Zachary Schultz

Zachary D. Schultz is a Professor and Vice Chair of Graduate Studies in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on developing advanced chemical measurement tools, particularly using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for biomedical diagnostics and environmental analysis. He earned his B.S. from The Ohio State University (2000) and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2005). Postdoctoral training included roles at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

His research lab integrates nanotechnology, spectroscopy, and machine learning to address challenges in metabolomics, protein receptor signaling, and plasmonics. Key projects include sheath-flow SERS for high-throughput metabolite detection, TERS-based imaging of cell membrane receptors, and plasmonic photocatalysis for CO₂ reduction. The lab also develops novel instrumentation, such as Raman microscopes and nanoprobes, to enhance chemical imaging resolution and sensitivity.

Notable achievements include the Craver Award (Coblentz Society), Cottrell Scholar distinction, and AAAS Fellowship. Collaborations span disciplines, including biomedical engineering, environmental science, and materials chemistry. His work has led to over 150 peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents. The lab actively engages in training students and postdocs, fostering innovation in analytical chemistry and nanotechnology.

Current research trends emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging SERS for real-time diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and fundamental studies of plasmonic interactions. Recent publications highlight advancements in super-resolution imaging, machine learning-driven data analysis, and applications in cancer cell detection and fibromyalgia biomarker identification.