Graduate Research Highlights

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.

My research primarily discusses the synthesis and characterization of highly reactive novel zinc(II) and manganese(II) complexes towards catalytic hydrogenation of selected polar substrates. Currently, I am working on exploring the coordination chemistry of the recently discovered bench-stable Mn(III) trichlorido complex in our lab alongside stabilizing highly reactive Zn(II) and Ti(IV) centers with organophosphorus compounds.

My research focuses on the development of hydrolytically stable phenylenediamine-modified silica particles for chromatographic applications. Another research focus is the study of diarylethene-based photoswitches using liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography.

My research revolves around the role lipids play during necroptosis, particularly investigating the causes of lipid accumulation observed during necroptosis.

My research interests are designing, synthesizing, and characterizing polynuclear metalloporphyrin or porphyrin derivative complexes and using these complexes for electrocatalysts for small molecule activation.

My research focuses on the design and development of novel iron (III) macrocyclic compounds for use at T1 MRI contrast agents. Currently, I am focused on studying how changing a single coordinating pendant effects the relaxivity of these compounds by using variable field strength NMR and MRI. 

Within the Gong lab we’re interested in studying new supramolecular systems. Within this area we have developed novel aromatic oligoamide foldamers and macrocycles for applications in catalysis, transmembrane transport, and molecular recognition.