Current Activities
I have been teaching in the fields of physical and analytical chemistry at both undergraduate and graduate levels since 2006. My course offerings include Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Statistical Thermodynamics, Physical Chemistry for Engineers, Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy, Physical Chemistry Laboratory, Surface Chemistry and Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Quantitative Analysis Laboratory, and Physical Chemistry Seminar. Currently, I am teaching Physical Chemistry (CHEM-328) and Quantitative Analysis Laboratory (CHEM-318) at Texas A&M University.
My research focuses on the liquid-solid interface, specifically investigating the structure, function, and assembly of molecules at these interfaces, including the spreading, wetting, and adhesion of liquids on surfaces at the nanoscale.
Educational Background
- 2003 Ph.D. Chemistry, Princeton University.
- 2003-2006 Post-doctoral Research Associate. Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Professional Experience
- 2006-2013 Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky
- 2015-2016 Visiting Scholar, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Kentucky
- 2017-2022 Adjunct Assistant Professor and Senior Academic Coordinator, Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky
Selected Publications
- Pandeya, A.; Aligun, O.; Cai, Y.G. and Wei, Y. N. Distribution of fluoroquinolones in the two aqueous compartments of Escherichia coli. Biochem. Biophys. Reports. 2020, 24, 100849.
- Cai, Y.G.*, Wilktop, T. and Wei, Y.N. Data on spectrum-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurement of E. coli multidrug transporter AcrB. Data in Brief 2018, 21, 1649-1653M.
- Aher, A.; Cai, Y.G.; Majumder, M. and Bhattacharyya, D. Synthesis of graphene oxide membranes and their behavior in water and isopropanol. Carbon 2017,116, 145-153.
- Zhang, X.N. and Cai, Y.G.* Ultra-low Voltage Electrowetting on Solid-like Ionic Liquid Dielectric Layer. Angew Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 2289. (Featured article in Advances in Engineeringm).
- Gao, P.; Cai, Y. G.* Aptamer Fiber Anchored on the Edge of a Protein Pattern: A Template for Nanowire Fabrication. ACS Nano 2009, 3, 3475.
- Lu, L. B.; Cai, Y. G.* The Role of Vapor Phase Mass Transport During the Spreading of a Long Chain Alkane Drop. Langmuir 2009, 25, 13914.
- Cai, Y. G.* The Partially Degraded Hydrophilic Silane Pattern and Its Application in Studying the Structures of Long Chain Alkane Films. Langmuir 2009, 25, 5594.
- Gao, P.; Cai, Y. G.* Label-Free Detection of the Aptamer Binding on Protein Patterns Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM). Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2009, 394, 207. (Cover Story, Mentioned by C&EN News 87, 30, 2009).
Invited Seminars, Talks, & Workshops
- Cai, Y. G. Chemical Template Directed Iodine Patterns on the Octadecyltrichlorosilane Surface. College of Molecular Science and Engineering, Peking University. Beijing, China. Dec., 2007.
- Cai, Y. G. Iodine Patterns on the Chemical Templates. Young Investigator Symposium, 213th Electrochemical Society, Phoenix, AZ. May, 2008.
- Cai, Y. G. The Spreading of Liquid Alkanes on Surface. University of Delaware, Mar., 15, 2010.
- Cai, Y. G. A New Perspective Towards an Old Problem: the Role of Vapor during the Spreading of Liquid Alkane. Agilent e-Seminar.
