Kensha Clark is an Assistant Professor within the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Research Interests
Prof. Clark’s research interests include ligand design, the development of transition metal-based electronic materials, synthetic organometallic chemistry, and catalysis. Her work capitalizes on redox noninnocence in transition metal complexes for (1) predicting electronic and magnetic behavior, (2) exploring ligand-facilitated intermetallic interactions, and (3) the design of new functional molecules. This research develops new synthetic strategies for metal ions with tailored electronic and magnetic properties to produce rationally designed multimetallic complexes that are engineered to manifest desired behavior. The development of these novel synthetic strategies will have an impact on a variety of applications, including sustainable chemical processes via artificial photosynthesis, computing, medical devices, and grid energy storage. In addition to her research, Dr. Clark seeks to increase opportunities for undergraduates in STEM fields through a STEM major “boot camp” program. By introducing incoming students to exercises to help strengthen their critical thinking skills, support resources (e.g., learning centers and campus tutoring), STEM-based clubs/activities on campus, and opportunities for undergraduate research in Clark’s laboratory, this program will facilitate a smooth transition into intensive, university-level STEM coursework.
Biography
Dr. Clark received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2001) and then went on to receive her Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine (2010). Dr. Clark completed her NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Boston College (2011). She then worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis (2017-2022) and has now been an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi since 2022.
Courses Taught
- Chem 105 General Chemistry I
- Chem 106 General Chemistry II
- Chem 251 Introduction to Individual Research
- Chem 351 Individual Research
- Chem 401 Inorganic Chemistry
- Chem 451 Senior Individual Research
- Chem 617 Research Methodology in Chemistry I
- Chem 697 Thesis
- Chem 701 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I
- Chem 797 Dissertation
Education
Ph.D. Chemistry, University of California-Irvine (2010)