I chose the master's program in the Chemistry Department at
Eastern Illinois University for its active research program
in several areas of chemistry.
I've been involved in the synthesis and characterization
of molecular devices and machines.
A molecular-level machine is an assembly of molecular components
designed to perform mechanical-like movements
when subjected to the appropriate external stimuli.
We have a [unclear audio] and an axle.
So after you put the [unclear audio] onto the axle, you can
make this [unclear audio] to move from one point to another.
So this is basically molecular movement, movement
at the molecular level.
It actually offers the possibility to build
molecular machines, very small devices that you
cannot see with your eyes.
Molecular machines are important not only for basic research
but also for the growth of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
That is the technology of objects whose dimensions are
10 to the minus 9 meters.
A nanometer to a meter is the same as that of a marble to
the size of the Earth.
Our approach is described on this chart--
there are two aproaches.
First, you put the wheel on the axle and then you cap the axle.
Then the second aproach is trying to slip the wheel over
the cap of the axle.
Here are three reaction tubes.
The one on the left has the wheel.
The one in the middle has the axle.
This one has the interlocked rotoxane.
The solution structure of our compounds is determined by
nuclear magnetic resonance using this instrument.
Based on these spectra, we determined the components
are indeed mechanically interlocked.
The solid state was determined by x-ray defraction,
an experiment that allows us to find the exact position of
atoms in a single crystal.
Analyzing these single crystals, it can be seen that
these two components are interlocked.
What makes this aproach original is that until now,
until Robert did this synthesis, there were no anionic axles
and then anionic rotoxanes to behave as ligands.
So this is a first in the world, and I'm quite happy that Robert
was able to do this unique rotoxane that can act as a
ligand to our different metalic centers.
I got to see my student growing from asking directions in the
beginning, then ending by suggesting directions.
So I think this is the best prize that a professor can get.
In the fall, I will be starting on my doctorate
at Miami of Ohio in chemistry.
Eventually, I plan to be a professor of chemistry and
mentor others in research like Dr. Semeniuc has for me.
