Kensha Clark, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Office: 481 Coulter Hall
662-915-5422| kmclark8@olemiss.edu
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
B.S., University of Illinois at Chicago, 2001
Ph.D., University of California, Irvine, 2010
NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship, Boston College, 2011
Assistant Professor, University of Memphis, 2017-2022
Associate Professor, University of Mississippi, 2022-present
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
NSF Career Award, 2022
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Ligand design, Development of Transition Metal-Based Electronic Materials, Synthetic Organometallic Chemistry, and Catalysis
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
Prof. Clark’s research interests include ligand design, development of transition metal-based electronic materials, synthetic organometallic chemistry, and catalysis. Her work capitalizes on redox noninnocence in transition metal complexes for the purpose of: (1) predicting electronic and magnetic behavior, (2) exploring ligand facilitated intermetallic interactions, and (3) the design of new functional molecules. This research develops new synthetic strategies for metal ions with tailored electronic and magnetic properties to produce rationally designed multimetallic complexes that are engineered to manifest desired behavior. Development of these novel synthetic strategies will have an impact on a variety of applications, including sustainable chemical processes via artificial photosynthesis, computing, medical devices, and grid energy storage. In addition to her research, Dr. Clark seeks to increase opportunities for undergraduates in STEM fields through a STEM major “boot camp” program. By introducing incoming students to exercises to help strengthen their critical thinking skills, support resources (e.g. learning centers and campus tutoring), STEM based clubs/activities on campus, and opportunities for undergraduate research in Clark’s laboratory, this program will facilitate a smooth transition into intensive, university level STEM coursework.