Brad S. Lokitz
Education
Ph.D. Polymer Science and Engineering The University of Southern Mississippi	May 2007 (Projected Date) Hattiesburg, MS
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry Millsaps College	May 2002 Jackson, MS
Research Interests
· Aqueous reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization · Stimuli responsive block copolymers · Shell cross-linked (SCL) micelles · Novel monomer and CTA synthesis
Current Research Activities
My research involves the synthesis and characterization of stimuli responsive block copolymers utilizing aqueous Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization. My work is part of a fundamental research program with the ultimate goal of developing “smart” multi-functional polymers (SMFPs) that can respond in situ to stimuli (ionic strength, pH, and temperature) resulting in the formation of micellar aggregates. These technologically “smart” polymers will then be evaluated for potential uses in sequestration and delivery applications.
Publications
“Synthesis of Novel Reversible Shell Cross-Linked Micelles for Controlled Release of Bioactive Agents,” Yuting Li, Brad S. Lokitz, Steven P. Armes, and Charles L. McCormick, manuscript in progress. ^“Stimuli-Responsive Ampholytic Terpolymers of N-Acryloyl-Valine, Acrylamide, and (3-Acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium Chloride: Synthesis, Characterization, and Solution Properties,” Ryan G. Ezell, Irene Gorman, Brad Lokitz, Neil Ayres, and Charles L. McCormick, Accepted to Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry. (Water Soluble Polymers 117) “Direct Synthesis of Thermally-Responsive DMA/NIPAM Diblock and DMA/NIPAM/DMA Triblock Copolymers via Aqueous, Room Temperature RAFT Polymerization,” Anthony J. Convertine, Brad S. Lokitz, Yuliya Vasileva, Leslie J. Myrick, Charles W. Scales,^1Andrew B. Lowe, and Charles L. McCormick, Macromolecules ASAP 2006. (Water Soluble Polymers 116) “Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization of Water-Soluble, Ion-Containing Polymers,” Brad S. Lokitz, Andrew B. Lowe, and Charles L. McCormick, Chapter in ACS book edited by Dr. Andrew B. Lowe and Dr. Charles L. McCormick. Submitted November 2005. ^“RAFT Synthesis of a Thermally-Responsive ABC Triblock Copolymer Incorporating N-Acryloxysuccinimide for Facile In Situ Formation of Shell Cross-Linked Micelles in Aqueous Media,” Yuting Li, Brad S. Lokitz and Charles L. McCormick, In Press, Macromolecules, November, 2005. (Water Soluble Polymers 115) “Aqueous Room Temperature RAFT Polymerization of Acrylamide and N,N-Dimethylacrylamide,” Anthony J. Convertine, Brad S. Lokitz, Andrew B. Lowe, Charles W. Scales, Leslie J. Myrick, and Charles L. McCormick, Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 26, 791-795, 2005. (Water Soluble Polymers 113) “Synthesis of Block Polyampholyte Polymers via Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) using 4 Vinyl Pyridine and tert-Butyl acrylate.” B. S. Lokitz, N. Ayres, A. J. Convertine and C. L. McCormick. ACS Polymer Preprint 2004.
Presentations
Synthesis of block copolymers via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) using 4 vinyl pyridine and tert-butyl acrylate as a polyampholyte precursor. 228th ACS National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, United States, August 22-26, 2004.