Title: Arranging Molecular Building Blocks with Enhanced Control in the Real and Virtual Worlds

Abstract:The Smaldone Group at the University of Texas, Dallas is primarily interested in the design of novel organic materials using the principles of organic synthesis and self-assembly.  Specifically, our research focuses on several key areas: i) developing new methods for the synthesis of porous polymers and covalent organic frameworks for environmental applications in clean energy and pollution control, ii) the design and synthesis of novel polymers for applications in 3D printing and iii) creating games for scientific and chemical education.

http://www.utdallas.edu/chemistry/faculty/smaldone.html

Third Annual M.A.S.C. Event at UK (Math, Arts, and Sciences Coalition.)

Exploring the idea of interconnectedness between the arts and sciences and between us all, Vocalist Shareese Arnold, Artist Marjorie Guyon, and Chemist Susan Odom will present a collaborative mixed media performance at the UK Art Museum utilizing speech, projected image, poetic narrative and aria.  

In this mixed media performance presentation, scientist Susan Odom will elaborate on her innovative energy research which focuses on utilizing synthetic organic chemistry to create materials for energy collection and storage. Her presentation will explain on the creation and use of pigments in artwork and how light interacts with matter to create what we perceive as different colors, Dr Odom will also explain some of the science unifying art and music. Artist Marjorie Guyon and vocalist Shareese Arnold will use "projected image to demonstrate the ability of an image to inhabit an entire landscape, the power of the narrative and the ability of aria to raise us out of ourselves and into a greater good.” 

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Brent Casper will be presenting a seminar titled Development of an Extraction Method for the Analysis of Organic Gunshot Residue from Clothing.

Faculty Host: Dr. Bert Lynn

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Dr. Lisa McElwee-White of the University of Florida will be presenting a seminar titled Mechanism-Based Design of Precursors for the Deposition of Inorganic Films and Nanoparticles.

Abstract: Nanostructures can be deposited from organometallic and inorganic precursors by a variety of techniques including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), surface plasmon mediated chemical solution deposition (SPMCSD) and electron beam induced deposition (EBID).  A mechanism-based approach to designing precursors for these deposition methods requires consideration of the properties of the precursor compound and its probable decomposition pathways under the specific reaction conditions.  Examples will be chosen from CVD of metal nitride films, CVD of metal oxide nanorods, SPMCSD of gold nanoparticles on nanostructured Ag substrates and EBID of high metal content deposits.

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Quanzhen Huang of the University of Kentucky will be presenting a seminar titled Thermal Degradation of Amines for CO₂ Capture. 

Refreshments will be provided at this event.

Faculty Advisor:  Dr. John Selegue

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This event has been cancelled.

Dr. Geoffrey Coates of Cornell University will be presenting this year's Dawson Lecture, titled New Polymers from Old Monomers: Advances Enabled through Catalyst Design and Discovery.

Abstract: Although the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of a polymer are the most vital factors in determining utility, another important constraint that must be considered is the cost of the material. The best way to create inexpensive new polymers is to start with large-scale commodity monomers, rather than rely on the development of new-to-the-world monomers. The focus of our work is the development of new synthetic methods for polymer synthesis, where known organic feedstocks are combined in alternative ways to make new macromolecular materials. We accomplish this through the development of metal-based catalysts that exhibit unique reactivity. In this presentation, the discovery, development and application of new catalysts for polymerization will be presented. The development of new methods for the synthesis of sustainable polymers will also be discussed. 

Refreshments will be served before the event in CP-114A/B.

Faculty Host: Dr. Susan Odom