Darlene K Taylor

Darlene K Taylor serves as an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at North Carolina Central University, a position she has held since joining the faculty in 2005. Her academic career integrates advanced polymer research with undergraduate and graduate education in physical chemistry.

Her educational qualifications include:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1998)
• M.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (1992)
• B.A. in Chemistry from Goucher College (1989)

Dr. Taylor's research centers on structure-property relationships in oligomers and polymers, with specific applications in solar cell technology and drug delivery systems. Her laboratory develops functional materials through polymer synthesis, physical characterization, and materials design, emphasizing real-world technological implementation. This work bridges theoretical chemistry with emerging applications in renewable energy and biomedicine.

Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on polymer functionalization (2006-2014), with significant contributions to photovoltaic materials (2013) and temperature-responsive drug carriers (2011). Her collaborative work spans nanomaterials engineering, biomaterials development, and electronic property optimization across nine peer-reviewed articles.

Dr. Taylor actively directs educational initiatives including the NSF PREM Hybrid Nanoscale Systems program, NCCU-UNC Master's to Ph.D. Chemistry Bridge Program, and Targeted Infusion Project. She teaches core courses: Physical Chemistry I/II, Applied Mathematics, and Chemical Thermodynamics, fostering student development as critical thinkers through research-integrated pedagogy.

The Taylor laboratory provides hands-on research training in polymer characterization and materials development, supporting student participation in advanced scientific inquiry within NCCU's Mary M. Townes Science Building facilities.