We are a synthetic inorganic group with research interests in the fields of organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis, and small molecule activation.
The overarching goals of our program are: (1) to advance fundamental organometallic chemistry, (2) to develop catalysts towards various molecules crucial to health, environment, and technology, and (3) to decipher mechanisms of bioinorganic sites. Most of our projects can be cataloged into two broad research areas: (1) bimetallic cooperativity in small molecule activation and catalysys, and (2) group transfer/coupling chemistry at 3d metal centers in bulky bis(alkoxide) ligand environments. Our chemistry involves extensive organic and inorganic (air-free) synthesis, and characterization by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. We have a close long-term collaboration with the theoretical chemistry research group of Prof. Richard Lord at Grand Valley State University, which enables our students to acquire experience in computational methods, along with expertise in synthesis. We also have ongoing collaborations with physical inorganic groups of Prof. Jonathan Rochford (UMass Boston), that focuses on electro- and photochemical transformations of small molecules, and Prof. Sebastian Stoian (University of Idaho), that focuses on spectroscopic (Mössbauer and EPR) characterization of inorganic molecules. We have collaborated internationally with the groups of Profs. Mina Mazzeo and Marina Lamberti at the University of Salerno (synthesis of biodegradable polymers) and Prof. Dmitri Gelman at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (on development of biomimetic catalysts).
We are grateful to the following organizations for supporting our research:
