P. Gregory Van Patten

Dr. P. Gregory Van Patten is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina (1996) and a B.A. from the University of Virginia (1992). Prior to MTSU, he served as an Assistant Professor (1999–2005) and Associate Professor (2005–2012) at Ohio University, where he secured $3.4M in external funding and mentored 23 students (13 undergraduate, 10 graduate).

His research focuses on nanomaterials, semiconductor quantum dots, ultrafast spectroscopy, and surface chemistry. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and holds two patents for GaN quantum dot synthesis. Notable awards include the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship (2008) and the Jeanette Grasselli-Brown Teaching Award (2004).

• Education: Ph.D., University of South Carolina; B.A., University of Virginia
• Affiliations: Chair, Chemistry Department; MTSU Faculty
• Grants: $3.4M secured during tenure at Ohio University
• Patents: 7,488,384 (GaN Quantum Dots); 7,641,880 (GaN Nanopowder)

His work explores energy transfer in quantum dots, cation exchange reactions, and nanomaterial applications in solar energy and catalysis. Courses taught include CHEM 1030, CHEM 1110 Honors, and advanced graduate courses.