Education
B.S., Material Sciences
Justus-Liebig University, Germany
Ph.D., Chemistry
Kansas State University
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Columbia University
Areas of Expertise
Experimental Physical Chemistry
Fluorescence Microscopy and Imaging
Polymer Characterization and Physics
The Tran-Ba Lab
Dr. Tran-Ba and his undergraduate researchers study the diffusion dynamics and behaviors
of individual flourescent dye molecules and nanoparticles in order to better understand
the microscopic properties of complex soft materials (polymer films, polymer solutions
and hydrogels) and liquid interfaces.
To learn more about our interdisciplinary research and how to get involved, please
visit Dr. Tran-Ba's Google Scholar profile and read more about the ongoing research projects in the Tran-Ba Laboratory at TU.
Select Publications
- Foreman, K.; Tran-Ba, K.-H. Single-Particle Tracking in Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate:
Probe Size Effect on the Diffusion Behaviors of Nanoparticles in Unentangled Polymer
Solutions. J. Phys. Chem. B 2023, 127, 7091-7102.
- Tran-Ba, K.-H., Foreman, K. Single-Molecule Tracking of Dye Diffusion in Synthetic
Polymers: A Tutorial Review. J. Appl. Phys. 2023, 133, 101101. (Invited Review)
- Tran-Ba, K.-H.; Willis, R. E; Foreman, K.; Ajmani, K.; Gujarati, P. Single-Molecule
Tracking in Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Films: Revealing the Effects of Molecular Weight,
Network Plasticization and Thermal Annealing on Anionic Dye Diffusion. J. Phys. Chem. B. 2021, 125, 382-392.
Honors, Awards, & Grants
- National Science Foundation LEAPS-MPS Grant (DMR 2418942, 2024 - 2026)
- Seventeenth Jess & Mildred Fisher Endowed Chair in the Biological and Physical Sciences
Award (2022 - 2025)
- American Chemical Society - Petroleum Research Fund Grant (PRF 65305-UNI5 2022 - 2024)
Courses Taught
- CHEM 132L: General Chemistry II Laboratory
- CHEM 310: Instrumental Analysis
- CHEM 345: Principles of Physical Chemistry
- CHEM 346: Theoretical Foundations of Physical Chemistry
- CHEM 372: Physical Chemistry Laboratory
