Joseph C. Furgal
Associate Professor — Materials Chemistry & Photochemical Sciences
Bowling Green, Ohio
Summary
Researcher focused on hybrid silicon–organic photochemical materials: Furgal's work centers on silsesquioxanes, silicones, and hybrid organo‑silicon architectures to create photo‑active, self‑healing, and functional materials with tailored photophysical properties. bgsu+1
Translating fundamental photochemistry into environmental solutions: He leads projects on photoresponsive sponges and fluoride‑catalyzed silicone depolymerization that aim to remove persistent water pollutants and enable greener silicone recycling. bgsu+1
Applied materials and preservation work with commercialization potential: Furgal's hybrid tri‑cure organo‑silicon coatings have demonstrated broad surface protection (including monuments), leading to award recognition, patent activity, and exploration of licensing/startup opportunities. phys+1
Educator and mentor who builds student research experience and industry ties: He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, authored a polymers course design publication, secured NSF support for student‑inclusive projects, and partners with organizations (NASA, Johnson & Johnson) to give students hands‑on applied research opportunities. bgsu+2
Active scholarly contributor with a sustained publication record and peer‑review activity: Furgal has an established academic publication record (Google Scholar citations and ORCID entries) across journals in materials and polymer chemistry and records substantial peer review activity. google+1
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
Photoreversible Loading and Unloading of Q–Silsesquioxane Dynamic Network Sponges
January 1, 2021Study reporting photoresponsive network sponges (Q‑silsesquioxane) that reversibly load and release target compounds under light control, with applications in environmental remediation.
Green Routes to Silicon‑Based Materials and Their Environmental Implications
January 1, 2020Review/analysis of sustainable synthetic routes to silicon‑based materials and discussion of their environmental impacts and implications.
Polymers Course for Small Colleges and Universities
January 1, 2018Course design and teaching methodology for an intermediate polymer chemistry course aimed at small colleges and universities; includes case studies, demonstrations, and application‑focused teaching approaches.