Ruya Ozer

Dr. Ozer

Assistant ProfessorKeplinger Hall M255
918-631-3028
ruya-ozer@utulsa.eduResearch Website

Research in the Ozer group focuses on multicomponent functional materials development and characterization with applications in biology, optoelectronics, and protective coatings. Multicomponent nanomaterials, in the form of hierarchical heterostructures or composites, can have enhanced or novel functionalities compared to their constituents due to the synergistic interaction at the molecular level. In addition, size-confinement effects can result in unique chemical, physical, and optoelectronic properties. The resulting functionalities can be tailored by fine-tuning the size, shape, morphology, composition, and organization of the two or more nanoscale building blocks. Understanding the fundamental issues governing the properties of these materials will help design new materials and electronic devices. Using a combination of methodologies including electrospinning, solution based synthesis and layer-by layer deposition, we develop novel materials with enhanced structure and properties. Our goal is to provide a deeper understanding of the structure-property relationships of hybrid organic and inorganic materials to optimize material performance.

Education and Degrees Earned

  • Ph.D., Chemistry, University of South Carolina, 2002
  • M.B.A. University of San Francisco, CA, 2007
  • M.S., Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, 1998
  • B. S., Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, 1996

Areas of Research Focus

  • Metal Oxide nanostructures
  • Biocompatible materials
  • Protective clothing 
  • Portable photovoltaics
  • Photocatalysis and alternative energy generation

Previous Relevant Work Experience

  • Senior Research Scientist, Luna Innvovations, Multifunctional Materials Group, Blacksburg, VA

Professional Affiliations

  • American Chemical Society
  • Materials Research Society

Courses Taught at TU

  • Analytical Chemistry I (Chem 4083)
  • Analytical Forensic Toxicology (Chem 4863)
  • Analytical I Laboratory (Chem 4081)
  • Analytical II Laboratory (Chem 4181)
  • Analytical Separations (Chem 7253)

Awards & Recognition

  • Chevron Project Development Award 2012
  • CIEE International Faculty Development Award for Summer 2011
  • Faculty Fellow for the 2013 Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program
  • National Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health Pilot Project Research Program Award, 2011
  • NSF Epscor travel award 2012
  • Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, 2011
  • Oklahoma EPSCoR ROA Program Summer Research Grant, 2011

Publications

  • Hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods on electrospun polyamide nanofibers
    TJ Athauda, U Butt, and RR Ozer, Hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods on electrospun polyamide nanofibers, MRS Communications, 2013, 3, 51-55.
  • Nylon fiber as a template for the controlled growth of highly oriented single crystalline ZnO nanowires
    TJ Athauda and RR Ozer, Crystal Growth & Design, 2013, accepted for publication
  • On the surface roughness and hydrophobicity of dual size double layered silica nanoparticles
    TJ Athauda, W Williams, KP Roberts, and RR Ozer, Journal of Materials Science, In Press, DOI: 10.1007/s10853-013-7407-5, 2013
  • Systematic study of the structure-property relationships of the branched hierarchical TiO2/ZnO nanostructures
    TJ Athauda, JG Neff, L Sutherlin, U Butt, and RR Ozer, ACS Advanced Materials & Interfaces 2012, 4, 6917-6926.