Rob LaDuca

Dr. Rob LaDuca is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University, within the College of Natural Sciences. He teaches general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and scientific communication seminars, and leads an undergraduate-only research group focused on synthetic metal-organic hybrid crystals for environmental contaminant detection and catalytic degradation of toxic dyestuffs.

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry from Yale University (1989)
• M.S. in Chemistry from Cornell University (1991)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry from Cornell University (1995)
• Postdoctoral Fellow at Syracuse University (1995)

Dr. LaDuca's research involves designing coordination polymers with flexible ligands and divalent metals to address environmental challenges. His work explores structural diversity, topological control, and functional properties such as luminescence and magnetism, with applications in contaminant sensing and sustainable chemical processes.

His selected publications highlight trends in metal-organic frameworks using ligands like dipyridylamides and terephthalates to create materials with self-penetrated topologies, chirality control, and nitroaromatic detection. Recent studies emphasize environmental remediation and structural engineering.

Scientific Awards:

• 2016 Guest Editor, Polyhedron (Undergraduate Research Special Issue)
• 2014 MSU College of Natural Sciences Undergraduate Teaching Award
• 2012 American Chemical Society Division of Inorganic Chemistry Undergraduate Research Preceptor Award
• 2011 State of Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year
• 2010 MSU Quality in Undergraduate Teaching Award (Mid-Michigan Alumni Club)

Dr. LaDuca has secured significant National Science Foundation grants, including a Major Research Instrumentation award for a single-crystal X-ray diffractometer and REU site funding for cross-disciplinary sustainable chemistry training. His group's work is featured on multiple journal covers, demonstrating the impact of undergraduate-led research at MSU.