Eric J Werner

Eric J. Werner is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Tampa's College of Natural and Health Sciences. His laboratory focuses on f-element coordination chemistry with applications spanning biomedical imaging, environmental remediation, and rare earth recycling technologies. He holds a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (2007) and B.S. from University of Florida (2002), and actively mentors undergraduate researchers.

Research Focus: Werner develops novel lanthanide/actinide complexes for:

• Luminescent biosensors using Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺ complexes
• MRI contrast agents via gadolinium coordination
• Selective extraction ligands for rare earth elements
• Nuclear waste remediation technologies

Current NSF-funded work explores silica-nanoparticle encapsulation of luminescent probes and advanced separation methods for e-waste recycling.

Awards & Honors:

• Outstanding Scholar Award (2022, 2016)
• Undergraduate Research Supervision Award (2015)
• Innovation in Teaching Award (2013)

His lab specializes in synthetic inorganic chemistry techniques and collaborates on nanoparticle applications. Werner maintains memberships in the American Chemical Society and Council on Undergraduate Research.