# CAREER: Reaction Development and Advancing Spectroscopic Analysis for Selective Labeling and Radiolabeling of Small Molecules

> **NSF 01002324DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Tennessee Knoxville (TN) · $650,000

## Abstract

With support of the Chemical Synthesis Program in the Division of Chemistry, Joseph Clark of Marquette University is studying processes for the preparation of small molecules incorporating tritium (and/or deuterium) atomic labels and complementary analytical techniques to characterize and probe these materials. Tritium is widely used as a radioactive tracer element in biological and chemical research and molecules labeled with this rare isotope of hydrogen are useful during the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other kinds of important substances. The findings of the funded research are anticipated to permit the incorporation of tritium (/deuterium) into small molecules with a high level of precision, such that the quantity and location of the hydrogen isotope of choice can be finely controlled. The broader impacts of the funded project extend to the benefits accrued to society as Dr.  Clark and his research team members engage in a variety of educational and outreach activities. Foremost among these efforts is a holistic undergraduate career development and training program that combines undergraduate summer research experiences with a collaborative pharmaceutical industry and academic workshop jointly facilitated by the University of Puerto Rico Cayey and Marquette University. The program is designed to provide students with critical training to prepare them for successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and it places an 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2526696
- **Awardee organization:** University of Tennessee Knoxville (TN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FN2YCS2YAUW3
- **PI:** Joseph R Clark
- **Primary program:** 01002324DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $650,000
- **Funds obligated:** $526,747
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 12/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2526696

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2526696, CAREER: Reaction Development and Advancing Spectroscopic Analysis for Selective Labeling and Radiolabeling of Small Molecules. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2526696. Licensed CC0.

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