Mihaela C. Stefan

Visiting Assistant Professor
Carnegie Mellon University - 2005

Postdoctoral Associate
Carnegie Mellon University - 2003

Ph.D. - Chemistry
Politehnica University, Romania - 1998

M.S. - Chemistry
Politechnica University, Romania - 1995

B.S. - Chemical Engineering
Politehnica University, Romania - 1994

Effects of varying chalcogenophene spacer units between indole and benzothiadiazole based D–A–D type semiconducting small molecules on the characteristics of organic field effect transistors (OFETs) 2025 - Journal Article

Computational design to experimental validation: molecular dynamics-assisted development of polycaprolactone micelles for drug delivery 2025 - Journal Article

Comparative Evaluation of Pyrrole Fused Donor Moieties: 1H-Indole and Pyrrolo[2,3-b] Pyridine in Benzothiadiazole-Based D–A–D Type Conjugated Small Molecules for Organic Field-Effect Transistors 2025 - Journal Article

Fenugreek and Okra Polymers as Treatment Agents for the Removal of Microplastics from Water Sources 2025 - Journal Article

Fluorescent Poly(ε-Caprolactone)s Micelles for Anticancer Drug Delivery and Bioimaging 2025 - Journal Article

Photochromic Properties of Thiophene and Thiazole-Substituted Bicyclic Aziridine in Solution and Solid State 2025 - Journal Article

Advances in Doxorubicin Chemotherapy: Emerging Polymeric Nanocarriers for Drug Loading and Delivery 2025 - Journal Article

Improved Drug Delivery through Amide-Functionalized Polycaprolactones: Enhanced Loading Capacity and Sustained Drug Release 2025 - Journal Article

Faculty Teaching Award - School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics [2017]

President's Teaching Award - University of Texas at Dallas [2015]

Career Award - NSF [2010]

Faculty Teaching Award - School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics [2009]

Associate Professor
Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas [2014–2018]

Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas [2013–Present]

Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas [2007–2013]

Research Scientist
Carnegie Mellon University [2006–2007]

Visiting Assistant Professor
Carnegie Mellon University [2003–2005]

Postdoctoral Fellow
Western Cape University, South Africa [2002–2003]

Advanced Macromolecular Design: Towards Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties

2018–2018 Advanced Macromolecular Design: Towards Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties, December 2005, Bowling Green State University.

Advanced Macromolecular Design: Towards Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties

2018–2018 Advanced Macromolecular Design: Towards Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties, January 2006, Texas A&M University.

Anionic Polymerization of Styrene with Butadiene Using Methyl-tert-Butyl Ether as an Active Center Modiher

1998–1999 Anionic Polymerization of Styrene with Butadiene Using Methyl-tert-Butyl Ether as an Active Center Modiher, IUPAC Macro 1998, Brisbane, Australia.

Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties

2018–2018 Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties, December 2005, University of Pittsburgh.

Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) Method for the Synthesis of Regioregular PoIy(3-alkylthiophenes) with Well-Defined Molecular Weights

2005–2005 Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) Method for the Synthesis of Regioregular PoIy(3-alkylthiophenes) with Well-Defined Molecular Weights, 229th ACS National Meeting, San Diego, CA, United States, March 13-17, 2005.

Honors and Affiliations

• 2002 - present Member, American Chemical Society
• 2007- present, Member, Materials Research Society
• 2009 - NS&M Outstanding Teacher Award
• 2010 - NSF Career Award
• 2012 - Inclusive Teaching Diversity Award, University of Texas at Dallas 
• 2014- President's Teaching Excellence Award for 2013-2014, University of Texas at Dallas

Patents

• Jeffries-EL M.; Mihaela C. Iovu; Sauve, G.; McCullough, R. D.; Monocapped conductive polymers with alkenyl or alkynyl end groups and block copolymers therefrom, patent application sybmitted, 2005
  
• Mihaela C. Iovu; Elena E. E.; McCullough R.D., Living synthesis of conducting polymers including regioregular polymers, polythiophenes, and block copolymers, patent application submitted, 2005.
  
• Mihaela C. Iovu; McCullough R.D., Purirication methods and purhied polymer, patent application submitted, 2006.
  
• Mihaela C. Iovu; Osaka, I.; McCullough R.D., Universal Grignard Metathesis Polymerization, patent application submitted, 2006.
  
• Mihaela C. Iovu; McCullough R.D., Electrically conductive polymers and controlled radical polymerization,patent application submitted, 2006.
  

Dissertation

Anionic Polymerization Applied to the Synthesis of Well-Dehned Copolymers Containing Styrene and Dienes, Advisor: Professor Gheorghe Hubca

Chemistry Professor Recognized for Dedication to Students

While she was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in Romania, Dr. Mihaela Stefan had doubts over whether she truly enjoyed her field of study.

It wasn’t until her junior year, when she encountered the hands-on approach of a professor for the first time, that she understood the importance of quality teachers.

Award-Winning Chemistry Teacher Stresses Tools in Finding Answers

Dr. Mihaela Stefan received the President’s Outstanding Teaching Award at the recent Honors Convocation ceremony. The annual award recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member for his or her efforts in teaching and mentoring. As part of the honor, Stefan received a medallion and a cash award.

Stefan, an associate professor of chemistry, has taught in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics since 2007. She said she enjoys teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, and that organic chemistry is one of her favorites. Among students, organic chemistry has a reputation of being one of the hardest courses.

NSF Award Recognizes Researcher on the Rise

Dr. Mihaela C. (Iovu) Stefan has received a distinguished National Science Foundation (NSF) Career Award, given to junior faculty members who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research and education.

The award is for $490,000 over five years. 

Stefan, an assistant professor of chemistry and affiliate to the Materials Science and Engineering Department, has taught at UT Dallas since August 2007. She is an expert on polymer chemistry and organic electronics, which she uses to study renewable energy.

Chemistry Professor Receives 2021 Doherty Award

Dr. Mihaela Stefan, Eugene McDermott Professor and interim head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Texas at Dallas, received the 2021 Wilfred T. Doherty Award from the American Chemical Society (ACS) Dallas-Fort Worth local section.

University Honors Top Mentors, Advisor, Dissertations and Theses

Amidst the pomp and circumstance of end-of-year commencement activities, a number of faculty, staff and students were honored for their contributions to academic excellence, student education and community involvement.

Department of Materials Science & Engineering