Dr. Cody’s research focuses on designing and building molecules with useful properties, combining ideas from organic chemistry, materials science, and biology. His work includes the synthesis of complex natural products, the development of squaraine dyes for organic solar cells, and the design of dye systems for biological imaging and therapeutic applications. He frequently collaborates with students on research projects, with many contributing as co-authors on publications and presentations at national meetings. In addition to his scientific research, he is deeply interested in how students learn chemistry and has helped develop innovative, hands-on laboratory curricula (REActivities) that make organic chemistry more engaging and accessible.

Before joining RIT, Dr. Cody worked in the pharmaceutical industry at Albany Molecular Research Inc., where he helped design and scale up chemical processes used to produce drug candidates. This experience continues to shape his teaching, especially in courses focused on practical chemistry and industrial applications.

Dr. Cody earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Rochester, where he worked on the synthesis of complex biologically active molecules, and his B.S. in Biochemistry from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Across his teaching, research, and mentoring, Dr. Cody is committed to helping students connect chemistry to meaningful applications—whether in graduate school, industry, or beyond.