Chemistry Research Programs
Dr. Ahmed, Associate Professor
My primary research interest is in the field of DNA modification due to glycoxidation and lipoperoxidation reactions in relation to diabetes. Our goal is to identify uniquely modified DNA/RNA bases simulating the conditions as they occur in diabetes. We extensively use modern spectroscopic methods such as HPLC, MS, LC-MS, NMR etc to achieve our goals. Our research work is funded from sources such as Project Export (SCSU-MUSC), NSF-HPCU UP, NIH subcontract, and 1890 Van-Allen Research Funds. In addition we are also involved in research works investigating into the alternating sources of energy such as Bio-Butanol using microbial fermentation procedures and cellulosic renewable rea materials.
Dr. Chang
Dr. Chang's research interests are in three areas: 1) the detection and measurement of the radionuclides in the environment; 2) the chemical processes in the advanced nuclear fuel cycle; and 3) the radiation chemistry of the materials employed in the next-generation nuclear reactors. Dr. Chang is currently studying the groundwater radionucildes in the Edisto River Basin. Dr. Changis the director of the Applied Science Radiation Lab. Please go to the websitea>to find details about the Radiation Lab and the Radiochemistry Program.
Dr. Joe Emily, Associate Professor
Research interests include environmental chemistry, instrumentation and software design, quality control and biohydrogen research.
Dr. Nasrullah Hamidi, Assistant Professor
Dr. Hamidis research centers on synthesis and characterization of a series of aromatic polyacrylates in which the bulkiness of the side chain is systematically varied, from a small group such as phenyl to a bigger and slightly hindered, diorthometylphenyl then to a very large hindered group, diortho-tert-butylphenyl. The objectives include investigating the relationship between the effect of the side chain chemical structure to the physical chemical and thermal property of the polymers. One expects that as the side chains get more voluminous, the polymer properties change from flexible to semi-rigid. The particular case of interest is when a polymer chain under different conditions shows distinct properties: flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. Also, the synthesis of these polymers in super critical carbon dioxide fluid by itself is innovative, and very attractive from the point of view of industry and environmental safety.
Dr. Rahina Mahtab, Associate Professor
Optical properties of metallic and semiconductor nanomaterials, luminescent probes for optical sensing of DNA structure. We are interested in making, assembling, and exploring the surface chemistry of inorganic nanomaterials. The materials of interest are gold, silver, and cadmium sulfide, due to their size- and shape-dependent optical properties in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. We have developed seed-mediated growth procedures to make metallic nanospheres and nanorods of controlled size and shape in aqueous solution. These are brightly colored, and the wavelengths of light that they absorb and scatter depend on nanoparticle shape. We are developing improved methods to make these materials and are exploring biological sensing applications and imaging applications with them.
We characterize particle size by transmission electron microscopy in the USC Electron Microscopy Center. We also think about DNA as a "nanomaterial" in terms of its local structure and dynamics. We have used our inorganic nanoparticles as optical probes of DNA structure. We are also currently collaborating on a NSF funded project, where I am the PI, with Dr. C. J. Murphy of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Dr. M. Moss of the Department of Chemical Engineering, USC, Columbia, as co-PIs to investigate the role of surface-modified nanomaterials to inhibit protein aggregation in Alzheimers Disease.
Dr. Ruhullah Massoudi, Professor
My research concerns an investigation of whether paraffin candles emit hazardous material to human health, and whether candles produced from soybean sources are better replacement for paraffin candles in two aspects (a) human health and (b) economically.
Dr. Ken White, Adjunct Professor
Research Interest: Tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis.
The tumor microenvironment or stroma is comprised of an infliltrate of inflammatory cells. Among these cells are: lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and mast cells. Communication among these cells are achieved through a complex network of intracellular signaling, mediated by adhesion molecules, cytokines and their receptors. The cells of the stroma, particulary macrophages have been implicated in contributing to angiogenesis (i.e. growth of new blood vessels). My research interest is focused on microenvironment signaling and its contribution to angiogenesis and thus to the growth and survival of the tumor.