Dr Richard Singer

I am an associate professor of physical chemistry and over the years I have developed a wide teaching portfolio. This has encompassed most of the traditional areas of physical chemistry (with the notable exception of electrochemistry), but I have also taught extensively in pharmaceutical science and pharmacy within the broad area of pharmaceutics - which  could be thought of as a specialised part of applied physical chemistry.

I have developed an interest on computational chemistry and molecular modelling and had sought to embed this important branch of chemistry across the courses at Kingston. I occasionally assist colleagues with computational aspects of their research projects.

Qualifications

• BSc Chemistry (1st Class) University of East Anglia
• PhD Chemistry University of East Anglia

Courses taught

• Analytical Chemistry MSc
• Pharmaceutical Science MSc
• Chemistry BSc (Hons)
• Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)
• Pharmaceutical Science MPharmSci (Hons)
• Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)
• Pharmaceutical Science with Regulatory Affairs BSc (Hons)

My current research interests are in materials chemistry.  I am currently working on the synthesis and characterisation of organic - inorganic hybrid materials for a variety of electronic applications such as electronic devices or photo-voltaic applications such as solar energy conversion.   Current projects involve intercalation of small conducting polymer precursor molecules within the layers of inorganic host materials such as vanadium pentoxide or molybdenum trioxide.  The aim is to polymerise the monomers in situ between the layers of the host in order to impart order on the resulting organic conducting polymer structure.  Such hybrid materials have useful properties, enhanced thermal and chemical stability potential use in a wide variety of applications including those mentioned above.  I also have an interest in the application of computational chemistry and have collaborated on a number of projects using computational tools to investigate a variety of chemical problems.  Most recently I have worked with my colleagues Dr Gemma Shearman and Dr Joe Bear investigating the interactions of lipid phases with drug molecules using muon spin resonance avoided level crossing spectroscopy at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

I am currently Head of the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which has around 25 highly talented members of academic staff covering a range of  disciplines including pharmacology, forensic science, pharmaceutical science and chemistry.  I have overseen the design and assisted with the implementation of the new STEM laboratories which gave students state of the art laboratory spaces with integrated IT facilities to work in.  This has allowed the development of new ways of working such as electronic lab books and instant feedback and assessment of practical work.