David Ciota Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant for multiple years, I worked with instructional staff to train and develop of new Teaching Assistants, and during the COVID-19 pandemic advised and co-implemented new in-person and virtual general chemistry laboratory experiments. In addition, I evaluated and provided feedback on teaching laboratory renovations including room design and technology incorporation to facilitate positive student and teacher experiences and interactions. My work with students was recognized by receiving the Distinguished Teaching Assistant Award during the 2020 academic year.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

Working in Professor Dong-Kyun (Don) Seo's lab, I developed new exfoliation-functionalization methods for two-dimensional transition metal oxides and one-dimensional polymeric-like metal oxides with potential applications in catalysis, electrochromic devices, medical imaging and flame retardants. During my studies, I became experienced with a number of materials characterization techniques and the operation of instruments including UV-Vis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, TGA/DSC, DLS, XPS analysis, EDS, SEM and TEM. As the senior-most lab member, I was responsible for multiple components of lab management. These roles included managing chemical procurement, inventory, lab safety, waste removal as well as maintaining instruments such as a TGA/DSC system, DLS and a surface area and porosity analyzer. I also mentored and trained junior lab members including one Ph.D. and two undergraduate students.

Des Moines, Iowa

I took part in research with Dr. Gholam Mirafzal and Dr. Colin Cairns at Drake University as an undergraduate student. In this research, I synthesized various organo-metallic ligands and explored organic syntheses using industrial and domestic microwaves.

Iowa City, Iowa Area

As a member of of the NSF-REU program at the University of Iowa, I synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles through templating techniques in Dr. Edward Gillan's research group. These metal oxide nanoparticles are being studied to determine if they possess unique photocatalytic characteristics.

Austin, Minnesota

During the summer of 2015, I was part of the SURE internship program at the Hormel Institute, which is a division of the University of Minnesota that conducts research on how to prevent, detect and treat cancer. In this 10-week period I worked in the cellular and molecular biology lab. I was responsible for the passage and culturing of various gastrointestinal cancer cells. I also treated the cells with various drugs and tested their effects on protein concentrations by performing chemical cell lysis and then subsequent western blots.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Chemistry

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Chemistry, 3.7/4.0