معرفی
Dr. Susan Citrak serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biological Sciences at Youngstown State University, joining the faculty in Fall 2024 with over a decade of chemistry teaching experience. Her expertise spans inorganic materials synthesis and pedagogical innovation for underserved student populations.
Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Inorganic Materials Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2018) and a B.S. in Chemistry from Mills College (2013), where her early work examined carbocationic reactions in ionic liquids.
Research focuses on porous inorganic materials including metal-organic frameworks, coordination polymers, and novel porous liquids that merge ionic liquid/solid-state chemistry. Key applications target environmental remediation (water treatment via anion exchange) and catalysis, with recent expansion into metal-substituted aluminophosphates. Her methodology integrates ionothermal synthesis and structural stability analysis.
Publication trends reveal consistent contributions to environmental materials science since 2014, with accelerating focus on porous liquids (2025) and water remediation technologies. Thematic threads include ionic liquid solvent engineering, rapid anion exchange mechanisms, and environmentally benign material design.
Dr. Citrak demonstrates exceptional commitment to student mentorship, evidenced by a 2025 Mentor of the Year nomination. She specializes in making complex chemistry accessible to first-generation students through inclusive teaching practices in General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Instrumental Chemistry courses.
