Jonathan E. Stempka
Education
Ph.D. Polymer Science and Engineering The University of Southern Mississippi	May 2008 (Projected Date) Hattiesburg, MS
B.S., Plastics Engineering Technology The Pennsylvania State University	May 2003 Erie, PA
Research Interests
Unique Polymer Architectures (Star, Comb, Hyperbranched, etc.) Stimuli Responsive Block Copolymers Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization Novel Chain Transfer Agent (CTA) and Monomer Synthesis
Current Research Activities
My current research focuses on the synthesis of stimuli responsive star block copolymers via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The goal of this research is to develop polymeric systems that incorporate a fixed branching point, imparting micelle-like properties that are independent of the constraints of the equilibrium between unimeric chains and micelles. Through the incorporation of different functional blocks and relative block lengths, the solution properties of these star polymers may be tailored for applications in areas such as drug delivery, enhanced oil recovery, and metal sequestration.
Publications “Synthesis of Nanoparticles within Tethered Diblock Copolymer Brush Systems” J.E. Stempka, S.G. Boyes. ACS Polymer Preprint 2005 46(2). “Applications for Block Copolymer Brushes Prepared via Controlled/“Living” Free Radical Polymerization Techniques” J.W. Hotchkiss, M.D. Rowe, J.E. Stempka, B.W. Pitts, N.D. Treat, S.G. Boyes. ACS Polymer Preprint 2005 46(2). “Synthesis of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Brushes via Hydrolysis of Poly(tert-Butyl Acrylate) Brushes” N.D. Treat, J.E. Stempka, S.G. Boyes. ACS Polymer Preprint 2005 46(2).