Faculty Profile
Name: Ronald Castellano
Homepage: http://www.chem.ufl.edu/~castellano/
Research Interests:
molecular recognition, self-assembly, organic synthesis, reversible and bio-inspired materials, non-covalent interactions

Current Running Projects:
Physical Science - Molecule Synthesis for Supramolecular Applications
The Castellano research group uses the tools of organic synthesis to create new functional organic molecules. These molecules have potential applications in molecular recognition and self-assembly, molecular electronics and sensors, and/or as bio-inspired materials. These efforts fall within the sub-discipline known as "supramolecular chemistry". An undergraduate will synthesize small molecules to further studies in one of two specific areas: a) through-bond donor-acceptor interactions in advanced materials; b) nucleobases and related bio-derived heterocycles as optical probes, sensors, and monomers for novel responsive materials. Although this research is largely based in synthetic chemistry and solution-phase characterization (e.g. NMR, UV/Vis, fluorescence, IR, etc.), aspects of the project could involve computation (for design and study) and X-ray crystallography.

Requirements: Applicants must have had two semesters of Organic Chemistry including the lab (CHM 2210, CHM 2211, CHM 2211L)

Time Commitment: minimum 8 hours/wk (= two lab afternoons)
Independent Study: Available
Work Study: Not Available
Salary: Not Available
Volunteer: Not Available
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