Colin Weeks

Colin Weeks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Northern Iowa's College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, specializing in inorganic materials chemistry with a focus on metal-organic framework (MOF) synthesis and characterization.

Education:

• 1997: B.Sc.(Hons.) from the University of Sydney
• 2001: Ph.D. from the University of Sydney

Research Interests: Dr. Weeks investigates metal-organic framework materials, exploring their crystalline structures formed by bridging metal centers with organic ligands. His work emphasizes microporous (<20 Å) frameworks for molecular separations, sensing, and catalysis, with specific focus on liquid-phase sorption properties, magnetic behavior modulation through guest molecules, and crystal growth mechanisms influenced by solvents/templates. He aims to identify intermediate species in MOF formation to optimize synthesis efficiency and structural control.

Publications Trends: His 2011-2015 publications reveal interdisciplinary work spanning materials chemistry (MOF structure/sorption), spectroscopic methodology development (UV resonance Raman, EXAFS, EPR), and environmental applications (automotive SCR systems). Common threads include molecular-level analysis of adsorption phenomena, catalyst characterization, and leveraging coordination chemistry principles for functional material design.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text

Advising and Grants: While specific students and grants aren't documented, his active research program with multiple collaborative publications (including student co-authors like Thomas D. Petersen and Gurusamy Balakrishnan) indicates ongoing mentorship of undergraduate/graduate researchers. His work likely receives institutional or external research support given the technical resources required for spectroscopic and materials characterization.

Laboratory and Team: Dr. Weeks leads a research laboratory utilizing techniques including X-ray diffraction, UV resonance Raman spectroscopy, EXAFS, and EPR to study MOF crystallization, porosity, and host-guest interactions. His team investigates fundamental growth mechanisms while exploring practical applications in separation science and catalysis.