Mark E. Davis

The overall theme of my research is to combine synthetic chemistry with analytical engineering problem solving to design and create new materials for applications in the physical and life sciences. Two general areas of study currently under investigation are: (i) the assembly of inorganic or organic-inorganic hybrid solids that perform molecular recognition, catalysis and proton/ion conduction, and (ii) the synthesis of new polymers for the delivery of macromolecular therapeutics such as nucleic acids. We investigate generalized concepts of self-assembly between organic and inorganic precursors to learn how to control the assembly of materials with desired structures and functions. Additionally, we take a systems approach to constructing functional materials and this has provided interesting new solutions to the design and synthesis of intelligent therapeutics, some of which have now reached human clinical trials.