Gregory Holland, Ph.D.

Pronouns: Gregory
Professor of Analytical and Physical Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
College of Sciences

SDSU

Email

Primary Email: [email protected]

Building/Location

Geology Mathematics Computer Science - 213C
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego, CA 92182

Bio

Greg Holland is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at San Diego State University whose research focuses on understanding the molecular structure and dynamics of complex biological and technologically relevant materials. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo and his Ph.D. in Physical and Analytical Chemistry from the University of Wyoming.

He completed postdoctoral training at Sandia National Laboratories in the laboratory of Todd Alam, where he developed advanced NMR methods for biomolecules and nanomaterials. He later served as a research professor at the Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC) and the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University, where he continues to hold an adjunct appointment.

Since joining SDSU in 2015, Dr. Holland has established an interdisciplinary research program centered on advanced magnetic resonance methods integrated with complementary structural, biophysical, and computational tools to probe complex, non-crystalline, and interfacial systems at atomic resolution.

Areas of Specialization

Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Courses

Chemistry 750: Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry: Practical NMR
Chemistry 695: Graduate Education in Chemistry
Chemistry 200/202: General Chemistry
Chemistry 100: General Chemistry
Chemistry 753: Analytical Spectroscopy
Chemistry 457: Instrumental Analysis.

Research

Research Focus

The Holland Lab investigates how molecular structure and dynamics give rise to material properties and biological function, with particular emphasis on structural proteins, biomolecular materials, and bio–nano interfaces.

Current Research Areas

Spider Silk and Structural Proteins

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing silk protein storage, liquid–liquid phase separation, supramolecular assembly, and fiber formation using solution NMR, solid-state NMR, scattering methods, and molecular dynamics simulations.

Bio–Nano Interfaces

Defining the atomic-level structure of peptides and proteins adsorbed on nanomaterials such as hydroxyapatite and silica, with the goal of establishing rigorous structural characterization standards for functionalized nanoparticles.

Biomolecular Self-Assembly and Soft Materials

Investigating disorder-to-order transitions, transient interactions, and emergent architectures in protein-based systems.

Experimental and Computational Approaches

While nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy—both solution and solid-state—forms the core of the laboratory’s expertise, the group integrates multiple complementary approaches, including:

Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS)
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
Peptide synthesis and isotope labeling strategies
Molecular dynamics simulations and multiscale modeling

By combining spectroscopy, scattering, synthesis, and simulation, the laboratory connects atomic-scale structure to mesoscale organization and macroscopic material performance.

Training and Broader Impact

Dr. Holland mentors undergraduate researchers, M.S. and Ph.D. students, postdoctoral scholars (currently two), and high school trainees through programs such as the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). His laboratory provides interdisciplinary training in advanced spectroscopy, molecular modeling, biomaterials research, and nanoscience, preparing trainees for careers in academia, industry, and national laboratories.

The Holland Lab collaborates extensively with researchers at SDSU, national laboratories, and international institutions. Research in the laboratory is supported by federal agencies including the Department of Defense (AFOSR, ARO) and the National Science Foundation. The work advances molecular-level materials design while contributing to workforce development in STEM fields.