The Tropp Research Group anticipates on accepting 2-3 graduate students per year from the incoming graduate program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas Tech University. Available openings involve 1) synthetic methodology development of conjugated polymers, 2) nanomaterials for the chemical sensing of environmental pollutants, and 3) the design of soft matter for bioelectronics. I am always accepting applications for post-doctoral scholars. Interested individuals should complete the following Google form. 

Philosophy: We strive to be an innovative and internationally recognized research group in the areas of polymer chemistry and chemical sensing. Achieving that goal requires a daily commitment to learn, improve, and explore. This research group is an incubator for excellent science and personal growth.

Learning Objectives: I expect you to be able to design a synthetic protocol, synthesize small molecules and polymers, purify and characterize your products, and leverage them toward a contemporary problem (chemical sensing, interfacing electronics with biology, etc.) or overcome a fundamental limitation in polymer synthesis. I expect you to thoroughly grasp your discipline and to be able to articulate how your work advances the field. As for soft skills, I expect you to be able to write convincingly, speak in public with confidence, and work well with others. During your time in the lab, you will be mentored and mentor others – both are important skills.

Manideep Reddy is a third-year undergraduate student at Northwestern University. He joined the Rinvay Research Lab because of the versatility of bioelectronics in therapeutics and patient care. His research interests include biodegradable polymers for bioelectronics and the use of polymers for generating tissue. In his spare time, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and watching movies.

Publications:
1. Versatile Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Polyelectrolytes for Bioelectronics by Incorporation of an Activated Ester
2. Conducting polymer nanoparticles with intrinsic aqueous dispersibility for conductive hydrogels
Presentations:  M. Reddy, J. Tropp, S. Patel,  J. Rivnay "Method Matters: Designing Conductive Hydrogels for Bioelectronics" American Chemical Society Spring 2023 National Meeting, Indianapolis, March 2023. (Oral Presentation)
Awards: Academic Year Research Grant (AYURG) - Northwestern University

Shiv Patel is a third-year undergraduate student at Northwestern University. He joined the Rinvay Research Lab because he enjoys the creative, hands-on nature of the chemistry lab. In his own words, he likes to "explore with chemicals." His research interests include novel fabrication techniques for conductive particles and composites for bioelectronics. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, reading books, and playing with his dog Prince.

Publications:
1. Versatile Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Polyelectrolytes for Bioelectronics by Incorporation of an Activated Ester
2. Conducting polymer nanoparticles with intrinsic aqueous dispersibility for conductive hydrogels
Presentations:  S. Patel, J. Tropp, A. Mehta, R. Wu, M. Reddy, J. Rivnay "PEDOT-NHS as a Versatile Conjugated Polyelectrolyte for Bioelectronics" 2022 AICHE Annual Meeting, Phoenix, November 2022. (Oral and Poster Presentations) 
Awards: 3rd Place Poster Competition - AIChE 2022: Materials Engineering and Science Division 

Vidhika Siddha is a rising third- year undergraduate student at Northwestern University. She joined the Rivnay Research Lab because of her interest in regenerative medicine and applications of bioelectronics to tissue regeneration. Her current research project examines the biocompatibility of conductive polymer hydrogels. In her spare time, Vidhika enjoys horseback riding, running, and baking.

USM 2020 - Rimsha Bhatta - Ph.D. Student at UIUC, Materials Science and Engineering (ACS Sens. 2020, 5, 1541)
USM 2020 - Erin Crater - Ph.D. Student at VT, Chemistry (Barry M. Goldwater Scholar 2019;  ACS Sens. 2020, 5, 1541; ACS Appl. Polym. Mater. 2019, 1, 309)
USM 2020- Chandler Bell - Process Engineer at Masonite (McNair Scholar; ACS Sens. 2020, 5, 1541; Chem. Sci. 2019, 10, 10247)
USM 2020 - Lauren Gonce - Research Chemist at Resinall Corp (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 21971)
USM REU 2019 - Riley Bessetti - Ph.D. Candidate at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Cell Biology and Anatomy