My PhD research dealt with the synthesis, characterization, and property measurement of metal-organic framework (MOF) and coordination network (CN) materials (sometimes called coordination polymers). As their names suggest, these classes of compounds form through the linking of metal ion centers with coordinated multifunctional organic ligands into infinite arrays. Due to their many possible industrial applications, including gas storage/sequestration, catalysis, molecular magnetics, and luminescence/sensing, there is great interest in MOFs and CNs within the manufacturing research and development sector.My experience lies in two areas: Syntheses targeting luminescent and magnetic materials for industrial applications, and using characterization and analytical techniques to develop structure/property relationships. Since MOFs and CNs can adopt many different topologies through the countless number of organic linker and metal center combinations, my research was done using a systematic approach which focused on a few metal-linker systems and isolated synthetic variables such as reaction solvent or temperature. I explored the effect of synthetic conditions on the structure and properties of series of luminescent magnesium networks and magnetic transition metal formates. It turns out that each variable change has a profound effect on the resulting product, and I gained deep appreciation for the importance of experimental design. Through understanding the structures and behavior of these materials, I used and am familiar with a number of techniques including x-ray diffraction (XRD), TGA/DSC, and fluorescence. I’m looking to utilize these skills, along with my interpersonal and communication abilities, in an industrial research and development setting.