Current Research Projects
Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Our research considers fundamental questions of nanoscale materials. We are interested in understanding the factors that influence the formation of new materials and their resulting properties. Nanoscale semiconductors (nanocrystals) can be readily made in uniform sizes and shapes and their light absorption properties can be synthetically tuned. The small volume and large surface area, characteristic of nanocrystals, increases the probability of extracting photoexcited electrons, rather than waiting for them to diffuse to the surface slowly as in typical bulk materials. The properties of the crystal surfaces are therefore important and significant work has been done to understand chemistry at the surface. The nanocrystal surface molecules (ligands) can be modified or completely changed to alter the surface functionality of the particles. The current related projects underway in our group include: 1) Examining how nanocrystal shape and surface chemistry influence their vibrational spectra and 2) Using NMR to monitor ligands to understand the role of ligand dipole moment in ligand exchange dynamics.
Quantifying Dopamine and Metals in C. elegans
In collaboration with Dr. Stephanie Fretham, in the biology department at Luther College, we are working to develop a protocol for quantifying dopamine using HPLC and trace metals using ICP-OES in Caenohabditis elegans (C. elegans) . C elegans is a small (~1 mm) nematode that is a useful model system for studying the nervous system. The goal of this project is to study the correlation between dopamine and transition metal concentrations with the observed activities of C. elegans.
Research in the Physical Chemistry Classroom
Research experiences provide high-impact learning experiences and important skill training for undergraduate students in chemistry. To make these experiences accessible to more students, I implementing research projects into undergraduate laboratory courses by using inquiry-based experiments, teaching experimental design skills and creating a space for students to ask researchable questions and communicate their results in a variety of ways. As part of a multi-week research project in my physical chemistry laboratory course, students create posters to present at a college-wide poster session.
