SROP Faculty Research Chemistry - Graduate College

A Diverse Culture—The Graduate College Dean's Graduate Fellowship provides funding for outstanding master’s and doctoral students who are underrepresented in their academic areas. More...

Chemistry

UI graduate faculty research projects in Chemistry currently available to SROP scholars. This list does not represent all faculty interested in being mentors. Please check the Chemistry faculty website for additional research interests.

Surface Science Studies of Environmental Catalysis and
Heterogeneous Atmospheric Processes

Principal Investigator	Vicki H. Grassian, Associate Professor Department(s): Chemistry College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Research Description	The objectives of this work is to understand on a molecular level reactions of environmental relevance.
Undergraduate Role	Undergraduate students working in the Grassian group will have research opportunities in a range of topics in environmental catalysis and heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry. Undergraduates will utilize the techniques of infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to unravel the chemistry that takes place at the surface of mineral oxide particles. During the first few weeks, students are exposed to a wide variety of new laboratory techniques. The students eventually become familiar enough with the techniques so that they can perform their own experiments.
Minimum Qualifications	Interested students are welcome to participate in the research.
Contact Information	319-335-0234 vicki-grassian@uiowa.edu Professor Vicki Grassian

Engineering Novel Nanostructures

Principal Investigator	Amanda Haes, Assistant Professor Department(s): Chemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): NNI@UI, OSTC, Biosciences Program College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Assistants	Maryuri Roca, Tyson Friday
Research Description	Synthesize silver and gold nanostructures (core) that are functionalized with a variety of surface ligands. Optimize strategies for the synthesis of porous silica and polymer shells on these nanostructures. Characterize structures with optical and microscopic methods. These materials will be used for enhanced chemical and biological sensing purposes.
Undergraduate Role	The undergraduate would work with a group member. Their project would focus on on nanoparticle "core" and would varying the properties of the "shell" (porosity, chemical composition, etc.).
Minimum Qualifications	General Chemistry
Contact Information	319-384-3695 amanda-haes@uiowa.edu Professor Amanda J. Haes

Molecular Modeling of Biomolecules

Principal Investigator	Jan H. Jensen, Assistant Professor Department(s): Chemistry College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Research Description	Use molecular modeling to study biochemical processes.
Undergraduate Role	Hands on research.
Minimum Qualifications	Freshman Chemistry.
Contact Information	319-335-1108 jan-jensen@uiowa.edu Professor Jan H. Jensen

Mechanistic Enzymology

Principal Investigator	Amnon Kohen, Assistant Professor Department(s): Chemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Research Description	Studying Enzymes related to DNA biosynthesis, Cancer, and Antibiotics.
Undergraduate Role	Participation in an ongoing research project.
Minimum Qualifications	Chemistry/Biochemistry basic courses and some lab experience.
Contact Information	319-335-0234 amnon-kohen@uiowa.edu Professor Amnon Kohen

Applications of Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery and Environmental Protection

Principal Investigator	Sarah Larsen, Associate Professor Department(s): Chemistry College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Research Description	Evaluate the novel properties and feasibility of using of nanomaterials (nanocrystalline zeolites, composite materials) in drug delivery and environmental protection including water purification and emission abatement.
Undergraduate Role	Synthesize and characterize nanocrystalline zeolite materials; conduct experiments designed to assess catalytic activity, adsorptive properties, cell interactions and/or toxicity in drug delivery applications.
Minimum Qualifications	Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chem Engineering major - completion of chemistry courses through organic
Contact Information	319-335-1346 sarah-larsen@uiowa.edu Profressor Sarah Larsen

Magnetic Effects in Electrochemical Systems

Principal Investigator	Johna Leddy, Associate Professor Department(s): Chemistry College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Research Description	Magnetic effects on electron transfer reactions are investigated in electrochemical systems such as fuel cells and batteries.
Undergraduate Role	Undergraduate will perform electrochemical measurements on a magnetically modified system to investigate the impact on current and kinetics.
Minimum Qualifications	Some courses in Analytical and/or Physical Chemistry.
Contact Information	319-335-1720 johna-leddy@uiowa.edu Professor Johna Leddy

Chimeric Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase: New Agents for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Principal Investigator	Daniel M. Quinn, Professor Department(s): Chemistry College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Research Description	To synthesize multifunctional inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. To analyze the potency and mechanism of actions of inhibitors of the enzyme To evaluate potent acetylcholiesterase inhibitors in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Undergraduate Role	Evaluation of the biochemical properties of new enzyme inhibitors; enzyme kinetics; data analysis and presentation.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic undergraduate coursework and labs in organic chemistry.
Contact Information	319-335-1270 daniel-quinn@uiowa.edu Professor Daniel M. Quinn

Tissue Engineering/Gene Delivery

Principal Investigator	Aliasger V. Salem, Assistant Professor Department(s): Chemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Pharmaceutics
Research Description	Design a project on scaffolds for tissue engineering. Mentor student on report preparation. Mentor student on presentation.
Undergraduate Role	Participate in research projects and group meetings.
Minimum Qualifications	Enthusiasm. Chemistry and Biology useful.
Contact Information	319-335-9349 aliasger-salem@uiowa.edu Professor Aliasger Salem