Profile
Brief Bio
Davita Watkins is Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Her educational background is B.S., Vanderbilt University, 2006 Ph.D., University of Memphis, 2012 Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Florida, 2012-2014 Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi, 2014-2020 Associate Professor, University of Mississippi, 2020-present. Her research interests are Organic and Materials Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Organic Electronics, Noncovalent Interactions, Semiconductors, Biomaterials, Optical Electronic Behavior, Smart Materials, & Conjugated Nanostructures. The Watkins Research Laboratory develops novel functional materials with tunable properties through molecular self-assembly. We design, synthesize, and study organic molecules that possess unique structural and functional properties. Our fundamental goals are the following: (1) identify unique building blocks for functional materials; (2) establish synthetic protocols for those building blocks; and (3) examine the behavior of the building blocks on a molecular and macromolecular level. The well-defined, programmable nanostructured materials produced in our laboratory are designed to be used in a variety of applications which range from therapeutics to electronic devices. In turn, our research allows us to use tools from all areas of science including analytical, computational, and materials chemistry.
Degrees
BS |
Anthropology |
Vanderbilt University (2006) |
PhD |
Chemistry |
University of Memphis (2012) |
Committee Memberships
Grad. School Mentoring Working Group |
Other Kind of Committee |
Awards
Dr. Mike L. Edmonds New Scholar Award |
2018 |