Faculty Research Interests

Faculty member Matthew Baker

Matthew Baker

My group develops and synthesizes stimuli-responsive materials with applications in:

  • Recyclable and biodegradable plastics
  • Controlled drug release systems
  • Biomedical or environmental sensors
Prof. Baker's publications and presentations
  • M. Baker and B. Hoyt. "Development and Synthesis of Stimuli-responsive Bond-cleaving Polymers’, Quest SUNY Oswego, April 2017.
Faculty member Kestas Bendinskas

Kestas Bendinskas

My research group works with:

  • Exploring effects of metals on human health, i.e. omics of lead (Pb), cadmium, mercury, arsenic in kids and steel mill workers in Oswego and Syracuse in the USA, Kolkata in India, and Tbilisi in Georgia;
  • Studying metal-binding properties of proteins, e.g., the quenching of fluorescence of alpha-macroglobulin due to its binding to Pb;
  • Using detection methods to measure stress biomolecules in novel matrixes, such as cortisol in hair;
  • Developing modern biochemistry and omics teaching laboratory experiments.
Prof. Bendinskas' publications and presentations
  • Gump, B. B., Gabrikova, E., Bendinskas, K., Dumas, A. K., Palmer, C. D., Parsons, and MacKenzie, J. A., Low-Level Mercury in Children: Associations with Sleep Duration and Cytokines, 2014, Environmental Research, 134, 228–232.
  • Bendinskas, K.*, Weber, B., Nsouli, T., Nguyen, H. V., Joice, C., Niri, V. and Jaskolla, T. W., A teaching laboratory for comprehensive lipid characterization from food samples, 2014, Journal of Chemical Education, 91, 10, 1697–1701.
  • Cavalcante, R., Patil, S., Weymouth, T.E., Bendinskas, K.G., Karnovsky*, A., and Sartor*, Ma.A., ConceptMetab: Exploring relationships among metabolite sets to identify links among biological concepts, 2016, Bioinformatics, 1–8.
  • Bendinskas, K.* (March 2016) “Lead, mercury, sleep, and inflammatory markers in adolescents: An OMICS approach”, ACS national meeting, San Diego, CA
Faculty member Thomas Brown

Thomas Brown

My research group is interested in the following areas:

  • Designing, synthesizing, and characterizing copper(I) coordination compounds;
  • Investigating photoluminescent properties of copper(I) for applications in optoelectronics;
  • Exploring mechanochemical syntheses as greener alternatives for traditional synthetic inorganic methods.
Prof. Brown's publications and presentations
  • T. Brown and A. Mars. "The Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Photoemissive Copper(I) Coordination Compounds” Quest SUNY Oswego April 2017
Shokouh Haddadi head shot

Shokouh Haddadi 

In our forensic research laboratory, we focus on developing analytical approaches for applications in toxicology, drug analysis, arson detection and chemical analysis of latent fingerprints:

  • Developing methods for the determination of drugs used in Drug Facilitated Crimes (DFC) in biological samples using extraction techniques such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), solid-phase extraction and solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
  • Investigating interferences from substrates in fire debris analysis, using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
  • Investigating the effect of age and gender on the chemical composition of latent fingerprints, using liquid-liquid extraction, followed by derivatization and analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
  • Developing new experiments for forensic science laboratory curriculum.
Prof. Haddadi's publications and presentations
  • A. Aldrich, G. Odugbesi, S. Haddadi. "Investigating the background interferences of carpet substrates in accelerant identification" 41st Northeast Regional ACS Meeting (NERM), Binghamton, NY, USA, October 5-8, 2016.
  • C. Bonzerato, M. Butera, S. Haddadi. "Analysis of Diphenhydramine (DPH) in Urine Samples Using Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) and GC-MS" Quest, SUNY Oswego, April 2016
  • C. Landers and S. Haddadi. "Identification and quantification of Amino Acids in Latent Fingerprints by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry" Quest, SUNY Oswego, April 201

Mahdi Hesari

The Hesari Lab focuses on interrogation of electrochemistry, spectroscopy and nanoscopy of rationally designed nanomaterials (e.g., metal nanoclusters, semiconductive crystals, etc.) toward energy conversion e.g., light harvesting and light emission processes. 

  • Mahdi Hesari Research
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) statement: We are committed to improving diversity in the chemistry and chemical community through research and teaching activities, and also dedicated with full engagement in improving the culture in science. Our research group actively recruits and trains minority undergraduate and graduate students and encourage them in academic careers.
Prof. Hesari's publications and presentations
  • Askarova, G.; Hesari, M.; Wang, C.; Mirkin, M. V.*, Decoupling Through-tip Illumination from Scanning in Nanoscale photo-SECM.  Anal. Chem. 2022, 94, 7169–7173.
  • Hesari, M.*; Ding, Z.*, Identifying Highly Photoelectrochemical Active Sites of Two Au21 Nanocluster Isomers Toward Bright Near-infrared Electrochemiluminescence. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 19474−19485.
  • Hesari, M.*; Ding, Z.*, Efficient Near-infrared Electrochemiluminescence from Au18 Nanoclusters. Chem. Eur. J. 2021, 27, 14821–14825.
  • Hesari, M.*; Ding, Z.*, Spooling Electrochemiluminescence Spectroscopy: Development, Applications and Beyond. Nat. Protoc. 2021, 16, 2109–2130.
  • Hesari, M.*; Ding, Z.*, A Perspective on Application of Carbon Quantum Dots in Luminescence Immunoassays. Front. Chem. 2020, 8.
  • Mao, X.; Liu, C.; Hesari, M.; Zou, N.; Chen, P.*, Super-resolution Imaging of Non-fluorescent Reactions via Competition. Nat. Chem. 2019, 11, 687–694.
  • Hesari, M.; Sambur, J. B.; Mao, X.; Jung, W.; Chen, P.*, Quantifying Photocurrent Loss of a Single Particle–particle Interface in Nanostructured Photoelectrodes. Nano Lett. 2019, 19, 958–962.
  • Hesari, M.; Mao, X.; Chen, P.*, Charge Carrier Activity on Single-particle Photo(electro)catalysts: Toward Function in Solar Energy Conversion.  J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 6729–6740.

Faculty member Julia Koeppe

Julia Koeppe

The major focus of our lab is the study of protein interactions involved in the activation and regulation of the complement system. The complement system is an important part of innate immunity, and misregulation can lead to inflammatory diseases.

  • We specifically focus on complement component 3 (C3) and its interactions with other complement proteins as well as with thrombomodulin, a protein which is best known for its regulatory role in blood clotting. We use a variety of methods including hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS) and fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate interactions between the proteins of interest.

In another project, we are using a combination of computational and wet lab techniques to determine enzyme function. The target enzymes have structures available in the protein databank, but their function is unknown. This work is being used to create a research-style curriculum for the undergraduate biochemistry teaching lab.

Arsalan Mirjafari

Arsalan Mirjafari

The Mirjafari Lab focuses on rational design and development of new functional organic-ion materials via integrating concepts and strategies from ionic liquid chemistry, bioinspired materials, organic synthesis, and biology. Our efforts aim at employing these materials to address key societal challenges in health and sustainability. 

  • Research group: Mirjafari Lab
  • Diversity Statement: We are committed to a group culture, which emphasizes diversity, equality, respect and inclusion that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and perspectives and a climate of open scientific inquiry.
Prof. Mirjafari's publications and presentations
  • Mirjafari, A. Long-term DNA preservation and storage at ambient temperature, U.S. Patent 11,434,520 B2 September 6, 2022.
  • Recker, E. A.; Green, M.; Soltani, M.; McManus, G. J.; Paull, D. H.; Davis, Jr., J. H.; Mirjafari, A. Direct air capture of CO2 via ionic liquids derived from “waste” amino acids. 2022, 10, 11885-11890. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c02883
  • D. J. Siegel, D.J.;  Anderson, G. I.; Paul, L. M.; Seibert, P. J.; Hillesheim, P. C.; Sheng, Y.; Zeller, M.; Taubert, A.; Werner, P.; Balischewski, C.; Michael,S. F.; Mirjafari, A. Design principles of lipid-like ionic liquids for gene delivery. ACS Appl. Bio Mater. 2021, 4, 4737-4743. DOI:10.1021/acsabm.1c00252

For the full list of publications, see: www.mirjafarilab.com/publications

Faculty member Vadoud Niri

Vadoud Niri

The main focus of our research group is to develop analytical methods for:

  • monitoring chemical pollutants, which negatively affect public health and the environment (air, water, soil and sediment media) and investigating the efficiency of possible removal/remediation techniques for these compounds,
  • measuring/monitoring drugs in pharmaceutical products and biological media (in-vitro and in-vivo),
  • analyzing flavors/off-flavors and toxic compounds (e.g. pesticides and preservatives) in food samples, 
  • analyzing organic compounds such as fragrances emitted from living flowers and plants.

The analytical techniques and instrumentations being used are solvent-free sampling/sample preparation techniques such as solid phase microextraction and needle trap devices, coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); as well as spectroscopic instruments.

Prof. Niri's publications and presentations
  • G. Peterson, T. Jones, D. Rispoli, D. Stitt, S. Haddadi, and V. Niri, Monitoring Volatile Organic Compound Removal by Common Indoor Plants Using Solid Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, 252nd American Chemical Society National Meeting,Philadelphia, PA, August 21-25, 2016.
  • J. Calvert, H. Posada, and V. Niri, Analyzing heavy metals in the soil samples of local farms in Oswego NY, ACS Northeast Regional Meeting 2016, Binghamton, NY, October 5-8, 2016.
  • G. Peterson, A. Donahoe, and V. Niri, Chemical Analysis of Electronic Cigarettes Using Solid Phase Microextraction and Needle Trap Device Coupled to Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, 250th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 16-20, 2015.
  • H. Posada, J. Calvert, and V. Niri, Analyzing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Drinking Water in Oswego City, SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference, The College at Brockport, Brockport, NY, April 10, 2015.

Casey Raymond

Casey C. Raymond

My research group is interested in three areas listed below.  

  • In the first area, students will learn air-sensitive techniques, including the use of Schlenk lines and gloveboxes.
  • Students will also learn common charaterization techniques, including UV-vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, and X-ray crystallography.
  • Students in the third area of research will learn separation techniques and characterization techniques of food and fermentation related systems.
Prof. Raymond's publications and presentations
  • C. C. Raymond, J.A. Schneider, “Fermentation Science in a Global Society with a Study Abroad Flavor” in “Ethanol and Education: Alcohol as a Theme for Teaching Chemistry “ Barth, R., Benvenuto, M.A. Eds. ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. 2015.
  • N.N. Dingra, T. Ayudhya, C.C. Raymond, “Hexamethylenetetramine carboxyborane: synthesis, structural characterization and CO releasing property” Dalton Trans.201746, 882–889. 
  • C. C. Raymond, M. A. Knopp, “Crystal structure of 1,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13-undecahydrocyclododeca[c]pyrazol-3-ol” Acta Cryst. E, 2015, 71, 752–753.