Research Areas
Research Areas
Our department offers doctorate opportunities in a range of traditional research areas, including analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Within these areas, we place major emphasis on collaborative and interdisciplinary inquiry.
Biomacromolecular Structure and Function
This area focuses on understanding the structure, dynamics, and mechanisms of biological macromolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes. Techniques used include X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and computational modeling.
Biophysical Chemistry
Biophysical chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles and techniques from biology, chemistry, and physics to study biological systems at the molecular level.
Catalysis
Catalysis research in chemistry focuses on the study and development of catalysts, which are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed themselves.
Chemical Biology
This interdisciplinary field combines chemistry and biology to study biological systems at the molecular level. Research topics include the design and synthesis of chemical probes, biosensors, enzyme inhibitors, and therapeutic agents, as well as the study of biomolecular interactions and mechanisms.
Chemical Education
The overarching goal of chemical education research is to advance the theory and practice of teaching and learning chemistry at various educational levels, ultimately improving student success, interest, and participation in the chemical sciences
Energy and Environmental Sciences
Researchers in this area develop new materials, catalysts, and processes for sustainable energy production, storage, and conversion. They also investigate environmental chemistry, including pollutant detection, remediation, and the study of chemical processes in the environment.
Enzymology
Research in enzymology aims to elucidate the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis and regulation, using methods such as steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics, site-directed mutagenesis, and spectroscopic techniques.
Instruments and Sensors
Development of new analytical instruments and chemical sensors for applications in areas like environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and materials characterization.
Materials and Biomaterials
Design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials including polymers, composites, porous materials, and biomaterials for various applications.
Nanoscience
Researchers develop methods to synthesize, characterize, and apply nanomaterials and nanostructures with unique properties for applications in catalysis, sensing, optoelectronics, and biomedical areas
Organometallic
Study of compounds containing metal-carbon bonds, their reactivity, catalytic applications, and roles in synthesis and materials chemistry.
Spectroscopy and Imaging
Researchers in this area develop and apply advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques for the characterization of chemical systems. This includes the use of NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and microscopy techniques to study the structure, dynamics, and properties of molecules and materials.
Surface and Interface Sciences
This research area focuses on the study of surfaces, interfaces, and thin films, including their properties, reactivity, and applications. Researchers investigate surface phenomena, surface modification, and the development of surface-based materials and devices for various applications.
Synthesis
Design and development of new synthetic methodologies and strategies for constructing organic, inorganic, and hybrid molecules and materials.
Theoretical Chemistry
Theoretical and computational methods are employed to model and predict chemical properties, reactions, and processes, providing insights complementary to experimental studies.
