I am a Professor in the Chemistry Department at American University (Washington, DC). My research group, consisting predominantly of undergraduate students, focuses on measuring physical, chemical, and thermal properties of alternative (or "green") solutions and polymer nanocomposites using natural product additives. My current project uses carbohydrates and lignocelluosic materials, such as chitosan, lignin, and cellulose nanocrystals, in polymer nanocomposites.