The goal of our research group is to understand the chemical processes that govern the formation and dissociation of (prebiotic) hydrocarbons under extreme conditions, i.e. extreme temperatures (both low and high) and strong radiation fields. A particular focus is put on understanding the chemical evolution of (prebiotic) carbonaceous molecules in the interstellar medium, from the early stages of star formation, to our current day Solar System. A solid understanding of the chemical reactions and the spectroscopy of the reactive species in these regions facilitates the interpretation of the data from telescopes and space missions.
keywords
Interstellar (prebiotic) hydrocarbons, physical chemistry, (laser) spectroscopy, quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry, threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy, quantum chemical computations.
CHEM 2101 - Laboratory in Foundations of Chemistry 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Coordinates with the lectures topics in CHEM 2100. Emphasizes the acquisition of more advanced laboratory skills, experimental design, data interpretation and analysis. Department enforced corequisite: CHEM 2100. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 1134.
CHEM 4531 - Physical Chemistry 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Lect. Introduces the quantum theory of atoms, molecules and chemical bonding, and statistical thermodynamics. Includes principles of quantum mechanics and their application to atomic structure, molecular spectroscopy, symmetry properties, and the determination of molecular structure. Also includes principles of statistical mechanics and their applications to properties of gases, liquids, and solids.
CHEM 5581 - Introductory Quantum Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Lect. Basic principles and techniques of quantum mechanics with applications to questions of chemical interest. Quantum dynamics of atoms, molecules and spin; electronic structure of atoms and molecules. Department enforced prerequisite: two semesters of physical chemistry and graduate standing or instructor consent.
CHEM 6401 - Seminar: Physical Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Student, faculty, and guest presentations of current research in physical chemistry. Discussion of research topics related to the subject of weekly physical chemistry/chemical physics seminar and appropriate journal articles.
CHEM 6901 - Research in Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
