Biosketch
Dylan is a Ph.D. student in Chemistry studying Green and Polymer Chemistry. Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, he attended the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) for his B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry and MSc. in Chemistry. As an undergraduate, Dylan developed model catecholate siderophores for bioinorganic applications as well as synthesized carboxylate-containing triazole derivatives for the remediation, and equilibrium-based recycling, of aqueous inorganics. This research was followed up with a Master of Sciences in Chemistry (2018) from UCCS under Dr. Janel Owens and Dr. Allen Schoffstall investigating modified biochar composites impregnated with magnetic iron nanoparticles for potential applications in water purification.
Before jumping the breathtaking Rockies to the ancient Appalachians, and joining the University of Massachusetts, Lowell in Spring 2022, under the advising of Dr. James Reuther, Dylan worked as a Park Interpreter/Ranger for the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and mastered the art of interpretation, as well as a devote passion for the natural world and environment. He used interpretive communication at the United States Air Force Academy as a Chemistry Instructor in the Science Learning Center and Department of Chemistry (2017-2021). It was there he was first introduced to, and started researching, polymers and perfluorinated compounds under the supervision of Dr. Scott Iacono. He hopes to continue his endeavors not only spearheading the discipline of Green Chemistry for future generations, but also investigating methods for the reduction, reuse, and recycling of environmental toxicants using polymer nanomaterials, synthesized via photo-controlled Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Induced Self-Assembly (photoATR-PISA), as reusable water filtration adsorbents. Ismail Serageldin warned in 1995 that “if the wars of this century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water -- unless we change our approach to managing this precious and vital resource.” I want to do my part to prevent that.