Organic chemistry at ASU is interdisciplinary and exciting. Collaborations exist with colleagues in biochemistry, physical chemistry and in the engineering, physics and biology departments. A general theme of many of the research groups is that new and interesting molecules are synthesized, which are then used in original and useful applications.

ASU researchers are developing new anti-cancer drugs, artificial photosynthetic reaction centers and ion pumps, novel proteins, photoenzymes and compounds for molecular electronics. Students are involved in the entire scope of the projects, from molecular design and synthesis through to the application. In this way, the ASU research and education process is broader than in programs where a single discipline or approach is emphasized. Students have access to modern equipment in each faculty member's labs and excellent departmental facilities including X-Ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy, and solution and solid state NMR.

Devens Gust
Foundation Professor
Solar energy conversion, molecular switching, photonics and logic, photochromic molecules, photoactive materials