Patrick Alford

Patrick Alford is a Lecturer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from UAB in 2019, focusing on biomedical applications of biocompatible polymers, including metal ion chelation (manganese, gadolinium, zirconium-89) and ultrasound effects on polymer microstructures. His research during graduate studies included collaborations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for neutron scattering studies.

His current role as Upper Division Laboratory Coordinator since 2020 involves designing innovative undergraduate chemistry lab experiences in general, organic, and polymer chemistry. He has taught courses such as Synthetic Physical Lab Methods, Quantitative Analysis, Organic Chemistry Labs, and Ethics in Chemical Research.

His scholarly work spans drug delivery systems, theranostic microcapsules, and polymer synthesis, with notable publications on ultrasound-triggered DNA release, antioxidant microcapsules for T cell modulation, and temperature-responsive polymersomes. His research integrates biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and materials science principles.