Research
Dr. Jessica Anderson
The focus of my research is the non-classical actions of vitamin D and its action in regulating the immune system. Numerous epidemiological studies show that adequate amounts of vitamin D seem to be preventative in cancer, heart disease, and many autoimmune diseases. While it is acknowledged that many cells in the immune system use vitamin D, the exact mechanism by which vitamin D modulates immunity is unknown and will be the focus of my research.
Dr. Anselm Omoike
Work in my laboratory is focused on problems in environmental and bio-analytical chemistry along the following themes.
(i) Analytical methods development and development of functionalized nanoparticles for environmental and bio-analytical applications.
We are currently working with hydroxapatite and functionalized iron-based nanoparticles (magnetite and maghemite). Selective recovery or separations of different chemical species (cationic and anionic) or biomolecules on these sorbents are systematically evaluated by batch and column techniques. For example, the main goal of our magnetically assisted chemical separation and remediation project is to develop methods targeted towards metal species of environmental concern by combining the magnetic property of iron-based nanoparticles (magnetite and maghemite) and affinity of the tailored surface sites of the nanoparticles for specific analytes. These particles provide minimized toxicity and increased binding for species in simple and complex mixtures. However, key challenges in this research include synthesizing particles that possess strong magnetic properties, ensuring high density of reactive surface functionalities, protection of particles against corrosion, and ensuring specificity.
(ii) Biofilm formation and utilization for contaminants adsorption / degradation.
Biofilms, extracellular polymeric substances (on bacterial surface and exuded into the environment) and bacteria contain heterogeneous macromolecules with different types of functional groups with potential metal ion binding sites. Bacteria cells in biofilms can degrade organic contaminants by utilizing them as carbon sources for growth. In this project, we evaluate biofilm formation on different substrata, and their applications in the degradation of contaminants. The overall goal of this research is to provide insight into factors influencing bacterial adhesion and utilization of immobilized cells for contaminants degradation / sorption.
My research focuses on computational applications to real chemical systems of interest. Included in his current research interests are the highly accurate descriptions of the electronic structures of small- to moderate-sized molecules and molecular ions, the application of the hybrid quantum/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) to the large-sized system, and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR). Current research programs include: (i) using accurate and ultrahigh accurate multi-reference methods to investigate potential energy surfaces of smaller molecules as well as the low-lying excited states, and using ab initio methods to predict molecular properties as well as electronic structures of mid-sized molecules. The undergoing projects focus on systems like transitional metal carbide/oxide, dioxirane and its derivatives, and fullerenes; (ii) using hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanic methods or the molecular mechanic methods to investigate reactions in aqueous solutions and on the surfaces; (iii) using statistical methods (combined with computational methods) to investigate the QSAR for agrochemicals.
Dr. Robert Stach
My main research interest is in developmental neurobiochemistry with particular emphasis on the growth and development of the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems. This means that we want to understand the chemical signals that determine the normal growth and development of these aspects of the nervous system. Our main experimental model is the pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12, from the rat adrenal gland. Under appropriate conditions, these cells can be made to be electrical excitable and extend processes similar to those found in sympathetic nerves. We study the effects that various compounds have on the growth of these cells to obtain a better understanding of the chemical signals that allow never cells to grow and develop normally.
I am currently involved in several areas of research. Following the principals of green chemistry, we are trying to develop alternative reaction conditions for traditional organic reactions. For example, we are using hot, pressurized water (subcritical water) to both solvate and catalyze a reaction that traditionally is done in organic solvents with catalysts that require subsequent disposal.
Finding a targeted drug to fight cancer with limited side effects would be a magic bullet in the fight against cancer versus the shotgun approach of traditional chemotherapeutics. In my research, we are targeting the histone deacetylase enzyme. This enzyme is involved in regulating gene expression in cells and could be one of the mechanisms that “goes wrong” in a cancer cell. We are investigating simple, easy to synthesize compounds and testing their ability to inhibit this enzyme, thus restoring the cell’s natural regulation process.
