Graduate Research Highlights

My current research involves creating core/shell nanoparticle architectures and enhancing the visible and NIR emission for in vivo imaging and sensing.

My research is about looking at the global occurrence of micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals of emerging concern in the aquatic environment using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. We collaborate with engineers and other scientists to study the development of environmental antimicrobial resistance, pharmaceutical removal efficiencies of wastewater treatment plants, and the eco-toxicological effects of these compounds on aquatic life.

Labeling mammalian and fungal cells with MRI contrast agents to study the behavior of contrast agents due to compartmentalization in the cells for potential applications in cell therapy imaging and infection diagnosis.

"My research was based in the discovery and development of organic methodologies which can be applied in the synthesis of biologically active molecules."

I am currently preparing, developing novel titration methods for, and assessing the reactivity of solid-supported isocyanide-based metal scavengers for rapid removal of transition metal complexes from solution. These materials are useful in the lab for both arresting transition metal catalysts and removing the toxic – and sometimes detrimentally reactive – metal complexes from solution via filtration.

As a member of the Benedict group I am designing and synthesizing novel stimuli responsive dynamic materials which we can monitor using in situ single crystal X-ray diffraction. Currently I have been exploring colorimetric techniques for testing sonicator homogeneity using imine sonochemistry.

"My research in the Wood lab focuses on the utilization of high resolution mass spectrometry to investigate small molecules in their roles in disease states. Although the majority of my work focuses in metabolomics, investigating stercobilin as a putative biomarker for autism, I have recently started work in the fields of lipidomics and proteomics."

"My research focus is on integrating theory and experiment to the design, synthesis, and characterization of semiconductor heterostructures with programmable light harvesting and charge transfer for photocatalysis."