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Galloway, N.J. – Daniel Ki, associate professor of at Stockton, was recently selected as a 2025 Chemical Communications Pioneering Investigator by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This international honor recognizes early-career researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of chemistry.

Ki, who has been part of the university since 2016, said it was deeply gratifying to see his research, “Aggregation-induced emission-active indium complex as fluorescent turn-off chemosensor for perfluoroalkyl substances,” recognized by a leading chemistry journal. 

“This acknowledgment affirms that the years of hard work, persistence and creative exploration are bearing fruit. It is also a meaningful moment of reflection for my students, whose motivation and perseverance have been vital through the challenges of our research journey,” he said.

Three of Ki’s research co-authors were also Stockton graduates: Andrew Wu, Aastha Pandya and Oliver Baumeyer.

In an interview, Ki discusses his passion for chemistry, advice for aspiring scientists and how this honor could shape his future research.

 

🏅 What does this recognition mean to you professionally?

This recognition positions me among scientists contributing to the frontiers of chemistry. It raises the visibility of my research program both within the chemistry community and beyond, opening doors to new collaborations, funding opportunities, and the recruitment of talented students. In fact, I have received numerous inquiries each year from researchers around the world seeking postdoctoral positions in my lab. Most importantly, this honor motivates me to continue striving for excellence and innovation in my research areas.

 

🧪 The Royal Society of Chemistry highlights this honor for researchers “pushing the boundaries of chemistry.” How do you see your work fitting into that description?

My research focuses on developing chemical detective systems through molecular design that provide new conceptual approaches for detecting toxic substances. One of our key targets is perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” which pose significant environmental and health concerns. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently imposed strict limits on PFAS in drinking water, making rapid and cost-effective detection critically important.

Our paper presents a simple, affordable method to detect PFAS using luminescent metal complexes, an approach that, to our knowledge, is the first of its kind. We are pushing boundaries by tackling a difficult, real-world problem and striving for enhanced performance under practical conditions. Being recognized as a Pioneering Investigator confirms that the chemistry community sees both the novelty and potential impact of this work.

 

🔎 What first sparked your interest in chemistry, and what continues to inspire your passion for discovery?

As an undergraduate, I was fascinated by how small structural changes in materials could transform their properties. The idea that chemistry could make the invisible visible, revealing molecules through clever design, captivated me early on and planted the seeds for my later work in luminescent sensors. Today, my inspiration comes from my students. Their curiosity, creativity and fresh perspectives challenge me to think in new ways. In our lab, we constantly exchange ideas, test hypotheses, and explore mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Every failure leads to a new insight — and that continual discovery process keeps my passion alive.

 

🔬 How does your research at Stockton connect with or build upon the work recognized by the RSC?

During my early career at Stockton, my first independent paper was published in Chemical Communications and highlighted by ��������app. Another article in Dalton Transactions was featured in an issue of Stockton Now.

My research at Stockton, designing luminescent metal complexes, chemosensors, and exploring their photophysical and sensing behavior, aligns closely with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s vision for pioneering innovation in molecular design and functional materials. A distinctive feature of my work is the deep integration of undergraduate researchers. Students are not assistants on the sidelines; they are collaborators who contribute to high-impact, peer-reviewed publications. Looking forward, I plan to expand this research by exploring new classes of complexes to further enhance performance and broaden applications.

Stockton is known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning. 

 

🎓 How are your students involved in your research, and what kinds of experiences do they gain in your lab?

My students are engaged in every stage of the research process: synthesis, characterization, photophysical measurements, data analysis, and literature review. They go beyond routine tasks, often designing experiments, troubleshooting and interpreting complex results.

I foster a collaborative environment where senior students mentor newcomers, encouraging leadership and teamwork. Students develop skills in synthetic techniques, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, computational modeling (with international collaborators), and scientific communication, including writing abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.

Each student leads a small project, presents at conferences, and often co-authors publications. These experiences build independence, confidence, and a strong sense of scientific purpose. Most importantly, students learn how to connect theory to real-world challenges, developing persistence, critical thinking and research ethics.

 

🤝 Has this recognition led to any new collaborations or shaped your vision for future research directions?

I anticipate that being named a Pioneering Investigator will strengthen connections with international colleagues working in luminescent materials, sensors, and photochemistry. Already, I have begun collaborating with researchers interested in applying our metal complexes to new domains. This recognition further inspires me to bridge fundamental chemical design with applied challenges, pursuing projects that unite discovery with societal impact.

 

🌱 Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave through your research and teaching at Stockton and beyond?

While classroom teaching provides foundational knowledge, research offers a unique, one-on-one form of education that fosters personal and professional growth. Through close mentorship, students develop independence, problem-solving skills and intellectual resilience.

I want to help my students develop the mindset and inner strength they need to become independent thinkers and problem-solvers, not just to learn chemistry, but to think and act like scientists. Many begin with little research experience, but through hands-on inquiry, they discover the excitement of innovation. I’m proud that eight of my former students have gone on to pursue Ph.D. programs in chemistry, a legacy that means more to me than any single publication. Ultimately, I want to help strengthen Stockton’s reputation as a place where undergraduates engage in real, impactful research, work that connects fundamental chemistry to real-world applications. My broader mission is to bridge the gap between discovery and application, showing how thoughtful molecular design can help address urgent technological and environmental challenges.

Reported by Mandee McCullough
Photo submitted