Paul Deck

Paul Deck is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech, serving as the Undergraduate Program Director. His research focuses on fluoropolymers, carbon acid chemistry, and advanced materials synthesis. He holds a B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) from Hope College (1987) and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota (1993), followed by an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at Northwestern University (1992–1995).

Research Interests: Deck’s work includes developing fluorinated aromatic polymers using novel synthetic methods, investigating highly acidic cyclopentadiene derivatives, and applying these materials to lithium battery electrolytes. His lab explores fluororous nanomaterials, polymer characterization, and C-H bond activation strategies.

Awards & Honors:

• Jimmy W. Viers Faculty Teaching Award (2020)
• NSF CAREER Award (1999)
• Research Corporation Cottrell Scholarship (1998)

Publications span over three decades, emphasizing polymer synthesis, catalysis, and fluorine chemistry. Deck’s teaching contributions include curriculum development and pedagogical innovation, recognized by the College of Science’s Teaching Excellence Award (2018).