We use (1) inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and (2) chemical biology to address important metal-mediated processes with energy, biological, and medical relevance. We use an interdisciplinary, problem-based approach for the synthesis and characterization of new organic and inorganic compounds, with the ultimate goal to address unsolved problems with broad implications to our society.
Inorganic & Organometallic Chemistry Research — Energy and Catalysis
We investigate transition metal complexes with unique reactivity by employing judiciously designed multidentate ligands that control the electronic properties and reactivity of metal ions in various oxidation states. We are combining strategies from biology for the activation of small molecules (e.g., O2 and CO2) with successful approaches from organometallic chemistry for the functionalization of unactivated organic molecules (e.g., CH4 and other hydrocarbons), with the ultimate goal of employing such catalysts in renewable energy applications while also increasing our understanding of fundamental organometallic reactivity. To learn more, visit our Publications page or Contact Us about current/unpublished projects.
Chemical Biology Research — Diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease. The long-term goal of this project is to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic agents for AD based on bifunctional compounds that interact with Ab species and also bind transition metal ions. We are also interested in developing metal-containing compounds for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of Aβ aggregates – including soluble Aβ oligomers, as an early diagnostic tool for AD. To learn more, visit our Publications page or Contact Us about current/unpublished projects.