Visiting Assistant Professor
Carnegie Mellon University - 2005
Mihaela C. Stefan
Eugene McDermott Professor
Eugene McDermott Professor Department Head-Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Professional Preparation
Postdoctoral Associate
Carnegie Mellon University - 2003
Carnegie Mellon University - 2003
Ph.D. - Chemistry
Politehnica University, Romania - 1998
Politehnica University, Romania - 1998
M.S. - Chemistry
Politechnica University, Romania - 1995
Politechnica University, Romania - 1995
B.S. - Chemical Engineering
Politehnica University, Romania - 1994
Politehnica University, Romania - 1994
Research Areas
Research Description
My research interests encompass the synthesis and characterization of novel
polymeric materials for applications in organic electronics and medicine.
The
research projects include:
- Novel semiconducting polymers for organic electronics
- Tailoring of organic/inorganic interface in organic field effect transistors (OFETs) and photovoltaic devices
- Block-copolymers containing semiconducting polymers and liquid crystalline polymers as electronic materials with tunable opto-electronic properties
- Biodegradable polymers with tunable rates of degradation for applications in localized and controlled drug delivery
Publications
Correction to “Viscoelastic Characterization of Poly(3-hexylthiophene): Determination of Young’s Modulus” 2024 - Journal Article
Maleimide functionalized polycaprolactone micelles for glutathione quenching and doxorubicin delivery 2024 - Journal Article
Regioselective Direct C–H Bond Heteroarylation of Thiazoles Enabled by an Iminopyridine-Based α-Diimine Nickel(II) Complex Evaluated by DFT Studies 2023 - Journal Article
Chalcogenopheno[3,2-b]pyrrole-Containing Donor–Acceptor–Donor Organic Semiconducting Small Molecules for Organic Field-Effect Transistors 2023 - Journal Article
Viscoelastic Characterization of Poly(3-hexylthiophene): Determination of Young’s Modulus 2023 - Journal Article
Vinyl-Flanked Diketopyrrolopyrrole Polymer/MoS2 Hybrid for Donor–Acceptor Semiconductor Photodetection 2023 - Journal Article
Self-assembly behavior of thermoresponsive difunctionalized γ-amide polycaprolactone amphiphilic diblock copolymers 2023 - Journal Article
Awards
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]
Appointments
Associate Professor
Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas [2014–2018]
Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas [2014–2018]
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas [2013–Present]
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas [2013–Present]
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas [2007–2013]
Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas [2007–2013]
Research Scientist
Carnegie Mellon University [2006–2007]
Carnegie Mellon University [2006–2007]
Visiting Assistant Professor
Carnegie Mellon University [2003–2005]
Carnegie Mellon University [2003–2005]
Postdoctoral Fellow
Western Cape University, South Africa [2002–2003]
Western Cape University, South Africa [2002–2003]
Projects
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.Additional Information
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 HubcaNews Articles
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.