For Prospective Students

From Dr. Carraher:
My research group does work dealing with the general topic of polymers as applied to electronics, computers, biomedicine, instrumentation and construction. We are making and characterizing materials for the 21st century. We work with many of the faculty on joint projects including Professors Louda, Baker, Parkanyi, Lombardo, and Jackson. We also work with faculty from other departments such as Professors Medina (Physics).

1. Our principal areas of research are broad ranging and include analytical chemistry, polymers, materials, natural materials, biochemistry, spectroscopy and organic chemistry.
2. We are interested in accepting both undergraduate and graduate students. We have a long history of working with both.
3. We would like at least a one-year commitment to a project.
4. No prior polymer experience is required. We have accepted students at all levels.
5. We work in several general areas as follows:
   • Renewable Resources (such as polysaccharides, lignin, etc.)
   • Polymer Modification
   • Nucleic Acid Analogs
   • Metal and Organometallic-Containing Materials
   • Biomedical and Biologically Active Materials
   • Miscellaneous materials such as new, high strength ceramics and high temperature superconductors
   • Combating bioterrorism

Selected Information

Dr. Carraher is Professor of Chemistry at Florida Atlantic University and Associate Director of the Florida Center for Environmental Studies.

Dr. Carraher previously was Dean of the Charles E.Schmidt College of Science at FAU, Chair of the Science Division at the University of South Dakota and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Wright State University.

During his time at FAU,

• He was selected as the Outstanding Administrator of the Year five times at FAU.
• The Charles E.Schmidt College of Science received accreditation for three doctoral programs and one masters program with two additional doctoral programs in the planning stages.
• A strategic plan that emphasizes a strong undergraduate offering while focusing on key areas at the graduate level was developed under his direction.
• Research support was increased nearly twenty fold.

Dr. Carraher is an inventor of metal-containing polymeric materials which are used in a variety of areas:

• medicine (treatment of cancer and arthritis)
• photo-resists, semiconductors and conductors in the electronics and printing industries
• specialty waxes, adhesives and coatings
• catalysts
• nano-composite materials
• solar energy conversion devices
• high strength fibers which replace steel and other metal fibers
• magnetic recording tape
• dental restoration
• high density batteries
• florescent materials for biological and industrial applications
• preceramics in the area of superconductivity
• thermally stable materials for high temperature applications
• biologically active applications such as antifouling and boicide materials (both applications important to the local boating and shipping industries)
• A number of our products are now found in industry including a TG-MS manufactured and sold by Finnagen; and organotin polyethers that are used in PVC pipes.

Dr. Carraher has been given many awards and recognitions.

• Fellow of the ACS-PMSE
• Received the Distinguished Service Award from the ACS in 2002
• Distinguished Research Award, Allied Technologies in 2002
• named a Fellow in the American Institute of Chemists
• received the Outstanding Scientists and Engineering Award from the Engineers and Scientist Affiliate Societies Council in 1984
• named as the outstanding Chemist in the southeast USA by the American Chemical Society in 1992
• given a Distinguished Service Award for his work in science education in 1994
• research award from Sigma Xi in 1992

Dr. Carraher has also been involved in many important projects.

• Chaired Accreditation Team for the United Arab Emirates-2006
• ACS Committee on Professional Training that approves colleges and universities
• He worked as a science advisor for Sen. McGovern.
• He served as a national reader for the national science 2000 committee.
• He served on a national testing committee and headed up one of the national test committees.
• He authored or co-authored some 50 books and about 900 articles in a number of broad areas including high strength material, geo-membranes, use of coupled mass spectroscopy in the identification of material, biomedical and bioactive materials (for the treatment of yeast infections, cancers, juvenile diabetes, etc.), heavy metal contamination of natural waters, solid waste management, renewable resources, high energy radiation (laser) stable materials, and high temperature superconductors.
• He chaired or cochaired about 30 international symposia.
• His research has led to the synthesis of over 70 new families of polymers as well as new methods for their characterization.
• He has chaired numerous national and international committees.
• He is founder and cochair of PolyEd which works with K-Post-graduate education through a number of groups. PolyEd has worked to develop the science education page of USA Today; recognize outstanding high school teachers of science on a national basis; publish PEN a science newsletter that goes to all the Universities and Colleges in the USA and Canada; and works with industry in developing short courses and other educational aids.
• He is also one of the founders of IPED which is an intersocietal organization focusing on K-12 education.
• He serves on the Executive Board for Divisions of Polymer Chemistry and Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering and the Editorial Board of numerous journals.

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