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Professional Preparation
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
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
Reversible Cross-linked Thermoresponsive Polycaprolactone Micelles for Enhanced Stability and Controlled Release 2023 - 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
Recent Advances in Polycaprolactones for Anticancer Drug Delivery 2023 - Journal Article
A binary neodymium catalyst for the polymerization of lactones 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]
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]
Projects
Advanced Macromolecular Design: Towards Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties
2018–2018Advanced Macromolecular Design: Towards Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties, December 2005, Bowling Green State University.
Advanced Macromolecular Design: Towards Conducting Polymers with Tunable Properties
2018–2018Advanced 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
1998–1999Anionic 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
2018–2018Conducting 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
2005–2005Grignard 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.