Andres Campiglia

Professor

Las Piedras, Uruguay

College of Sciences

Research Focus:

Analytical chemistry

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Chemistry is a field that many would consider exceptionally challenging. However, while finishing his high school education in Brazil after immigrating from Uruguay, Andres Campiglia realized he had a natural inclination for the subject. He earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees in Chemistry from the University of Brasilia, where he discovered his passion for analytical chemistry while researching photoluminescence spectroscopy.

“Using light to identify chemicals and quantify their amounts in samples of unknown but complex composition is an area of research that still instigates my curiosity and desire to overcome the limitations of state-of-the-art analytical methodology,” he says.

After completing his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Florida, Campiglia began a career in academia before making his way to UCF in 2003. Today, the professor is one of the world’s leading experts in developing advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of organic pollutants with toxicological and carcinogenic activity. His work has garnered international recognition, and he's published over 150 articles in top chemistry journals. In addition, he has served on the editorial board for two peer-reviewed scientific journals, spoken at several international conferences, and won several research and teaching incentive awards from UCF.

In the face of all his success, the most rewarding part of Campiglia’s job is mentoring students and sharing his love of chemistry. Teaching analytical chemistry courses and serving as a graduate research advisor allows him to help students reach their goals by encouraging them to meet challenges they never considered achievable. “I encourage my students to publish their research in top analytical chemistry journals and present their results at national and international scientific meetings,” he says.

Campiglia also mentors graduate students in his research lab, where he facilitates teamwork, collaboration, and urges his students to participate in their mentoring activities by helping undergraduate students gain experience in the field. Since arriving at UCF, Campiglia has graduated 20 PhD and seven MS students. The students performing research under his guidance have received many offers from industry, academia, and research institutions, even before graduating, which is a testament to his mentorship.

“Since my role as an educator should go beyond academic success, I strive for an intellectually stimulating environment that fosters life-long learning skills and professional growth at all educational levels,” Campiglia says. “My efforts as a research advisor are devoted to providing students with unique learning opportunities through an intellectually challenging but nurturing environment.”

Campiglia advises students to remember that pursuing a graduate education is a great privilege and a unique opportunity to achieve personal and professional growth. He aims to instill the idea that those who receive such a privilege should never forget to devote additional time and effort to improving society and making the world a better place.

Highlights:

• Leading expert in advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques
• Published over 150 articles
• Longtime mentor