Chemistry professor excels at UHCL
by Aaron Wright
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Reflecting his scholarly achievements at UH-Clear Lake, Dr. Jack Lu has published an astounding 11 professional research articles over the past three years as assistant professor of chemistry.

"Dr. Lu has only been here about three years and has not only been doing very well in his classroom teaching, but has established an extremely productive area of novel research which has involved a large number of students," said Dr. Ramiro Sanchez, professor of organic chemistry and chemistry chair.

"Dr. Lu published 11 scientific articles in some of the most prestigious journals in the world, during the calendar year 2001," said Sanchez. "This is an extremely high number of publications for any member of a chemistry department to put out in one year as an assistant professor. I would venture to say this has never been done at UHCL before."

Lu did research for all 11 articles at UH-Clear Lake.

"I study the crystal structure of new materials," said Lu. "Determining the structures helps to determine how they can be used to remove toxins from air and water. Sometimes they are even used as catalysts."

Lu researches the design and synthesis of new functional metal-organic polymers. He creates a new compound then performs experiments on the new substance to determine its usefulness in society.

"When we make a new material we try to identify the crystal structure to see what kind of properties it has," said Lu. The crystal formation of the compound gives it certain characteristics; these attributes give the compound its identity and allow its use in specific applications.

Researchers use technical computer software to analyze the compound's crystal structure and measure the distance between the atoms within the compound. The software renders the compound on the screen with precise measurements between the atoms of the crystal structure, and color specifies the atoms of the compound.

Innovative chemistry research involves years of testing and measuring the compound to learn its properties. Hypotheses are formulated from the compound's data, then those hypotheses are tested many times to establish theories. Several different researchers must test the new compound before it is implemented into society.

"I like chemistry, [both] teaching and research while being involved with students," said Lu. "Here I can teach and do research; the faculty is very supportive."

"My research began at Northwestern, where I produced many publications, but here has been my most productive results," said Lu. "I am very happy to be here."

Students were involved with Lu's research during the past three years, and at least one student co-authored each of the research publications over the past year. Co-authoring research in professional journals helps students with future career opportunities, especially if the compound is used in a major area of society.

"This high level of scientific production at such an early stage in one's career is extremely rare, even by those assistant professors who have appointments in research institutions," Sanchez said.

"I chose chemistry because I was intrigued by the idea of discovering new things for the world," Lu said. "Not just for this country, but for the entire world."

Specific information about Dr. Lu's research is listed in his university Web site at http://nas.cl.uh.edu/lu.