Catherine Mauck joined the Department of Chemistry at Kenyon College beginning July 2019. After receiving her B.A. in chemistry from Oberlin College, she worked at a start-up focused on quantum dot-based light-emitting technologies, followed by a Fulbright fellowship to the Musee National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, France. She received her Ph.D. in chemistry from Northwestern University, after which she completed a post-doctoral position in the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT.
Her research focuses on the characterization of the vibrational and electronic properties of optically active semiconductor materials.
Spectroscopy, optoelectronics, materials
2017 — Doctor of Philosophy from Northwestern University
2009 — Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College
This course provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental concepts, theories, and methodologies of chemistry. Topics may include stoichiometry, theories of molecular structure and bonding, the periodic table, acid-base chemistry, chemical equilibria and thermodynamics. This course provides a basis for the further study of chemistry. No prerequiste. Offered every fall semester.
This lab is an experimental course to accompany CHEM 124 or 243. One three-hour laboratory session will be held per week. Juniors and seniors may enroll with permission of department chair. Prerequisite: CHEM 123. Offered every spring semester.\n\nBiophysical and Medicinal Chemistry Lab sections\nLaboratory experiments involve the application of chemical principles and techniques to systems of biological and medicinal importance. Possible experiments include synthesis of aspirin, enzyme kinetics and chromatographic analysis.\n\nNanoscience Lab section\nLaboratory experiments involve the synthesis of functional materials, the analysis of their properties and the assembly of materials into working devices. Possible experiments include making solar cells, synthesis of nanocrystalline materials, quantum dots and an independent project.\n\nSpectroscopic Analysis sections\nLaboratory experiments involve quantitative analysis of materials using molecular spectroscopy, such as NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Possible experiments include identification of pharmaceutical or fragrance mixtures, polymer characterization, determination of equilibrium constants, and testing of food or drug products.
Is your water safe? How do you know what compounds are in your water, food, body and local environment? How do you measure and quantify these compounds? How do you convince yourself that your measurements are valid or invalid? CHEM 341 explores the theory and practice of quantitative chemical analysis. Students will apply principles of measurement, instrument design, and data analysis to instrumental methods. Topics include spectroscopic, electrochemical and chromatographic methods. According to student interest, additional topics may include environmental analysis, biochemical assays, food quality and consumer safety. Prerequisite: CHEM 126 or 233. Offered every spring semester.
Section 01 (.25 unit): Students engage in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The time requirement is at least three hours in lab per week. Students will learn to search literature and give professional presentations. This course also provides an introduction to scientific writing. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.\n\nSection 02 (.5 unit): This section is a prerequisite to CHEM 497 and 498. The time commitment is six to eight hours per week in lab. Students will learn to search literature and give professional presentations as well as to write scientifically. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.
Selected topics in advanced chemistry and biochemistry are explored with an emphasis on reading and discussing current scientific research and literature. Sections will include the following: Biophysical Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Art and Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Hydrogen Energy Systems, Enzyme Mechanism, Emerging Techniques in Biological Chemistry and Advanced Biochemistry. Offered every semester, sections will change. Please see the schedule of courses each semester for the section being taught.
Mauck, C.M.; Bae, Y.J.; Chen, M.; Powers-Riggs, N.; Wu, Y.-L.; Wasielewski, M.R. “Charge Transfer Character in a Covalent Diketopyrrolopyrrole Dimer: Implications for Singlet Fission.” ChemPhotoChem, 2018, 2, 223-233.
Mauck, C.M.; Hartnett, P.E.; Wu, Y.-L.; Miller, C.E.; Marks, T.J.; Wasielewski, M.R. “Singlet Fission within Diketopyrrolopyrrole Nanoparticles in Water.” Chem. Mater. 2017, 29, 6810–6817.
Mauck, C.M.; Young, R.M.; Wasielewski, M.R. “Characterization of Excimer Relaxation via Femtosecond Shortwave- and Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy.” J. Phys. Chem. A, 2017, 121, 784–792.
Mauck, C.M.; Hartnett, P.E.; Margulies, E.A.; Lin, M.; Marks, T.J.; Wasielewski, M.R. “Singlet Fission via an Excimer-like Intermediate in 3,6-Bis(thiophen-2-yl)diketopy
Mauck, C.M.; Brown, K.E.; Horwitz, N.E.; Wasielewski, M.R. “Fast Triplet Formation via Singlet Exciton Fission in a Covalent Perylenediimide-β-apocarotene Dyad Aggregate.” J. Phys. Chem. A, 2015, 119, 5587–5596.