Ognjen Š. Miljanić
Assistant Professor
	Office: 136 Fleming (Chemistry Office) Phone: (713) 743-2701 Fax: (713) 743-2709 Email: miljanic@chem.ucla.edu Education Diploma University of Belgrade, Serbia, 2000 Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, 2005 Postdoc University of California, Los Angeles 2005-2008 Honors and Fellowships Best Chemistry Student (University of Belgrade), 2000 Student of the Generation (University of Belgrade), 2000 Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow, 1999–2000 Foundation for the Development of Science Fellow, 1999 Ministry of Education Fellow (Serbia), 1998–1999 Homepage

Research Interests

Organic Synthesis—Organometallic Chemistry—Supramolecular Chemistry       The research in the Miljanić group revolves around two central themes: (1) supramolecular assembly of modified nucleobases, and (2) identification and synthetic utilization of novel metallocenic intermediates.       Supramolecular interactions play a pivotal role in many biomolecules, often dictating both structure and function. The hydrogen bonding of nucleobases in DNA represents one of the most thoroughly understood naturally-occuring supramolecular motives. Research in our group aims to use this ubiquitous building block to construct novel unnatural discrete and extended (2D and 3D) superstructures through self-assembly. The discrete and extended superstructures are investigated as platforms for guest encapsulation and catalysis, and materials for chiral separations and energy storage, respectively.       Our group is also focusing on the extension of the chemistry of benzene onto its metallocenic counterparts. As a part of this project, novel metallocenic intermediates are pursued for utilization in the expedient synthesis of novel complex organometallic scaffolds relevant to the fields of catalysis and molecular machinery.       To achieve the above research goals, the Miljanić lab relies chiefly on synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry. These techniques are complemented by the use of physical organic and supramolecular chemistry methods. Spectroscopy, crystallography, and materials characterization are the most relevant analytical tools. Students and postdoctoral researchers in the Miljanić group receive detailed guidance in scientific writing and visualization. This diversified training is intended to prepare them for challenges in both academic and a variety of industrial work environments.