research
|by research area
biological chemistry |>> |
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Many of the forefronts in science rest at the interface between biology and chemistry. Our department has a strong interest in interdisciplinary biological chemistry. Interests in the department include protein folding, dynamics, enzymology, structure/function, biomarkers, inhibitors, screening and modeling of biological compounds and molecules. |
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Computational and Theoretical Chemistry |
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The four research groups in theory and computation are involved in a diverse range of research topics including nanomaterials, biological processes, and the electronic and optical properties of molecules and clusters. The groups have combined expertise in quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, distributed and high performance computing, and coarse-graining methods. The department also houses the University's Center for Molecular and Materials Simulations. |
Diversity-Oriented Synthesis |
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Diversity-Oriented Synthesis represents the synthesis of relatively small libraries of organic molecules that are structurally more complex, have a greater variety of core structures, and possess richer stereochemical variations than those produced by traditional combinatorial chemistry. |
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Materials and Nanoscience |
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From synthesis to physical measurement to theory, chemistry is at the core
of the broad field of nanoscience. Many faculty members in the department
of chemistry actively pursue cutting-edge nanoscience research. Synthetic
groups develop new methods for generating novel fluorescent nanoparticles,
nanotubes, well-defined macromolecules, colloidal-crystal arrays, and
nanoporous materials. Analytical and physical groups probe and harness the
unique properties of nanostructures for the development of ultra-sensitive
sensors for biomolecules and trace gases. Theoretical groups model and
predict the behavior of molecules and other nanoscale phenomena. All of
these efforts involve collaborations not only between different groups in
chemistry (analytical, biological, organic, inorganic, theory, and physical)
but also leading researchers in various departments at Pitt including
physics, engineering, biology, and medicine. Therefore, participating
graduate students and postdocs develop a strong foundation in chemistry and
benefit from an enriching multidisciplinary educational experience. Many Chemistry faculty are members of the