistry.tcnj.edu/resources/instrumentation/)

Background & Research Interests

Our lab works to develop electrochemical sensors to detect markers of immune activation, with a particular interest in studying the interaction between macrophage cells and engineered nanoparticles.

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.

Michael Leopold

Expertise

Nanomaterials; sensor development; electrochemistry

Instrumentation

TEM; AFM; SEM; Confocal Microscopy; Electrochemical Workstations; NMR (300, 400,500 MHz; IR; MS; QCM; UV-Vis; Polarography, Atomic spectroscopy

Background & Research Interests

The focus of my research program is involving undergraduates in the design and development of sensor designs that incorporate nanomaterials. In particular, we focus on electrochemical sensors and biosensors that utilize nanoparticles, nanoparticle films, or carbon nanotubes as a functional component of sensors. We focus on sensors for biomedical, forensic, and environmental applications.

Pamela Lundin

Expertise

Polymers, self-assembled monolayers, nanoparticle catalysis

Instrumentation

400 MHz NMR, GPC, SEM, AFM, GC-MS

Background & Research Interests

I obtained my PhD in organic chemistry studying cross-coupling chemistry, and did a post-doc studying conjugated polymers. I'm interested in using cross-coupling chemistry to produce conjugated molecules, particularly polymers.

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.

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.

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

Arielle Mensch

Expertise

nano-bio interface, environmental transformations of nanomaterials

Instrumentation

- DLS/Zeta Sizer - QCM-D - AAS (flame and furnace) - Fluorimeter - GC-MS - HPLC - UPLC-MS - FTIR - 400 MHz NMR - UV-vis - XRD

Background & Research Interests

I am a second-year assistant professor at Lafayette College as of 2020. I obtained my PhD from UW-Madison as part of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology with Bob Hamers. My thesis work focused on environmental transformations of nanomaterials and characterizing the interactions between nanomaterials and supported lipid bilayers (a mimic for cellular membranes) using quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy. I completed a postdoc with Galya Orr at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (as part of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology) where I looked at the interactions between nanomaterials and trout gill epithelial cells using correlative atomic force and super resolution fluorescence microscopies. I also did some RNA sequencing work to understand the impacts of nanomaterials and cells at the RNA level. Thus far at Lafayette, my group has been focused on nanoplastics -- the environmental transformations they may undergo (e.g., sorption of more harmful pollutants) and their interactions with trout gill epithelial cells and model sediment surfaces.

Deon Miles

Expertise

Nanomaterials, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry

Instrumentation

400 MHz NMR, FTIR-ATR, GC-MS, UV-vis, fluorimeter, electrochemical analyzer, XRF, HPLC, DSC, TGA, glove box

Background & Research Interests

Our current research focus is in the field of water-soluble, carbon-based nanoparticles (carbon dots). Our goals include modifying the nanoparticle surface to investigate interesting chemistry and incorporate sensing capabilities. We have previously investigated monolayer-protected metallic nanoparticles and colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots).

Brian Mosby

Expertise

Inorganic Layered Materials, Inorganic Ion Exchangers, Polymer Nanocomposites, Responsive Materials

Instrumentation

TGA, NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry, LC-MS

Background & Research Interests

My research focuses on the design and synthesis of functional hybrid materials with highly customizable structures and responsive behavior, with an emphasis on catalytic, environmental, and biomedical applications. Current work in my lab uses metal phosphates and phosphonates to investigate strategies to promote the incorporation and organization of diverse functional groups within a single material , correlation of functional material structure with reactivity, and the design of responsive materials.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rosalynn Quinones

Expertise

Surface science and nanoparticles

Instrumentation

SEM AFM Infrared DLS Electrochemistry

Background & Research Interests

Surface modifications of nanoparticles and metal oxides using organic acids

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.

Charles Rubert Pérez

Expertise

Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Biomaterials/Supramolecular Polymers

Instrumentation

NMR, IR, GC-MS, CombiFlash, UV-Vis, DLS

Background & Research Interests

Grad School: (1) Multi-step synthesis of potential anti-anthrax agents, included cell-based assays to test efficacy (2) Synthesis of collagen-based peptide for hydrogel formation and metal-triggered self-assembly of nanomaterials Post-Doc: (1) Synthesis of cell-signaling peptide amphiphiles for regenerative medicine with specific application in cardiovascular diseases Current lab: (1) Synthesis of small peptidomimetic and peptide molecule for the self-assembly of novel nanomaterials via aromatic interactions and metal chelation.

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.

Scott Simpson

Expertise

Computational Chemistry

Instrumentation

Computer cluster, LC-MS, GC-MS, FT-IR, UV-Vis, Fluorimeter, IC, NMR, AA

Background & Research Interests

PhD in computational chemistry, research interest include surface-molecule interfaces

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).

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.

Rajesh Sunasee

Expertise

Nanochemistry, cellulose nanocrystals, synthesis, characterization

Instrumentation

FTIR; 400 MHz NMR, UV-VIS, DSC, Zeta Sizer, Fluorescence spectroscopy

Background & Research Interests

Research in the Sunasee laboratory combines aspects of organic synthesis and nanotechnology (nanochemistry) for the design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials for various applications. Currently, our nanomaterial of interest is cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a promising renewable nanomaterial with unique properties and great potential applications in both academic and industrial sectors. Our initial work in this area focussed on covalent surface modifications of CNCs for the design of novel CNCs-based functional materials for biomedical and other applications. The toxicity and immunogenicity of these modified CNCs are also investigated in detail (work in collaboration with Dr. Ckless's laboratory). Current application areas of CNCs include Vaccine adjuvants, antimicrobial agents and water purification.

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.

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.

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

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.

Robert Topper

Expertise

Chemistry, physics, computation, theory, aerosolized acid-base nanoparticles, machine learning

Instrumentation

n/a

Background & Research Interests

Our group uses computational and theoretical methods to study nanoparticles formed through atmospheric processes. We study the structural, thermal, electronic and spectral properties of the products of redox and acid-base reactions formed as the result of atmospheric NOx/SOx pollution, in an effort to help eludicate their fates in the environment. Our group has recently developed TransRot, a freely available simulated annealing Monte Carlo program designed to find minimum-energy structures of atomic and molecular nanoparticles. We are very interested in working collaboratively with experimentalists and theorists at other institutions.

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.

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