Our group uses a technique known as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to address molecular sensing problems relevant to art conservation, point of care sensing and environmental monitoring. We are also interested in studying the unique optical properties of nanoparticle substrates for SERS and how that can be used to study chemical reactions in real time.

Some of our current research projects include:

1. Fabricating and characterizing flexible, highly ordered nanoparticle substrates for SERS

2. Investigating structure-enhancement relationships and charge transfer reactions in multi-layered SERS substrates

3. Label-free SERS detection of small molecule analytes (e.g. volatile organic compounds)

We also have ongoing research collaborations with external cultural heritage institutions (such as museums, libraries, archives) related to the characterization of materials used in works of art.