Professor and ChairPh.D., California Institute of Technology
Research Interests
Protein electrostatics and protein engineering studies, using X-ray crystallographic and biochemical methods, are my research focus. Using staphylococcal nuclease as a model system, the effects of amino acid substitutions on protein structure and stability are determined to identify molecular determinants of protein electrostatics behavior. Midshipman projects will incorporate both biochemical laboratory techniques and computational methods.
Associate ProfessorPh.D., Johns Hopkins University
Research Interests
Professor Basta's lab is primarily interested in studying bacterial enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis toward opportunities for antimicrobial development.
Professor Cheek's research interests mostly involve the electrochemistry of organic compounds, including mechanistic studies and preparative aspects. Many studies are carried out using molten salts (or ionic liquids) systems as solvents. Room-temperature chloroaluminate molten salts are useful systems for these investigations because the Lewis acidity can be varied extensively simply by changing the melt composition. Such molten salt systems are very attractive for use in "green chemistry" (environmentally friendly) applications because they also have very low vapor pressures.
Professor Copper focuses on development of separation and detection methods applicable to forensic analysis. Specifically, capillary electrophoretic and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic separation methods are being developed to study dyes, inks, explosive residues, and other molecules of interest to forensic scientists.
Professor Ferrante's primary research interest lies in the use of spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV/Vis, ESR) for the elucidation of the geometric and electronic structures of unstable or highly reactive molecules, both organic and inorganic.
Associate ProfessorPh.D., The Ohio State University
Research Interests
Dr. Guerard combines fieldwork, analytical methods, and data science to investigate organic geochemical mechanisms in high-latitude regions, particularly: organic matter composition and reactivity, interactions with elemental cycling, and the fate and transformation of organic compounds, in order to better understand impacts to water quality and landscape processes.
Explore a number of classes of organic molecules with the aim of producing easily-synthesized and novel compounds with potential as antimalarial therapeutics. This research involves the design, synthesis and then antimalarial testing of compounds. If you are interested in pursuing a project in such areas, do please get in touch!
Assistant ProfessorPh.D., University of South Carolina
Research Interests
Prof. Ham's research interests center on polymer synthesis, specifically polymers with complex nano-scale architectures and design of polymers with targeted functional properties (e.g. water purification media). Students with an interest in using organic chemistry to make neat materials are strongly encouraged to inquire about research opportunities!
Professor Harrison uses molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the factors which affect the friction between two diamond surfaces in sliding contact.
Assistant ProfessorPh.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore
Research Interests
Dr. Kihn’s research integrates molecular dynamics simulations, artificial intelligence, and experimental biophysics to investigate both membrane-bound ion channels and soluble protein systems. His work integrates advanced computational modeling with traditional biophysical wet lab methods to uncover the structural and dynamic mechanisms underlying protein function. Dr. Kihn is particularly interested in applying AI/ML to accelerate drug discovery. If you are interested in collaborations that merge computational and experimental approaches to study biomolecular systems, please reach out!
Associate ProfessorPh.D., Johns Hopkins University
Research Interests
Synthesis of organic compounds for the study of neuroreceptors. Synthesis of radioactively labeled compounds for use in neuroreceptor imaging by PET (positron emission tomography) and SPECT (single photon emission tomography).
Professor Konopka utilizes both fluorescence microscopy and molecular dynamic simulations to understand membrane dynamics in bacteria. Specifically his work investigates bacteria that can convert methane and other single-carbon compounds into more complex chemicals, which has implications in the production of biofuels and bioremediation.
Professor Lebold's research uses coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to simulate biological systems. She is primarily interested in systems of nucleic acids and intrinsically-disordered proteins which undergo liquid-liquid phase separation, which is pertinent to the formation of membraneless organelles and the organization of chromatin inside cells. Dr. Lebold also uses computational techniques to study protein-ligand docking and protein-protein interfaces. If you are looking for simulations to support your ongoing biochemical or biophysical research in a different area, please reach out!
The Lin lab is interested in the synthesis of new materials through the development of novel reactions and the use of noncovalent interactions. For more information or if you are interested in becoming a member of the lab, please contact Professor Lin.
My research focuses on measuring the: 1) decline in nitroarene solubility due to the presence of salts (salting-out); 2) photolysis of nitroarenes in seawater; 3) enhancement in solubility of nitroarenes in surfactant solutions (micellar solubilization); and 4) physical properties of alternative fuels (biodiesel and Fischer Tropsch Fuels) such as density, surface tension, and interfacial tension with pure water and seawater systems.
My work focuses on the development of economical metal catalysts to improve the reactivity of compounds with very strong bonds, such as carbon-hydrogen and carbon-chlorine bonds, via concurrent tandem catalysis. The development of catalytic reactions that activate such strong bonds would give scientists access to a wider array of favorable starting materials for the production of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fuels, and novel materials that could have important military applications.
My research involves the synthesis and development of polymeric binders for solid rocket fuels with high energy density. My laboratory leverages a combination of ring strain, explosophores, and reactive metal-ligand interactions in polymer formulations to generate energetic binder prepolymers and further develops them into thermosetting materials of military interest.
Associate ProfessorPh.D., University of Missouri, Columbia
Research Interests
All multicellular animals produce enzymes that can alter the sequence of their own RNA molecules. The biological roles for such “RNA editing” include: correcting errors in mitochondrial DNA sequences; regulating cholesterol metabolism; and producing multiple forms of receptors for various neurotransmitters. I am interested in the biological roles for a family of enzymes called “Adenosine deaminases that act on RNA” or “ADARs”. These enzymes convert adenosine (A) to inosine (I) within double-stranded regions of RNA.
Associate ProfessorPh.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Research Interests
My students and I employ various molecular biology and biochemical methods to understand the mechanistic details of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) replication. HIV-1 is a retrovirus, that is a virus with an RNA genome which is converted to DNA and subsequently integrated into the genome of the infected cell. Camouflaging as a host gene, the retroviral genome is then replicated by the host cell’s transcriptional machinery. I am particularly interested in understanding how the newly synthesized, unspliced HIV-1 RNA genome is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This step is essential in HIV-1 replication and, thus, an ideal target for the development of novel therapeutics.
Professor, Vice ProvostPh.D., University of Rhode Island
Research Interests
Development of novel analytical methods and design of innovative sampling systems for the evaluation of photochemical and redox reactions in natural waters at ambient levels.
My research focuses on understanding mammalian regulation of core body temperature in extreme environments and its impacts on human health in areas of temperature stress, muscle function, metabolism, and exercise. Understanding these mechanisms has a direct link to controlling metabolic rate and energy loss, which has the potential to lead to novel treatments for a variety of human health and combat conditions.
Prof. Pinto’s research interests lie in employing the tools of chemistry and biology to elucidate the metabolic and biosynthetic intricacies of natural products. In particular, I am interested in (1) the metabolic pathways within bacterial cultures involved in producing biodegradable polymers and/or value-added compounds; as well as (2) biomimetic syntheses and the application of synthetic chemistry to access natural products.
Characterization and application of elastomers, networks, coatings, and specialized polymeric systems. In collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory and US Army, my work involves military applications of polymers as well as fundamental studies of polymer dynamics. Current projects include designing new polycarbonates for transparent armor applications, testing polymer coatings for blast protection on Humvees, enhancing elastomer performance using bimodal networks, and utilizing polymers to reduce drag on small Navy vessels. I am also interested in chemical education and laboratory development with a number of research students contributing to this work.
Deputy Director of Research & Scholarship and Director of Special Academic ProgramsPh.D., University of Louisville
Research Interests
Synthesis and characterization studies of mono and disubstituted isocyanide complexes of iron and ruthenium are being conducted by Professor Shade under both thermal and photochemical conditions.
Associate ProfessorPh.D., California Institute of Technology
Research Interests
Dr. Siefert's research interests include atmospheric and aquatic chemistry. Dr. Siefert is interested in the chemical processing of atmospheric aerosols and their role as a source of chemical species (e.g., nutrients) to remote and coastal surface waters. Understanding these atmospheric sources is important since they can control ecological processes.
The Sweet lab focuses on the chemistry and potential applications of microbial natural products, including biofuels from extremophilic algae, antibiotics from airborne microbes, and endotoxin molecules from arctic bacteria. Current work includes isolation and growth of organisms using the techniques of microbiology, discovery and structural determination with organic and analytical chemistry, and characterization of novel bioactive compounds using both biological and chemical techniques.
Development of nanoscale composites of polymers and bio-polymers with layered silicates and/or carbon nanotubes. Characterization of the physical, chemical, optical and electronic properties of these novel materials for potential applications in areas such as ballistic protection and low-observables (stealth). Work performed in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Development of new ionic liquids for applications in high-energy density batteries. Characterization of the physical, electrochemical, and thermal properties of the ionic liquids. Work performed in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory.
Associate Dean of the School of Mathematics and SciencePh.D., University of Delaware
Research Interests
My research involves the application of computational chemistry techniques (a.k.a. “molecular modeling”) to problems in organic chemistry. The properties that are typically investigated involve structure, reactivity, conformation, solvation, binding affinity and the like.
Associate ProfessorPh.D., West Virginia University
Research Interests
The main focus of my research is to investigate protein aggregation and the aggregates responsible for phenomena such as 1) neurodegenerative diseases (i.e. Alzheimer’s disease, prion encephalopathies, etc.) and 2) underwater adhesives. In studying the fundamentals of amyloid formation and aggregation, our work aims to contribute to enhancing the current understanding of the protein-surface interactions seen in both neurodegenerative diseases, and in developing underwater adhesives derived from barnacle glue (work performed in collaboration with the US Naval Research Laboratory). Various biophysical techniques are used in the lab to study disease and functional amyloids including colorimetric, biosensing assays, fluorescence assays, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface phenomena measured utilizing a Langmuir trough.
