Christopher Stachurski, PhD, Assistant Research Professor, United States Naval Academy

The Department of Chemistry Presents:  Dr. Christopher Stachurski, Assistant Research Professor, United States Naval Academy

Utilizing the unique chemical properties of ionic liquids (ILs), common biopolymeric materials such as cotton or silk can be processed into a robust, mesoporous scaffold through a process known as Natural Fiber Welding (NFW).^[1] Through careful consideration of process variables (i.e., IL composition, welding temperature, length of treatment), peripheral regions of commercial biopolymeric materials are readily transformed from a native, crystalline state to an amorphous, porous shell imparting advantageous properties on treated substrates. Recent work from our group has focused on both  improving physical properties of the underlying substrate (i.e., morphology, pore size, surface area, chemical functionalization) and designing functional materials through the entrapment of nanomaterials within cellulosic matrices for targeted applications (i.e., water purification, catalysis, UV-protection). Through leveraging the versatility NFW materials we hope to promote their usefulness as biodegradable, inexpensive alternatives to conventional porous substrates.

BIO

Originally from Alexandria VA, Dr. Christopher Stachurski began studying chemistry at Furman University, where he earned a B.S. in 2015. He then moved to Nashville, TN, where he earned his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 2021 under the guidance of Drs. David Cliffel and Kane Jennings. While in graduate school, Dr. Stachurski primarily worked on developing biohybrid solar cells which leverage photoactive proteins from plants in place of conventional inorganic light harvesting complexes or semiconductors. Since graduating, he has been working as an assistant research professor at the United States Naval Academy in the lab of Dr. Paul Trulove and CDR David Durkin, Ph.D. At the center of their research efforts are ionic liquids and biopolymers, utilizing both in tandem to create functional biopolymeric materials. Through an interdisciplinary approach to science, Dr. Stachurski continues to tackle problems in areas of environmental chemistry and energy production (when not racing with the USNA Marathon Team).

[1]       Haverhals, L. M., Reichert, W. M., De Long, H. C., Trulove, P. C. Natural fiber welding. Macromol. Mater. Eng. 2010, 295, 425-430