Research

My research program is directed toward the development of reliable electroanalytical methods which utilize low-cost and disposable electrodes. Electroanalytical methods (EAMs) have key advantages over other chemical analysis methods. EAMs are simpler to use, more robust, provide low-detection limits, and can be made selective for particular analytes. EAMs can also be utilized in the detection and quantitation of diverse analytes of interest to researchers in a broad range of fields that include environmental chemistry, food science, clinical science, and material science. Thus, the ability to design low-cost and reliable sensing electrodes for use in electroanalytical methods is an essential goal of analytical chemists that allows for making reliable but inexpensive measurements.

What we do...

In my group, we design and fabricate electrode components with a 3D printer to be utilized in low-cost electroanalytical methods. With the increasing availability of 3D printers at educational institutions, including universities and high schools, as well as public libraries, the low-cost fabrication of electrochemical products will become more accessible to researchers and students. Our long-term goal is to fabricate portable electroanalytical kits that can be utilized outside the lab for the measurement of diverse analytes including heavy metals in water and soil samples, as well as the determination of antioxidants in fruit and vegetable samples. The low-cost kits will also find use in industrial applications that are relevant to researchers working in the electrochemical sensors field throughout the world, for example, those using on-site analysis as well as labs in regions that have limited funding opportunities.

What you will learn...

Students conducting research in my group will attain valuable experience in the fundamental concepts of method development, surface modification, chemical synthesis, and electrode characterization. Students will also gain expertise on the use of voltammetry, spectroscopy, and other equipment required to carry out the experiments in my lab. More importantly, because the proposed research incorporates interdisciplinary fields of analytical, food, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, students will receive a broad-based research experience that will significantly enhance their chemistry education. Overall, my research program allows students to develop an interdisciplinary set of competitive skills that will ensure their success in chemical-based industries, graduate school, and professional programs.