Center for Advanced Materials Science | GS-CAMS

The Georgia Southern Center for Advanced Materials Science (GS-CAMS) is dedicated to enriching the educational journey for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of materials science. With a focus on pioneering research in both fundamental and applied materials, GS-CAMS strives for national acclaim. Moreover, the center is committed to fostering economic growth and development, not just in southeast Georgia, but extending its impact beyond the region. Explore how GS-CAMS is shaping the future of materials science and contributing to broader socio-economic advancements.

Faculty

This is a new center that builds on the faculty expertise in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics, focusing on materials science research. This initiative will strengthen collaboration and enhance our reputation for groundbreaking research and education in advanced materials. It’s our university’s inaugural STEM Center, designed to support faculty university-wide and foster partnerships with industry and government in the region.

Faculty Leadership

Name	Department	Research Interests
Weihua (Marshall) Ming, Director	Professor of Chemistry	Multifunctional nanostructured polymer materials and coatings.
Dragos Amarie	Professor of Physics	Polymeric fabrication of microfluidic devices for assays.
John DiCesare	Professor of Chemistry	Artificial Enzymes utilizing Molecular Imprinted Polymers.
Maxim Durach	Professor of Physics	Electromagnetism of Complex Advanced Materials and Nanostructures.
Jose Jimenez	Assistant Professor of Chemistry	Structure-property relationship in glasses with various functionalitie.
Hau-Jian “Jason” Liu	Assistant Professor of Physics	Spin wave excitation in low-damping structured magnetic materials.
Will Lynch	Professor of Chemistry	Intermolecular Interactions for Advanced Materials Fabrication.
Rocio Perez	Assistant Professor of Chemistry	Ecologically friendly recycling methods of polymer composites using ionic liquids as green solvents.
Rafael Quirino	Professor of Chemistry	Functionalized CNT super-heating, biomass torrefaction, and bio-based composites.
Ji Wu	Professor of Chemistry	Study of high-capacity lithium-ion battery anodes.

Advisory Board

TBA.

News

Welcome to your source for the latest news and discoveries from the Center for Advanced Materials Science (GS-CAMS)! Here, you’ll find up-to-date information on our groundbreaking research, innovative projects, and scientific developments in the field of materials science. Stay informed about our latest publications, collaborations, and advancements that are shaping the future of materials technology. Explore the forefront of scientific exploration and technological innovation with us at GS-CAMS. Check back frequently for exciting updates and insights into the world of advanced materials!

Articles

• Dr. Rafael Quirino published a paper in the journal Environmental Pollution (IF 8.9, Q1) with undergraduate student researcher Ciera Wallace and NSF summer research student Jasmine Wolfgram. The paper describes a pyrolysis advancement using catalytic torrefaction to pretreat wood for a greener biochar process. The reference is Richa, L.; et.al., “Catalytic torrefaction effect on waste wood boards for sustainable biochar production and environmental remediation”, Environmental Pollution, Volume 341, 15 January 2024, 122911.
• Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the new journal ACS Organic Inorganic Au (Q1). The paper describes near-infrared (NIR)-emitting phosphate glasses containing Nd³⁺ ions for applications in laser materials and solar spectral converters. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, “Holistic assessment of NIR-emitting Nd³⁺-activated phosphate glasses: A structure-property relationship study”, ACS Org. Inorg. Au 4 (2024), ASAP article online: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsorginorgau.3c00071.
• Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the new journal ACS Physical Chemistry Au (Q1). The paper describes the optical interactions in phosphate glasses containing red-emitting Mn²⁺ and near-infrared (NIR)-emitting Nd³⁺ ions for energy applications and solar spectral converters. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, ACS Phys. Chem Au 2024, doi/10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00020.
• Dr. José Jiménez has published a paper in the journal Optical Materials (IF 3.9, Q1) with undergraduate student Madison Thomas. The paper describes the Composition-structure-property relation studied in melt-quenched UV-emitting phosphate glasses containing Gd³⁺. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, M. Thomas, “Structure-property inquiry of UV-emitting Gd³⁺-activated phosphate glasses”, Opt. Mater. 151 (May 2024) 115391.
•  Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B (IF 3.3, Q2) recently with Georgia Southern Master’s in Applied Physical Science student Richard Amesimenu & undergraduate student Madison Thomas as co-authors.  The report studies the Impact of Lanthanide Ionic Field Strength on the Structural and Thermal Expansion of Phosphate Glasses. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, R. Amesimenu, M. Thomas, “Impact of lanthanide (Nd³⁺, Gd³⁺, and Yb³⁺) ionic field strength on the structure and thermal expansion of phosphate glasses”, J. Phys. Chem. B128 (2024) 2995-3003.
• Dr. Will Lynch published a paper on halogen bonding in solid state materials, comparison of bond strength in N—I and O—I halogen bonds by X-ray crystallography and computational methods in the journal Crystal Growth and Design (IF 3.8, Q2).  Collaborators includes students and faculty from Georgia Southern, Clemson and Furman University. The reference is Padgett, C. W.; Lynch, W.E.’ et. al. Cryst. Growth and Des. March 2024, 24 (6), 2425-2438.

News

• Dr. Weihua (Marshall) Ming has been appointed for 2024 to serve as an editor for the journal Progress in Organic Coatings. ( IF 6.6, Q1). Dr. Ming’s research specialty is in smart coatings (antimicrobial,  antifogging,  anticorrosion,  wettability control,  self-healing),  Functional hybrid composites,  Polymer colloids and latexes, Coatings from renewable sources.
• Dr. Rafael Lopes Quirino has been appointed for 2024 to serve as an editorial board member for the journal Coatings. ( IF 3.4, Q2). Dr. Quirino’s research specialty is in bio-based polymer and composites; oleochemistry; carbon nanotubes; microwaves.
• Dr. Jose’ Jimenez has been appointed for 2024 to serve as an editorial board member for the journal Applied Sciences. ( IF 2.7, Q2). Dr. Jimenez’ research interests are in atomic layer deposition; glasses; luminescence; materials chemistry and physics; nanomaterials; optical materials; plasmonics; solar cells; surface science; thin films.

Recent Graduates

• Congratulations to Maxwell Wallace on his thesis titled  “Scattering of Electromagnetic Radiation by Bianisotropic Metamaterial Spheres” with advisor Dr. Max Durach.  Maxwell is graduating this semester from the Masters of Science – Applied Physical Science program with his research focus being  Mie scattering properties of bianisotropic metamaterial spheres.  He is also currently teaching part-time at St. Vincent’s Academy in Savannah and is planning on pursuing a PhD in physics in China beginning in the fall.   

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Dr. Marshall Ming.

Phone: 912-478-5043

Email: wming@georgiasouthern.edu

Last updated: 5/8/2024