• Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of California, Davis
• B.S., Boise State University

The Duffy-Matzner group has a variety of topics under investigation. One involves the production of novel biologically active molecules, in particular we would center on compounds designed to have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. This organic synthetic research would center on the production of heterocycles from 1,3 -dipolar cycloadditions with nitrile oxides or nitrosilonates as intermediates via intramolecular cycloadditions. These compounds will then undergo a ring opening to provide novel class of compounds with anticipated anti-fungal activity. Another project is exploring surface modification of contact lenses with natural biopolymers (chitosan and hyaluronic acid) to increase moisture retention and provide antibacterial properties. Chitosan modification can also provide methods for intraocular drug delivery. A third project also utilizes small heterocyclic synthesis to make conjugated polymers that can be used in hybrid solar cells to increase their efficiencies. These research projects would be an excellent opportunity for many students interested in both the chemistry and biology behind biomedical research.