Graduate Research Highlights

My work centers on challenging ene-yne and olefin cross metatheses catalyzed by ruthenium carbene catalysts. These highly functionalized dienyl/olefinic cross products were also used in a variety of functionalization reactions to expand their synthetic utility.

My research involves understanding the partition of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sorbents used for separation and studying PFAS distribution in heterogeneous environmental and biological samples. To achieve these goals, I use micro separation methodologies for preconcentration which is hyphenated to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify and identify PFAS.

My research is centered around developing stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers for NaK alloy batteries. To achieve this, we use in situ characterization techniques to determine the composition of the SEI layer. Additionally, I am involved in studying the electro-Fenton process for generating hydroxyl radicals which can help degrade Perfluoroalkyl substances in water.

My research focuses on understanding the molecular factors that enhance a compounds activity against a protein in drug discovery and development. Specifically, I develop and study inhibitors of NADPH Oxidases and Epidermal growth factor receptor, to understand the structural features that enable the development of potent inhibitors against these enzymes for the treatment of several diseases.

My research focuses on synthesis of bench stable manganese(III) precursor complexes for exploring the chemistry of high valent manganese. I investigate the coordination chemistry and reactivity of these complexes in an effort to demonstrate their utility.

My research primarily focuses on the analysis of emerging contaminants and other biomarkers for assessing community health through wastewater-based epidemiology. In particular, the development of effective sample preparation techniques for the analysis of complex aqueous environmental matrices using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) methods. 

Broadly, our research examines the surfaces and interfaces of waste plastic chemistry using visible, mid-, and near-infrared spectroscopy. We seek to gain a more fundamental understanding of these “messy” materials to advance autonomous recycling technologies and enhance the polymer circular economy.

I am interested in researching the development and application of bioorthogonal reagents, particularly hydrazonyl sultones, which are stable tautomers of nitrile imines. My focus is on using these reagents for selective protein modifications in both solutions and live cells to answer biological questions.