RESEARCH
Real-world, genuine research experiences are the greatest educational opportunities that a university can offer its undergraduate students. Nowhere is this ideal better exemplified than at Cal Poly. The Frantz Group's commitment to the Learn by Doing philosophy guides our research efforts, which focuses on producing good science and outstanding scientists. Current research in the group centers on two main themes: strained cyclic structures and diradicaloid polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons
Strained Aryleneethynylene Macrocycles
Using alkynes as clamps and internal templates, we target and have generated several cyclic structures bearing phenylene units that are highly bent. These highly strained structures exhibit unusual structural properties, spectroscopic properties, and reactivities.
New Polycyclic Conjugated Structures
Our group designs and synthesizes new polycyclic conjugated structures that are unique in a variety of ways. Some have steric interactions that force non-planarity, some are formally antiaromatic and exhibit partial diradical character, and some undergo unusual reactions.
TRACKS
Depending on their career ambitions, research students will be placed in one of three tracks (1) Graduate School Track, (2) Industry Track, or (3) Medical School Track. Although research in the Frantz Group will most directly serve those seeking positions in chemistry PhD programs and the chemical industry, members of our group been successful in medical and veterinary programs.
Graduate School Track: This track is meant to prepare you for success in graduate school by incorporating presentation and writing experiences in addition to rigorous laboratory research
Industry Track: This track prepares students for research positions in the chemical industry through procedure writing and elevator pitch-sytle presentations
Medical School Track: Due to medical schools' high expectations for extracurricular activities and shadowing experiences, this Track has few writing and presentation experiences. This track is designed to offer pre-medical students outstanding research experiences without burdening their schedules outside the lab.