John Swierk

John Swierk is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Binghamton University's Department of Chemistry within Harpur College. His research focuses on radical reactions initiated by single-electron transfer via photo- and electrochemistry, with emphasis on photoredox catalysis, electrochemical synthesis, and tattoo ink photochemistry. He received his PhD from Pennsylvania State University and dual undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Materials Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

Research interests include: Spectroscopy, Organometallic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Photochemistry, and Photoredox Catalysis. His work on tattoo ink safety and photodegradation, funded by an NIH grant, employs transdisciplinary methods combining analytical chemistry, materials science, and cell biology.

• Key Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2021), Inter-American Photochemical Society Young Investigator (2023)
• Lab Activities: Swierk Group studies photoredox mechanisms, electrochemical reactions, and tattoo ink composition
• Teaching: Harpur College Teaching Award Honorable Mention (2020)

Recent research trends show focus on: 1) Photoredox reaction mechanisms with kinetic modeling, 2) Electrochemical synthesis of functional materials, and 3) Tattoo ink safety and photochemical behavior. Over 30 publications since 2012 span topics from water-splitting photoelectrochemical cells to advanced catalytic systems.

Lab members have received numerous awards including SUNY GREAT (Bernie, 2021), Beck Summer Fellowships, and Summer Scholars grants. Collaborations include Prof. Laura Rhoads (SUNY Potsdam) for biological studies of tattoo ink effects.