Website: http://condor.depaul.edu/gkharas/
Classes Taught
- CHE230 (Organic Chemistry I)
- CHE231 (Organic Chemistry I Laboratory)
- CHE232 (Organic Chemistry II)
- CHE233 (Organic Chemistry II Laboratory)
- CHE234 (Organic Chemistry III)
- CHE235 (Organic Chemistry III Laboratory)
- CHE261 (Instrumental Analysis)
- CHE330 (Senior Capstone: Art and Science)
- CHE430 (Polymer Synthesis)
- CHE431 (Polymer Synthesis Laboratory)
- CHE432 (Physical Chemistry of Polymers)
- CHE434 (Polymer Characterization)
- CHE436 (Polymer Technology)
- CHE462 (Polymeric Materials)
- CHE480 (Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
- LSP120 (Quantitative Reasoning)
Research Interests
The focus of Prof. Kharas' research is synthesis
and characterization of novel organic molecules and their polymers as
potential building blocks for advanced materials. The innovative feature
of his research is the integration of this research into the organic
chemistry laboratory curriculum, creating an inquiry-based environment
for providing a large number of students with the opportunity to prepare
novel compounds and polymers. The students perform individual research
projects at the undergraduate level, making the instructional organic
lab research projects an original and genuine discovery experience, and
pursue the chance to publish research findings.
The research
involves two major steps: (1) feasibility studies of synthesis and
polymerization of novel compounds performed by undergraduate students
during a 10-week organic chemistry laboratory course, and (2) follow-up
research leading to communication via presentations and publications in
peer-reviewed journals with significant number of undergraduate
coauthors (91 publications in refereed journals with 780 names of DePaul
students as co-authors in 1995-2014 period).
Publications and Presentations
Professional Society Memberships
- American Chemical Society, Polymer Chemistry Division