Welcome to the Straus Research Group in the Department of Chemistry at Tulane University. We specialize in the design, synthesis, characterization, and applications of molecular and extended crystalline materials. Areas of interest include magnetism and superconductivity in cluster-based materials, chiral materials for optics and spin-polarized charge transport, and extending the organic-inorganic hybrid materials paradigm beyond halides to include oxides.
Our lab spaces are 5071 Percival Stern Hall and 401 Flower Hall.
We are recruiting new graduate students. Prospective graduate students must apply to the Chemistry PhD program here: https://sse.tulane.edu/academics/graduate/admissions.
Zheng working in the glove box 
Tower of furnaces 
Panalytical Aeris powder X-ray diffractometer 
The Dynacool PPMS is safely in the lab awaiting professional installation 
Bruker D8 Venture single-crystal X-ray diffractometer (departmental equipment) 
Bruker D8 Quest single-crystal X-ray diffractometer (departmental equipment) 
Spin-coating system in fume hood. We have another one inside the glove box. 
Figuring out how to get the PPMS out of the crate 
About to roll the PPMS cryostat out of its crate 
Rolling the PPMS console out of its crate 
Nearly complete lab renovation 
The lab’s nitrogen gas distribution system