Develop new chemistry in the area of textiles and carbon fibers. Develop new synthetic methodology and production methods for materials in textiles and applications in carbon fiber.

Worked on the development of synthetic methodology in the synthesis of 1,8-disubstituted fluorenones and sterically congested cyclopropenes. Worked on a team that developed new methods for the production of anhydrous halide starting materials of the lanthanides and actinides, with potential applications in separations and energy production. Explored electronic structure and covalency in actinide complexes using multi-nuclear and multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy.

Developed methodology for the synthesis of fluorene-based poly-imine polymers for the separation of carbon-nanotubes. Synthesized the fluorene monomers, performed polymerizations with benzene diamine, purified and characterized the resulting polymer. Performed electron microscopy studies (SEM, TEM, AFM) of fibers and fabrics for local industries.

Developed methodology in the production of poly-unsaturated organic substrates (enediyne, dienyne, triene) with a focus on achieving specific stereochemistry and incorporation of stable isotopes (deuterium and 13-carbon). Studied the reaction of poly-unsaturated organic substrates via thermal pathways and transition metal-mediated pathways, comparing the reaction products and kinetics. Taught undergraduate students in organic chemistry in classroom and laboratory settings. Mentored six undergraduate research students in laboratory technique in the area of method development.