What is the best part about teaching in this graduate program?
Seeing students grow in their confidence as independent learners and researchers.
What is the one thing you hope students take away from your course(s)?
The ability to select pertinent literature on related topics and explain this literature to peers. A confidence in their ability to learn advanced topics, interpret and present on literature, and think critically and make decisions about their research projects.
What are the real-world applications of the work you do at the University?
The work we do with iridium and GQ DNA can be applied in biosensing assays. These could eventually be applied as quick test assays for forensic or environmental samples.
What kinds of coursework and capstone projects should students expect?
Lecture, active participation in literature discussions/analysis, preparing and giving presentations on modern research, and building on the fundamentals we are learning in class. Problem sets and essay-style exams.
What advice would you give to a student who wants to be successful?
You can be successful in this program – part of succeeding is believing that you can grow during this experience. Take it one day at a time. Create a schedule so you can stay on track to balance learning, research, and TA responsibilities.
What is the focus of your scholarly pursuits?
Developing new luminescent iridium complexes that can be applied in GQ biosensors. Understanding how the structure of the molecule relates to its interactions with the GQ DNA through molecular docking studies. And finding greener solvents for synthesis and purification of said iridium complexes.
What is the most interesting thing, to you, about the research area you’re pursuing?
A fundamental understanding of f-block and materials chemistry. A recognition of top modern chemists in these fields. The ability to analyze related literature and draw parallels between lecture material and modern research.