Joshua Pak, Ph.D.

Summary: Research interests in Pak Laboratory consist of the preparation and study of non-natural nano- to meso-scale materials. We develop and utilize modern synthetic methods for the preparation of novel materials with technologically important properties. Our core strategy is to design functional materials through organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry.  Some of the target materials in our research projects include novel organic ligands, organometallic compounds, metal chalcogenide nanoparticles/thin films and organic-inorganic hybrid materials.

Minimum Classes: Pak lab frequently employs high school student, high school teachers, undergraduate students of all levels. As an INBRE fellow, it is helpful to have completed Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry courses, but not required.

Preparation and study of organic and organic-inorganic hybrid materials for drug delivery and other applications
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are highly crystalline porous organic-inorganic hybrid materials with extremely high surface areas.  In recent years, MOFs have been studied for their potential utilities in gas separation, environmental remediation, and drug delivery applications to name a few.  An INBRE fellow would be involved in syntheses of novel ligands and related MOFs along with investigation of fundamental behaviors of MOFs such as structure, stability, and their host-guest chemistry of potential drug molecules.