Currently professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry of the University of Central Florida, Dr. Belfield AAS ’81, BS ’82 has an extensive background in polymer stabilization and degradation; synthesis and characterization of functionalized polymers; mechanistic organic chemistry; and stereolithography. His research interests are in the area of multiphoton absorbing materials, two-photon photochemistry, magnetic polymeric and sol-gel nanocomposites, site specific fluorophone labeling, fluorescent-based sensors and bioimaging probes, photodynamic therapy agents, nanostructured functional organic and polymeric materials, and two-photon based 3D microfabrication and high density optical data storage.
 
A talented scientist and athlete, Dr. Belfield says his experience with teammates on the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams was fabulous. In the classroom and the lab, he notes that the opportunity to pursue meaningful undergraduate research is the hallmark of the RIT chemistry experience. Today, thanks to his RIT experience, he ignores traditional disciplinary boundaries, exploring science beyond the prescribed limits that others might impose.