Nolan Flynn

Nolan Flynn serves as an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Wellesley College, where his research bridges nanoscience and biomaterials for environmental remediation and medical applications. He teaches across the curriculum from introductory chemical analysis to advanced nanoscience seminars.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. from St. Olaf College
• Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Flynn's research program focuses on two primary thrusts: (1) surface modification of metal nanoparticles (particularly gold) with small molecules to enable applications in information storage and cancer therapy, and (2) engineered hydrogels for water contaminant removal and controlled drug delivery systems. His work integrates synthetic chemistry, materials characterization, and practical application development.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent expertise in thermoresponsive hydrogels, gold nanoparticle composites, and environmental remediation. Key recurring themes include stimuli-responsive material design, heavy metal sorption mechanisms, and fundamental colloidal interactions - demonstrating how nanoscale engineering addresses real-world challenges in healthcare and environmental sustainability.

Flynn has mentored 36 undergraduate student-researchers since 2004, with many co-authoring publications and presenting at national conferences. His collaborative network spans Wellesley biologists and geoscientists, a Brandeis University physicist studying viral nanostructures, and a Yale University biomedical engineer developing wound-healing materials. He actively contributes to the scholarly community through manuscript reviews for over a dozen specialized journals.

His research group operates within Wellesley College's chemistry facilities, emphasizing undergraduate involvement in cutting-edge projects that connect classroom learning with hands-on nanomaterials development and characterization.