Faculty Research Interests
Analytical
Analytical chemistry focuses on the measurement of the amount and composition of materials. Most analytical chemists develop and use instrumental tools for their chemical analyses. The members of our division work with a variety of modern techniques, including chromatography and spectroscopy, to ultimately improve the quality of chemical measurements.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry can be thought of as the study of the chemistry of life. This discipline applies the concepts and tools of chemistry to the investigation of the structure and properties of molecules found in living organisms. The members of our division are particularly interested in how the structure of proteins is related to their normal function and participation in disease.
Chemical Education
Chemical Education Research uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the way that students learn chemistry in order to design evidence-based curricular materials. With a national imperative to increase the number of students majoring in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines, foundational chemistry courses have become the focus of educational research and curriculum development worldwide.
Inorganic
Inorganic chemistry involves the study of non-hydrocarbon molecules. A quick glance at the periodic table reveals that this encompasses a wide variety of species. Despite the inorganic label, inorganic chemistry can involve the study of organic molecule transformations at metal centers – processes that are at the heart of enzyme reactions and catalysis. Members of the inorganic division synthesize, characterize and study a variety of species, ranging from solid-state materials to biomolecules.
Organic
Organic chemistry involves the study of carbon-based molecules. Organic chemists are interested in making novel and interesting compounds, as well as understanding the structures and functions of these molecules. The members of our division perform research in organic synthesis and in the characterization of organic molecules using various spectroscopic techniques.
Physical
Physical chemistry focuses on the study of chemical systems and processes. Physical chemists incorporate the principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum theory into their experimental approaches. Our division members use powerful computational methods and a variety of spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, to examine the properties of both small and large molecules.
Teaching Faculty
The teaching faculty advance the educational mission of our department by focusing on the classroom and laboratory experiences of our students.
Independent Research Form
This form is for research advisors to create sections for students to preform research within the divisions listed.