Shared Research Facilities & Resources
Students and researchers have access to advanced instrumentation both within our department and through shared facilities in the College of Science and Engineering.
Updated details are available on the CoSE website, and enrolled students will receive guidance on using these resources.
About Analytical Research
Our department’s analytical chemistry research explores advanced techniques for detecting, identifying, and quantifying chemical compounds. From environmental analysis to biomedical applications, our faculty and students work on innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
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Analytical Research Faculty
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Dr. Chang Ji - Associate Professor
Research Interests-
Electrochemical synthesis and analysis. -
Dr. Christopher Rhodes - Professor
Research Interests-
Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry.
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About Biochemistry Research
Our biochemistry research delves into the molecular mechanisms of life, exploring everything from drug development to metabolic pathways. Faculty and students collaborate on cutting-edge studies that advance medicine, biotechnology, and our understanding of biological systems.
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Biochemistry Research Faculty
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Dr. Tania Betancourt - Professor
Research Interests-
Biomaterials and Nanomedicine -
Dr. Wendi David - Professor of Instruction
Research Interests-
Biomolecular recognition, G-quadruplex DNA -
Dr. Liqin Du - Associate Professor
Research Interests-
1, Cell differentiation in childhood tumorigenesis; 2, Differentiation therapy; 3, Natural products as anti-cancer agents; 4, Synthetic small-molecular compounds as anti-cancer agents; 5, non-coding RNAs in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy -
Dr. Sean Kerwin - Regents' Professor
Research Interests-
Application of N-alkynyl heterocycles in synthesis, natural product synthesis, medicinal chemistry, nucleic acid biochemistry focused on non-canonical DNA structures, self-assembly of reconfigurable soft materials -
Dr. Alexander Kornienko - Professor
Research Interests-
Synthetic Organic Chemistry (total synthesis and methodology); Chemical Biology (focus on cancer signaling and death pathways); Medicinal Chemistry (rational drug design and library screening); Natural Product Chemistry (isolation, structure elucidation and analogue synthesis) -
Dr. Karen Lewis - Associate Professor
Research Interests
Focus on the specificity of interactions between biological macromolecules, in particular the protein-protein and protein-RNA assemblies that regulate translation. -
Dr. Kevin Lewis - Professor
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Dr. Ryan Peterson - Assistant Professor
Research Interests
Copper, Metalloenzymes, Reactive Oxygen Species, Inorganic Chemistry, Fungi, Pathogens, Candida, Oomycetes -
Dr. Steve Whitten - Associate Professor
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Dr. Bocheng Wu - Assistant Professor
Research Interests
High throughput screening(enable protein-ligand binding and phenotypic screening for drug discovery); Chemical Biology (protein target validation and binding site investigation); Medicinal chemistry (small molecule modification for disease-driven projects). -
Dr. Xiaoyu Xue - Associate Professor
Research Interests
Focused on understanding conserved mechanisms of DNA replication and repair using methods of biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and structural biology.
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About Inorganic Research
Our inorganic chemistry research explores the properties and applications of metals, minerals, and novel materials. From catalysis to nanotechnology, our faculty and students investigate groundbreaking advancements with real-world impact.
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Inorganic Research Faculty
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Dr. Wenting Cai - Assistant Professor
Research Interests-
The generation and characterization of synthetic carbon allotropes, along with exploring their potential applications in single-molecule magnets, electrocatalysis and electronic devices. -
Dr. Ben Martin - Associate Professor
Research Interests
The synthesis and properties of 'metastable' inorganic structures. -
Dr. Ryan Peterson - Assistant Professor
Research Interests
Copper, Metalloenzymes, Reactive Oxygen Species, Inorganic Chemistry, Fungi, Pathogens, Candida, Oomycetes -
Dr. Christopher Rhodes - Professor
Research Interests-
Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry. -
Dr. Yucheng Yuan - Assistant Professor
Research Interests-
My research focuses on sustainable catalysis and materials powered by renewable solar energy, with an emphasis on developing innovative chemical transformations to tackle urgent environmental and energy challenges. Current projects explore polymer upcycling, CO₂ utilization, and hydrogen storage—areas where students can contribute to solutions with real global impact.
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About Organic Research
Our organic chemistry research delves into the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based compounds. From drug discovery to sustainable materials, our faculty and students drive innovation with real-world applications.
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Organic Research Faculty
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Dr. William Brittain - Regents' Professor
Research Interests
Photoactive organic compounds including synthesis, characterization and incorporation into hybrid systems. -
Dr. Wenting Cai - Assistant Professor
Research Interests-
The generation and characterization of synthetic carbon allotropes, along with exploring their potential applications in single-molecule magnets, electrocatalysis and electronic devices. -
Dr. Sean Kerwin - Regents' Professor
Research Interests-
Application of N-alkynyl heterocycles in synthesis, natural product synthesis, medicinal chemistry, nucleic acid biochemistry focused on non-canonical DNA structures, self-assembly of reconfigurable soft materials -
Dr. Alexander Kornienko - Professor
Research Interests-
Synthetic Organic Chemistry (total synthesis and methodology); Chemical Biology (focus on cancer signaling and death pathways); Medicinal Chemistry (rational drug design and library screening); Natural Product Chemistry (isolation, structure elucidation and analogue synthesis) -
Dr. Yucheng Yuan - Assistant Professor
Research Interests-
My research focuses on sustainable catalysis and materials powered by renewable solar energy, with an emphasis on developing innovative chemical transformations to tackle urgent environmental and energy challenges. Current projects explore polymer upcycling, CO₂ utilization, and hydrogen storage—areas where students can contribute to solutions with real global impact.
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About Physical Chemistry Research
Our physical chemistry research explores the fundamental principles governing chemical systems, from reaction dynamics to quantum mechanics. By combining theory and experimentation, we uncover insights that drive advancements in materials science, energy, and nanotechnology.
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Physical Research Faculty
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Dr. Christopher Rhodes - Professor
Research Interests-
Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry. -
Dr. Steve Whitten - Associate Professor
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About Polymers & Materials Research
Our polymers and materials research focuses on designing and developing innovative materials with advanced properties for applications in medicine, energy, and industry. By exploring polymer chemistry and material science, we drive discoveries that enhance technology and sustainability.
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Polymers & Materials Research Faculty
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Dr. Tania Betancourt - Professor
Research Interests-
Biomaterials and Nanomedicine -
Dr. William Brittain - Regents' Professor
Research Interests
Photoactive organic compounds including synthesis, characterization and incorporation into hybrid systems. -
Dr. Sean Kerwin - Regents' Professor
Research Interests-
Application of N-alkynyl heterocycles in synthesis, natural product synthesis, medicinal chemistry, nucleic acid biochemistry focused on non-canonical DNA structures, self-assembly of reconfigurable soft materials -
Dr. Christopher Rhodes - Professor
Research Interests-
Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry. -
Dr. Yucheng Yuan - Assistant Professor
Research Interests-
My research focuses on sustainable catalysis and materials powered by renewable solar energy, with an emphasis on developing innovative chemical transformations to tackle urgent environmental and energy challenges. Current projects explore polymer upcycling, CO₂ utilization, and hydrogen storage—areas where students can contribute to solutions with real global impact.
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About Chemical Education Research
Our chemical education research enhances teaching methods, curriculum development, and student learning in chemistry. By exploring innovative instructional strategies and assessment techniques, we strive to improve science education and inspire the next generation of chemists.
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Chemical Education Research Faculty
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Dr. Cynthia Luxford - Associate Professor
Research Interests
Chemical Education Research
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MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
Our faculty research spans a diverse range of scientific fields, from cutting-edge biochemistry and materials science to environmental chemistry and computational modeling. This breadth of expertise fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Research Highlights
From innovative discoveries to collaborative projects, our Research Highlights section keeps you up to date on the incredible work happening across our labs.
Explore the people behind the breakthroughs—and see how our team is shaping the future of science.
