Zygmunt (Karol) Gryczynski, Ph.D., a professor in the TCU College of Science & Engineering, along with two of his undergraduate students, Danh Pham ’28 and Rajveer Sagoo ’26, have achieved remarkable recognition in the academic world. Their collaborative paper, titled “Room Temperature Luminescence of 1,N2-etheno-2-aminopurine in Poly(vinyl alcohol) Films,” was accepted into the prestigious Luminescence Journal and selected as the front-cover feature, a significant honor in scientific research.

The eye-catching cover design, created by Pham, adds an extra layer of distinction to this publication. Pham, a first year in the physics and astronomy department, utilized a specialized rendering process to craft the intricate 3D image featured on the front of Luminescence Journal. His design effectively captures the complexity of the research while visually representing its innovative approach.

The publication explores the luminescent properties of 1,N2-etheno-2-aminopurine, a derivative of 2-aminopurine, immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) films. One of the major breakthroughs presented in the paper is the ability to use longer wavelengths of light, such as blue or green, to directly excite the triplet state of the molecule being studied. 

“This new capability will open new avenues for room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) research,” Gryczynski said.

Gryczynski, who has spent decades mentoring students, expressed immense pride in the achievements of his young researchers. “Danh Pham is a very special student that we at TCU should be proud of. He joined my lab as a high school student at just 14 years old, and now, at 17, he has already co-authored seven peer-reviewed publications—an achievement that many graduate students never reach,” Gryczynski said.

Gryczynski’s mentorship has given students unique opportunities to meet distinguished researchers from around the world. “In my lifetime, I’ve had the privilege of working with several scientists who later received Nobel Prizes,” he said. “I always introduce my students to them at conferences—it’s something incredibly special.”

With such accomplishments already under their belt as undergraduates, Pham and Sagoo have bright futures ahead. Their groundbreaking research, dedication and Gryczynski’s mentorship will undoubtedly propel them to new heights as they continue their academic journeys.