derek mull

Taught one semester each of General Chemistry I and II. Taught two discussion and two laboratory sections each semester, and held hours in the Department of Chemistry's tutorial center twice per week for individual supplemental instruction.

Researched synthetic routes for zirconium-based metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs), synthesized small molecules used in MOF synthesis, ran porosity measurements on MOFs for collaborators, and supervised hazardous waste disposal.

Synthesized methane-clathrate hydrates to study the decomposition regime using Low-Temperature Powder X-Ray Diffraction. Responsibilities included sample preparation, data collection and refinement.

Worked independently on a project to synthesize metastable phases of tantalum sulfides and characterize with powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Conducted materials synthesis research which involved synthesizing small molecule ligands to be used to prepare metal-organic nanotubes. I also mentored undergraduate and graduate students, reviewed manuscripts for publication in scientific journals, and contributed significantly to the preparation of two grants for funding.

Undergraduate thesis focused on low-temperature, non-hydrolytic sol gel routes to prepare metstable phases of tantalum sulfide. - Graduated cum laude, with university and departmental honors - Presented posters at numerous regional and national conferences

Research focused on the synthesis and preparation of discrete metal-organic nanotubes - Assistant in the preparation of two grants submitted to the National Science Foundation - Reviewed manuscripts for publication in high-impact factor journals - First recipient of National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship in UTK Department of Chemistry in 21 years Activities and Societies: Commission for Women STEM Committee - Founding member - Helped organize the first Women in STEM Research Symposium at UTK, April 2015 - Led successful recruiting initiative that saw membership increase from 25 to 78. - Established the Recruitment and Engagement subcommittee -- Created plan of action to promote committee initiatives and increase visibility across campus. -- Prepared materials to be assist training volunteers -- Prepared materials to be distributed to the general public