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James Mack (academic)

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James Mack, PhD
James Mack, PhD

James Mack is an American chemist and a professor of chemistry at the University of Cincinnati, also currently the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the same university since the summer of 2023.[1]

Career

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James Mack's academic career has been marked by a commitment to advancing the field of chemistry through innovative research and educational initiatives. His contributions have earned him recognition and respect within the scientific community.[2] Some of the key highlights of his academic career include:

Joining the University of Cincinnati: In 2003,[3] James Mack joined the faculty at the University of Cincinnati's Arts & Sciences, where he has held various positions, including Associate Professor of Chemistry, Associate Dean of Chemistry, Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences, and Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.[3][4] He has been an instrumental figure in shaping the direction of the chemistry department and advancing the university's research mission.[3][5]

Mechanochemistry Pioneer: Mack is renowned for his groundbreaking work in mechanochemistry,[2] a field that explores chemical reactions initiated and controlled by mechanical forces. His research has shed light on the fundamental principles of mechanochemistry and its applications in various domains.[1] In addition to his own work on mechanochemistry, James Mack also serves as an Editorial Board member for Royal Society of Chemistry: Mechanochemistry.

Mechanocatalysis Pioneer: James Mack is recognized as one of the first researchers to report on mechanocatalysis,[1] a subfield of mechanochemistry that explores the use of mechanical forces to catalyze chemical reactions.  

Advocate for Diversity: Throughout his career, Mack has been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity in the field of chemistry.[1] He has actively supported initiatives aimed at attracting more women and minorities to the discipline and has worked to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and researchers.[6][7] In addition, Mack has been involved with articles that place a focus on supporting chemists of marginalized communities.[8]

International Recognition: James Mack's contributions to mechanochemistry have earned him international recognition.[1] He was the only American chemist to present research at the International Symposium on Mechanochemistry in China,[9] highlighting the global significance of his work [5]

Research and achievements

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Some of his notable achievements and contributions [10] include:  

The first solvent-free method for the reduction of esters:

  • Publication: Mack, J.; Fulmer, D.; Stofel, S.; Santos, N. "The first solvent-free method for the reduction of esters." Green Chem (2007), 1041-1043.


The development of corannulene-based blue emitters:

  • Publication: Mack, J.; Vogel, P.; Jones, D.; Kaval, N.; Sutton, A. "The development of corannulene-based blue emitters." Org. Biomol. Chem. (2007), 5, 2448-2452.


Rate Enhancement of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction through Mechanochemistry

  • Publication: "Rate Enhancement of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction through Mechanochemistry." Green Chem. (2007), 9, 328-330.


Investigation of Corannulene for Molecular Hydrogen Storage via Computational Chemistry and Experimentation

  • Publication: Scanlon, L. G., Balbuena, P. B., Zhang, Y., Sandi, G., Back, C. K., Feld, W. A., Mack, J., Rottmayer, M. A., Riepenhoff, J. L. "Investigation of Corannulene for Molecular Hydrogen Storage via Computational Chemistry and Experimentation." J. Chem. Phys. B (2006), 110, 7688-7694.


Appearance energies of singly, doubly, and triply charged coronene and corannulene ions produced by electron impact:

  • Publication: Denifl, S., Sonnweber, B., Mack, J., Scott, L. T., Scheier, P., Becker, K., Maerk, T. D. "Appearance energies of singly, doubly, and triply charged coronene and corannulene ions produced by electron impact." Int. J. Mass. Spec. (2006), 249/250, 353-358.


X-ray Quality Geometries of Geodesic Polyarenes from Theoretical Calculations

  • Publication: Petrukhina, M. A., Andreini, K. W., Mack, J., Scott, L. T. "X-ray Quality Geometries of Geodesic Polyarenes from Theoretical Calculations: What Levels of Theory Are Reliable?". J. Org. Chem. (2005), 70, 5713-5716.


Interstellar Chemistry: A Strategy for Detecting Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Space:

  • Publication: Lovas, F. J., McMahon, R. J., Grabow, J.-U., Schnell, M., Mack, J., Scott, L. T., Kuczkowski, R. L. "Interstellar Chemistry: A Strategy for Detecting Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Space." J. Am. Chem. Soc. (2005), 127, 4345-4349.


Molecular satellite dishes: attaching parabolic and planar arenes to heterofullerenes:

  • Publication: Hauke, F., Atalick, S., Guldi, D. M., Mack, J., Scott, L. T., Hirsch, A. "Molecular satellite dishes: attaching parabolic and planar arenes to heterofullerenes." Chem. Commun. (2004), 766-767.


Fullerene-Acene Chemistry: Single-Crystal X-ray Structures for a [60]Fullerene-Pentacene Monoadduct and a cis-Bis[60]fullerene Adduct of 6,13 Diphenylpentacene:

  • Publication: Miller, G. P.; Briggs, J.; Mack, J.; Lord, P. A.; Olmstead, M. M.; Balch, A. L. “Fullerene-Acene Chemistry: Single-Crystal X-ray Structures for a [60]Fullerene-Pentacene Monoadduct and a cis-Bis[60]fullerene Adduct of 6,13 Diphenylpentacene." Organic Letters (2003), 5, 4199-4202.


Transition-Metal Complexes of an Open Geodesic Polyarene:

  • Publication: M.A. Petrukhina, K.W. Andreini, J. Mack, L.T. Scott. "Transition-Metal Complexes of an Open Geodesic Polyarene." Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2003), 42, 3375.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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In addition to his academic pursuits, James Mack has been actively involved in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community.[2][5][11] Some of his notable contributions in this regard include:  

Research Funding: James Mack has been successful in securing research funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation (NSF),[12] the American Chemical Society,[5] and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. This funding has enabled him to conduct research in the field of mechanochemistry and green chemistry.[11]

Mechanochemistry for Solvent Waste Prevention: Mack’s research on the "Utilization of Mechanochemistry for Solvent Waste Prevention" suggests innovative approaches to reduce the use of solvents in chemical reactions, which can have environmental and economic benefits.[13]

Solvent-Free Ball Milling: James Mack's research has focused on developing a better understanding of organic reactions under solvent-free ball milling conditions, focusing on an environmentally friendly approach as it eliminates the need for traditional solvents in chemical processes.[13]

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Reactions: Mack has also been involved in projects related to sustainable pharmaceutical reactions in a continuous flow environment, emphasizing the importance of green and sustainable chemistry in drug development.[14]

Development of Recyclable Catalysts: His research has also extended to the development of recyclable catalysts and reagents using mechanochemistry, which can have applications in reducing waste and improving the efficiency of chemical processes.[15]

Technical Advisor of Cinthesis: Cinthesis, a contract research organization specializing in mechanochemistry, offering customized and distinctive solutions places a focus on creating renewable and environmentally friendly sources of energy through the use of mechanochemistry.[3][16]

Speaking Engagements: James Mack is a speaker on topics related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and bridging gaps in the academic and professional landscape.[13][17] He has shared his insights and expertise at various conferences and events, including:  

  • James Mack (June 2008) - Presentation on "Mechanochemistry: Past, Present, and Future" at a Professional Meeting. Level: Regional.[17]
  • James Mack (August 2008) - Presentation on "The Development of Corannulene-Based Materials" at a Professional Meeting. Level: National.[13]
  • James Mack (May 2009) - Presentation on "Shake It Up: Chemistry Through High-Speed Ball Milling" at a Professional Meeting. Level: Regional.[13]
  • James Mack (September 2009) - Presentation on "Shaken Not Stirred: Chemistry Via High-Speed Ball Milling" at Queen's University Belfast. Level: International.[13]
  • James Mack (March 2011) - Presentation on "Bringing Corannulene into the Light" at a Professional Meeting. Level: National.[13]
  • James Mack (2011) - Presentation on "Bizarro World" at Queen's University of Belfast. Level: International.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Ralston, Michele (April 25, 2023). "University of Cincinnati names new dean for College of Arts & Sciences". UC News. University of Cincinnati. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Mechanochemistry". Science History Institute. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d Andersen, J.; Mack, J. (April 3, 2018). "Mechanochemistry and organic synthesis: from mystical to practical". Green Chemistry. 20 (7): 1435–1443. doi:10.1039/C7GC03797J. ISSN 1463-9270.
  4. ^ "James Mack LinkedIn".
  5. ^ a b c d "It 'sounds crazy,' but a UC professor is mixing chemicals without liquids. Here's how". WVXU. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  6. ^ Ralston, Michele (2023-04-25). "University of Cincinnati names new dean for College of Arts & Sciences". UC News. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  7. ^ "See how UC department seeks diversity". WCPO 9 Cincinnati. 2016-06-06. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  8. ^ Urbina-Blanco, César A.; Jilani, Safia Z.; Speight, Isaiah R.; Bojdys, Michael J.; Friščić, Tomislav; Stoddart, J. Fraser; Nelson, Toby L.; Mack, James; Robinson, Renã A. S.; Waddell, Emanuel A.; Lutkenhaus, Jodie L.; Godfrey, Murrell; Abboud, Martine I.; Aderinto, Stephen O.; Aderohunmu, Damilola (2020-08-26). "A Diverse View of Science to Catalyse Change". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 142 (34): 14393–14396. doi:10.1021/jacs.0c07877. ISSN 0002-7863. PMC 7590070. PMID 33448562.
  9. ^ "James Mack, University of Cincinnati". EurekAlert!. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  10. ^ "Expert Profile: James Mack | Research Directory". researchdirectory.uc.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  11. ^ a b Lim, Xiaozhi (2016-07-18). "Grinding Chemicals Together in an Effort to be Greener". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  12. ^ Hutchins, Shana K. "NSF Center For The Mechanical Control Of Chemistry Named $20 Million Phase II Center For Chemical Innovation". artsci.tamu.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h "James Mack". scholar.google.ro. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  14. ^ "Tribochemistry Begets Sustainability?". Lubes'N'Greases. 2022-02-01. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  15. ^ "It 'sounds crazy,' but a UC professor is mixing chemicals without liquids. Here's how". WVXU. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  16. ^ Shaner, Kyle (2022-04-18). "UC startup makes advancements in 'green' chemistry". UC News. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  17. ^ a b https://louisville.edu/chemistry/seminars-lectures/seminars/MackJamesBrownWilliamsonAnnouncement.pdf