Zhaohua Dai

Zhaohua Dai is a Professor and Program Director of the Forensic Science Program at Pace University, affiliated with the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences in the Department of Chemistry/Physical Sciences. He is based in the NYC campus and maintains an active research and teaching profile in analytical and forensic chemistry.

• B.S., Wuhan University, China (1996)
• M.S., The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (1999)
• M.S., New York University (2001)
• Ph.D., New York University (2004)

Dr. Dai's research centers on the development of fluorescent and chiroptical sensors for detecting metal ions and enzyme activities, with applications in environmental monitoring, biological systems, and forensic science. His work emphasizes molecular chirality and the design of selective sensing systems, particularly for toxic metals like mercury. He also integrates instrumental techniques such as Raman spectroscopy into chemistry and forensic education.

The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on chiral fluorescent ligands and their use in metal ion detection, especially mercury. These works span synthetic chemistry, spectroscopic characterization (circular dichroism, X-ray), and sensor design, reflecting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry.

His scientific recognitions include several prestigious fellowships from Wuhan University and Yilida Corporation during his early academic career.

• Yilida Fellowship, 1997
• Outstanding Graduate, Wuhan University, 1996
• Wang and Luo Fellowship, 1995
• Huikai Fellowship, 1994
• Wuhan University Fellowship, 1993

Dr. Dai has been actively involved in grant writing and research funding efforts, including submissions to the NSF and Forensic Science Foundation, focusing on instrumentation acquisition and educational tools. He advises graduate and undergraduate students in research and thesis work, particularly in chemistry and forensic science. His professional service includes peer reviewing for journals (MDPI, Royal Society of Chemistry) and grant agencies (Petroleum Research Fund, CUNY Research Fund), as well as serving on PhD thesis committees at NYU. He also holds a U.S. patent on chiral ligands, indicating translational research impact.

He leads research initiatives involving advanced instrumentation such as mass spectrometers and Raman systems, and collaborates with colleagues across chemistry and forensic science disciplines. His lab focuses on molecular design, sensor development, and forensic applications of analytical techniques.