Staff chemist managing the chemical research laboratory analyzing renewable fuel and carbon reinforcing products from our unique biomass conversion technology, aiding in process development.

Custom wet-chemical fabrication and performance testing of high-quality charged particle detector elements used in ionizing radiation spectrometers and detectors.

Research on polymer structure-interface-property relationships to enhance composite performance AccomplishmentsSynthesized and optimized a copolymer binder for wood-based biopolymers.~Modulated binder composition and analyzed mixing morphology for compatibility. ~Used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of cross sections to determine morphology. ~Used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to gauge binder-biopolymer phase behavior. ~See Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. 2012, 213, 1196−1205 Synthesized cellulose nanofibers and acetylated their surfaces to enhance dispersion and adhesion for high performance, low cost composite reinforcing filler. Synthesized an effective copolymer binder in acrylic-based polymer blends; binder additives enable polymer blends that yield tailored performance with existing polymers with minimal development time and expense. ~Performed custom and ASTM adhesion testing of thin films to evaluate performance. Characterized the interface structure of organic optoelectronic thin film devices to aid in the development of inexpensive solar power cells; work led to the discovery of the structure underlying efficient cells. ~Modified silicon oxide and gold metal surfaces with tailored organic chemistry to control polymer-substrate phase separation in a follow-on experiment. Tested a novel copolymer binder additive for wood coatings and pulp composites which also required reproducible polymer film fabrication. Studied adhesive strength, SEM and FTIR residue analysis, and composition/architecture. Employed a UV-curable block copolymer film to create nanoporous arrays for sequestering individual protein complexes in collaboration. Designed and built a laboratory scale supercritical-CO2 fluid cell for coating treatment at UT. Improvised a neutron beam collimator for ORNL that was retained by ORNL for continued use.

► Carol Moulton Memorial departmental award for teaching service:o Donated extra tutoring service to struggling undergraduates► Senior teaching assistant for general chemistry laboratories:o Oversaw other teaching assistants, was responsible for ~200 undergraduates