Research

Physical Chemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy (Vacuum Ultraviolet Region), Electronic Structure of Molecules

The electronic structure of molecules determines all of their chemistry. In principal the electronic structure of molecules can be obtained by solving the Schrodinger equation: HΨ=EΨ

The problem is that no matter what quantum mechanical method is used to solve the Schrodinger equation approximations must be made. Experimentally determined electronic structure must be compared with quantum mechanical results to determine which approximations are best. Continued

Teaching

• Graduate Courses:
  Quantum Chemistry
  Group Theory and Molecular Spectroscopy
  Molecular Modeling
  Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy
  Applications of Synchrotron Radiation
  Physical Biochemistry
  Topics in Chemistry
      Seminar
      Kinetics
      Thermodynamics

• Undergraduate Courses: Seminar (for Undergraduate students)
  Biochemistry
  Advanced Chemistry Laboratory
  Biochemistry Laboratory (Developed this laboratory course “from scratch”.)
  Biophysical Chemistry
  Physical Chemistry I
  Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
  Independent Study
  Advanced Physical Chemistry
  Introduction to Physical Chemistry
  Physical Chemistry II
  Physical Chemistry II Laboratory, (Developed this laboratory course “from scratch”.)

Selected Publications

1. “Ethylene, Experimental Evidence for New Assignments of Electronic Transitions in the π => π* Energy Region. Absorption and Magnetic Circular Dichroism Measurements with Synchrotron Radiation.” Journal of the Physical Chemistry 108A, 4194 (2004).

2. “Implications Concerning the Electronic States of Ethylene and Other Olefins from Magnetic Circular Dichroism Measurements of Tetramethylethylene,” Journal of Physical Chemistry 100, 17756 (1996).

3. "The First use of Synchrotron Radiation for Vacuum Ultraviolet Circular Dichroism Measurements." Nuclear Instruments and Methods 172, 345 (1980).