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Rik Tykwinski is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta, specializing in physical organic chemistry. He focuses on new synthetic methods for carbon-rich molecules, including cumulenes, polyynes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, exploring the relationships between chemical structure and molecular reactivity/properties. His research encompasses the synthesis of compounds for applications in single-molecule devices, solar cells, and thin-film transistors (TFTs), as well as synthetic models of asphaltenes. Tykwinski's contributions have been recognized through multiple publications, including notable works on the synthesis of radiaannulene oligomers and advancements in singlet fission photovoltaic efficiency. He actively engages in scholarly activities, serving as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry and contributing significantly to discussions in organic chemistry education. Tykwinski holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and a PhD from the University of Utah, where he studied under Peter J. Stang. His courses cover organic chemistry and the correlation between chemical structure and bonding, emphasizing the physical properties and reactivity of organic molecules.
Department: Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management