Research Areas

We have listed our faculty members under general categories of research being conducted in our department. To view more specific information about faculty member’s research, publications, news & more, click on their name to view their faculty page.

Analytical

Our Analytical Chemistry program is led by researchers with a strong focus in designing and developing new technologies (e.g., chemical/bio sensors, imaging tools and devices) and materials (e.g., nanomaterials, biomaterials) to solve real world problems. Of particular strength is the development of instrumental analytical methods for extraction and rapid/sensitive identification of substances in pure matrixes, complex mixtures, and environmental samples, as well as radioanalytical techniques for the determination of radionuclides in environmental and complicated matrixes.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry research at UCF discovers nitrogen biochemistries and enzyme mechanisms to produce new antibiotics; studies nucleic acid interactions with organic dyes, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules to diagnose human disease; and designs the first DNA computer and DNA nanorobots to treat human diseases.

Chemistry Education

Chemistry Education Research at UCF is unique because it encompasses a wide range of topics that captures factors both inside and outside the chemistry learning space. This includes but is not limited to GTA training and reflective practices, scientific literacy, diversity and inclusivity research, and models for assessing student learning. Our research teams work closely with other university partners including physics, math, computer science, education and learning sciences. 

Environmental

Our Environmental Chemistry program is highly interdisciplinary. The unique aspects of our program include atmospheric and combustion chemistry, environmental microbiology and biogeochemical cycling, detecting and removing pollutants in water stream using composite membranes, the use of engineered enzymes for bioremediation and environmental radiochemistry and radionuclide source attribution.

Forensic Science

Our Forensic Science program is at the forefront of the forensic science education and research by leading in DNA and RNA analysis, state of the art microscopy, elemental and molecular analysis of physical evidence as well as actively hosting databases helping the criminal justice community with cases involving sexual assaults, arson, firearms and more. 

Inorganic

Research teams specialized in inorganic chemistry are developing new materials and catalysts that can power a sustainable economy, targeted analytical methods for reducing waste and cleaning our environment, and sophisticated nanostructures for non-invasive medicine, sensing, and new chemical transformations. 

Materials

Medicinal

Organic

The organic chemistry research at UCF centers on developing new catalysts and methodologies to achieve highly efficient and selective organic transformations. We aim to synthesize biologically active targets, architecturally interesting natural products, and organic materials. Our focus is on sustainable catalyst frameworks, enabling the synthesis of valuable medicines and utilizing chemical tools to address significant biological inquiries. 

Physical

Physical chemistry at UCF is highly interdisciplinary. Faculty and students at all levels work across chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, and other disciplines.  They conduct basic research that reveals the principles of nature, using spectroscopy, imaging, lasers, electrochemistry, and computer modeling. They also translate research to solve real-world problems, often working with industry, state, and federal organizations. For example, they develop new materials with specific optical properties for sensing, manufacturing and lithography, renewable and sustainable energy, and environmental protection. 

Radiochemistry

Our young and ambitious Radiochemistry program specializes in radionuclide proliferation in the environment (e.g. biogeochemical cycling, interface aqueous chemistry), as well as radionuclide chemistry under nuclear fuel disposal conditions. We also conduct research in nuclear forensics with emphasis on post-detonation chemistry and the development of sensitive techniques for the determination of radionuclide signatures, as well as fundamental actinide chemistry.