Kara’s background is in organometallic chemistry where she investigated Pd-catalyzed C-H activation mechanisms and developed new synthetic methodology.

Her current research with the group explores the reactivity of nanoporous gold and gold-based alloys utilized in both vapor and liquid phase selective oxidation reactions. The mechanistic studies of gold under ultra-high-vacuum conditions are often directly relatable to how nanoporous gold operates under ambient pressure and mild temperatures. A feedback loop is thus formed as the information obtained from UHV work is used to optimize conditions for liquid and gas phase reactions, and new reactivity found for selective oxidation by nanoporous gold drives new mechanistic investigations under UHV.  The transformation of methanol into higher oxidized products is currently under investigation as well as the selective oxidation and cross coupling of other alcohols.

Her current research with the group explores the reactivity of nanoporous gold and gold-based alloys utilized in both vapor and liquid phase selective oxidation reactions. The mechanistic studies of gold under ultra-high-vacuum conditions are often directly relatable to how nanoporous gold operates under ambient pressure and mild temperatures. A feedback loop is thus formed as the information obtained from UHV work is used to optimize conditions for liquid and gas phase reactions, and new reactivity found for selective oxidation by nanoporous gold drives new mechanistic investigations under UHV.  The transformation of methanol into higher oxidized products is currently under investigation as well as the selective oxidation and cross coupling of other alcohols.