Refia Atik

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry at the University of Houston, working in the research group of Prof. T. Randall Lee. My research combines multistep organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, surface engineering, and nanomaterials to develop stimuli-responsive polymer-coated gold nanostructures for biomedical applications. I synthesize functional organic molecules for nanoparticle surface modification and fabricate surface-initiated polymer coatings that enable controlled drug delivery and photothermal therapy. I am particularly interested in understanding how molecular structure, surface chemistry, and polymer architecture govern material performance, stability, and therapeutic functionality.

I received both my B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey, where I developed a strong foundation in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, materials characterization, and structure–property relationships. My master’s research focused on the synthesis and characterization of functional polyesters for advanced coating applications through a university–industry collaboration, providing experience in translating fundamental polymer chemistry into applied materials research.

Throughout my research career, I have worked on interdisciplinary projects spanning organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and drug delivery. My experience includes reaction optimization, purification, surface functionalization, polymerization techniques, and physicochemical characterization using a broad range of analytical methods. I have presented my research at international conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed publications, strengthening both my scientific communication skills and collaborative research experience.

Beyond research, I am passionate about scientific leadership, science communication, and community engagement. I volunteer with Mothers in Science, where I contribute to initiatives that improve the visibility, accessibility, and support of researchers with caregiving responsibilities. Through this work, I advocate for greater equity, representation, and sustainability within the scientific community.

As both a researcher and a mother, I value resilience, collaboration, and inclusive leadership. I believe that impactful scientific innovation is built not only through technical excellence but also through mentorship, empathy, and supportive research environments that enable diverse perspectives to thrive.

I enjoy connecting with researchers across disciplines and backgrounds and am always open to new collaborations and opportunities to translate scientific discoveries into meaningful real-world impact.