Dr. Jeremy Cody/ Organic Chemistry

The research interests in my group are in the field of organic synthesis. My research is an interplay of activities in the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules and projects in synthetic methodology. Students working in my group will gain research experience in modern synthetic reactions, experimental design, purification techniques, and structure determination.

Dr. Michael Coleman/ Organic Chemistry

Our research group interests are centered on the discovery of novel transition metal and Lewis acid-catalyzed synthetic methodologies. We are currently exploring ring strain as a design principle to gain new mechanistic insight into a large spectrum of remarkable reactivities not observed in other p-bonded systems.  Special emphasis is placed on sp2-hybridized prochiral centers because of the regio- and stereochemical aspects of reaction selectivity.  The goal of our research group is to develop useful synthetic building blocks to be applied in organic chemistry and other biologically important intermediates and products. 

Dr. Christopher Collison/ Physical,Analytical and Materials Chemistry

Our research is centered around fluorescence spectroscopy of 21st century materials. These materials include conjugated polymers and carbon nanotubes for use in polymer photovoltaics, as well as biological probes. Using fluorescence, we can characterize new materials, study energy transfer and measure excited state kinetics. Through collaborations with RIT's nanopower Research Laboratory we also have access to nanoimaging techniques that allow us to correlate our measured spectroscopic properties with changes in macromolecular structures. Visit my website at: http://people.rit.edu/cjcscha

Dr. Paul Craig/ Biochemistry

In collaboration with Laura Tubbs (Professor, Chemistry), our research is developing novel methods for identifying mutagens and carcinogens using proteomics. Our model organism is P. putida KT2440 and we are using 2D electrophoresis, imaging and mass spectrometry to identify proteins of interest. We have developed 3 different simulations of separations processes that are directly involved in proteomics: ion exchange chromatography, 1D electrophoresis and 2D electrophoresis. I am also interested in scientific visualization. Dick Doolittle (Director, Life Sciences) and I are directing the development of a virtual human that is both graphically interesting and scientifically accurate from the level of the organism to the organ to the cell to the molecules. This project involves students from the College of Science and the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. RIT Biotechnology and Bioinformatics students are developing a new interface for PyMOL, a wonderful molecular visualization program with a poor interface, for both teaching and research purposes.

Dr. Joseph Hornak/ Physical, and Analytical Chemistry

The RIT Magnetic Resonance Laboratory is a research and development laboratory devoted to solving real world problems with magnetic resonance. The laboratory specializes in the development of magnetic resonance instrumentation, computer based tissue classification using magnetic resonance images, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of materials. The laboratory is currently focusing on developing a near surface MRI, and the NMR of hydrated randomly packed particles. Visit my website: http://www.cis.rit.edu/people/faculty/hornak/

Dr. Thomas Kim / Biochemistry

Research in our lab focuses on the study of metabolic/signaling pathways in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. By using techniques common to proteomics (i.e. 2-dimensional electrophoresis, digital image analysis, and mass spectrometry), we are currently working towards determining the function of a particular enzyme (nitric oxide synthase), recently found to be expressed in B. subtilis. By inhibiting and activating of the enzyme and examining the changes in protein expression, we hope to ascertain what other proteins are dependent on or affected by nitric oxide synthase. http://people.rit.edu/tdksch

Dr. Lea Michel/ Biochemistry/Biophysics

The goal of our lab is to link the structural properties and conformational motions of proteins to their functions using various spectroscopic, biophysical and molecular biology techniques. To accomplish this goal, we use site-directed mutagenesis, NMR spectroscopy and other biochemical approaches to manipulate protein structure and dynamics and evaluate the functional impact of those changes. The lab focuses their structure/function studies on two protein families: the c-type heme signaling/sensing proteins from Geobacter sulfurreducens and antigenic proteins from Haemophilus influenzae, pathogenic bacteria which cause diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia and otitis media (ear infections).

Dr. Massoud Miri/ Polymer Chemistry

Our group investigates the syntheses of polymers using metallocenes and other single-site catalysts. These catalysts provide excellent control over the structure and molecular weight properties of modern synthetic polymers. Our major goals are to develop new polymers or new polymerization processes for existing polymers that lead to high productivities and better end properties. Besides utilizing polymerization catalysts that are commercially available, we also design new metalorganic catalysts. Our work includes the syntheses of polymers with novel morphologies and polymer/composites at the nanoscopic scale. For more information please see:

Dr. Suzanne O'Handley/ Biochemistry

Our research entails the discovery and characterization of new enzymes. The enzymes either come from model bacteria such as E. coli or pathogenic bacteria such as M. tuberculosis or Staph. aureus. Enzymes from pathogens have the potential to be novel antibiotic targets. We study members of either the Nudix hydrolase superfamily or the HAD superfamily; in this way we can understand family relationships as well. Students in the lab do bioinformatics to uncover new enzymes, clone the genes, and express, purify, and characterize the proteins. We also do knock-out mutagenesis to determine the cellular function of some of these enzymes.

Dr. K.S.V. Santhanam/ Analytical Chemistry

Our research is oriented towards nanostructured materials and novel fuel cells that would have competing applications. Nanostructured materials offer interesting chemistry in studying electro-catalysis that would help in miniaturizing the synthetic plants. Besides the nanostructured materials, one can find useful applications in developing sensitive and rationale-based sensors. A few of the materials open up the prospects of understanding spintronics and novel devices.

Dr. Thomas Smith/ Polymer Chemistry

Research in Tom Smith's imaging materials laboratory centers on the design and synthesis of functional polymers. Our objective is to create intelligent, sensorial materials that exhibit significant electronic, photonic, magnetic, redox, or ferroelectric response characteristics. Block copolymers that facilitate incorporation of functional groups in macromolecular systems with control of architecture and tertiary structure are the heart of synthetic activities. Additional materials that are being studied include organometallic polymers and nanoscopic organic/inorganic polymer composites. The group is also working to prepare novel proton exchange fuel cell membranes. Visit my website at: http://people.rit.edu/twssch/

Dr. Gerald Takacs/ Physical and Environmental Chemistry

Surface modification of materials is a key technology for the processing and manufacture of many products which would otherwise be unattainable. By altering the chemical and physical properties of the surface without changing the bulk properties, adhesion to the surface may be greatly improved. Students will work with a number of surface modification techniques in the Plasma Science Laboratory including: (1) UV photons; (2) vacuum UV (VUV) photons produced downstream from low-pressure microwave plasmas of rare gases; (3) VUV radiation from inert gas excimers formed in high pressure rotating dc arc experiments; (4) reactive neutral gaseous particles and (5) reactive ions.

Dr. Loraine Tan/ Analytical Chemistry

Research in our laboratory is centered on the spectroscopic characterization of the local microenvironment within materials of interest.  Specifically, we are working toward formulation, development and testing of biodegradable polymer (BP) platforms for use in controlled drug delivery applications. Students in our group gain experience in experimental design and various analytical techniques and instrumentation.  

Dr. Scott Williams/ Physical, Inorganic and Biochemistry

In collaboration with the Rochester General Hospital and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, our research focuses on developing analytical methods and devices that detect the presence and quantify the dosage of critical pharmaceutical agents in order to verify drug authenticity in the field.  Our research seeks to affect the global problem of counterfeit drug introduction into the marketplace, and minimize its profound negative impact on the fight against lethal diseases.  Assay platforms design, that can be adapted for field use with minimal instrumentation or resource requirements, provides additional research opportunities within our group.  For further information on these research opportunities, please contact me at sawppr@rit.edu. http://people.rit.edu/sawppr/