"How do you turn sunlight into electricity? My research program focuses on photovoltaic materials, which are at the heart of solar energy technology. I am especially interested in the nanoscale structure of these materials, which determines their properties in photovoltaic applications.
"My students and I are investigating ways to improve a material's structure by controlling the shape of its crystals. Using chemistry, we can grow, shape and assemble inorganic crystals into nanoscale structures such as semiconducting nanorod arrays. Our research methods include pH-controlled crystallization, sol-gel film deposition, silicon micromachining, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
"I bring a materials-science perspective into my courses, emphasizing the way that a compound's properties affect its function in modern technologies. In the nanoscience lab for example, students use functional materials to construct working solar cells and are ultimately…
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"How do you turn sunlight into electricity? My research program focuses on photovoltaic materials, which are at the heart of solar energy technology. I am especially interested in the nanoscale structure of these materials, which determines their properties in photovoltaic applications.
"My students and I are investigating ways to improve a material's structure by controlling the shape of its crystals. Using chemistry, we can grow, shape and assemble inorganic crystals into nanoscale structures such as semiconducting nanorod arrays. Our research methods include pH-controlled crystallization, sol-gel film deposition, silicon micromachining, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
"I bring a materials-science perspective into my courses, emphasizing the way that a compound's properties affect its function in modern technologies. In the nanoscience lab for example, students use functional materials to construct working solar cells and are ultimately challenged to improve these devices using their knowledge of chemistry and materials."
Areas of Expertise
Materials science, crystal growth, surface chemistry.
Education
2004 — Doctor of Philosophy from Cornell University
1999 — Bachelor of Science from Univ of California, San Diego
Courses Recently Taught
CHEM 110
Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 110
This course offers an introduction to the chemical basis of environmental issues and the environmental consequences of modern technology, with particular emphasis on air and water pollution. Topics include fossil fuels, nuclear power and solar energy, ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, pollution and toxicology of heavy metals and pesticides, and environmental impact statements. These topics will be developed through lectures, discussions and class demonstrations. This course is required for the Environmental Studies Concentration. No prerequisite. Offered every two years.
CHEM 122
Chemical Principles
CHEM 122
This course covers a full year of chemistry in one semester and is designed for students with previous study of chemistry. We will explore and review key principles and methods from both CHEM 121 and 124. Prerequisite: AP score of 4 or 5 or placement exam. Corequisite: CHEM 123. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 123
Introductory Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 123
This laboratory course accompanies CHEM 121 and 122 with an introduction to modern experimental chemistry. Laboratory experiments explore inorganic synthesis, molecular structure and properties, and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on laboratory safety, computerized data acquisition and analysis, and the theory of analytical instrumentation. The laboratory work is organized around individual and team projects. Communication skills are developed through proper use of a laboratory notebook. One three-hour laboratory is held per week. Corequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 126
Introductory Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 126
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.
CHEM 341
Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 341
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.
CHEM 370
Advanced Lab: Computational Chemistry
CHEM 370
This advanced laboratory course focuses on using computational methods to understand chemistry and biochemistry. Part of the course will concentrate on using these methods to understand and visualize molecular structure, and part of the course will concentrate on using numerical methods to understand the kinetics and mechanisms associated with reaction systems. Computational work will involve both short experiments done individually and a larger research project that will be conducted in conjunction with classmates. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 335 or permission of instructor. Offered every three years.
INDS 100
Data Analysis: Seeing w/ Data
INDS 100
In this course, students will gain experience analyzing, interpreting, and critiquing quantitative claims and communicating results and conclusions using graphical representations of data. Examples will be drawn from across the natural and social sciences, with context provided for each data set, so that students from any disciplinary background can participate in and benefit from this course. This course has no pre-requisites. It will be taught at a level accessible to all Kenyon students. Excellent preparation for further work on quantitative topics, this course will hone students' ability to apply mathematical techniques including graphing, statistics, linear and non-linear regression, and modeling the graphical behavior of mathematical functions to understanding and interpreting data. Students will practice these skills by engaging in critical reading of primary sources, oral presentation of quantitative data, and expression of analytic ideas in writing. Assessment will be based on in-class assignments, monthly quizzes, and oral reports on data-driven projects selected in consultation with the instructor.
SCMP 401
Scientific Computing Seminar
SCMP 401
This capstone course is intended to provide an in-depth experience in computational approaches to science. Students will work on individual computational projects in various scientific disciplines. Each student will give several presentation to the class throughout the semester. Permission of the instructor and program director required.This interdisciplinary course does not count toward the completion of any diversification requirement. Prerequisite: SCMP 118 or PHYS 270, senior standing, completion of at least 0.5 units of an intermediate course and at least 0.5 units of a contributory course.