PhD in Chemistry - Nanoscience and Supramolecular Chemistry in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

Supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience explore the design of novel nanostructures that demonstrate remarkable properties and applications across biological, materials, and energy fields. Faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry pursue diverse, in-depth research in this strategically important domain. For instance, the Davis, Isaacs, and Gutierrez labs develop synthetic organic host molecules capable of catalytic activity or selective molecular recognition of ions and pharmaceuticals in aqueous or membrane environments, enabling enhanced control over biological systems. Investigations into synthetic polymers, biopolymers, and their self-assembly processes drive the work of the Colombini, Kahn, Paukstelis, Raghavan, and Sita groups, aiming to decode fundamental self-assembly principles and apply them to develop advanced polyolefins as well as biomedical materials for drug delivery and diagnostics. Nanoparticle research is central to the DeShong and Eichhorn groups, with applications spanning catalysis, vaccine development, and aerosol science. Moving beyond single nanostructures, the Fourkas, S. B. Lee, and Y. Wang teams employ light-based techniques and novel nanofabrication methods to construct precise architectures for cellular manipulation and next-gen energy solutions. Bridging molecular and solid-state systems, the Reutt-Robey, Y. Wang, and Weeks groups pioneer experimental and computational approaches to engineer fluorescent quantum defects and nanostructured interfaces for charge transport regulation and structural/chemical evolution monitoring.