Our research areas are bioinorganic chemistry, biophysical chemistry, and environmental chemistry. We study the involvement of inorganic elements such as iron, cobalt, copper, and zinc in biological processes. Biological molecules are compared with synthetic analogues using spectroscopic methods, particularly resonance Raman spectroscopy, which allows analysis of light scattered from a sample that is illuminated in an absorption band. The resonance Raman spectrum contains vibrational modes of the light-absorbing part of the molecule and provides a means of monitoring structrural features of specific sites in complex biological systems.
Environmental chemistry is a new area of work in our group.
In collaboration with environmental scientists at Rutgers and the University of California, Berkeley, we are investigating the mechanisms of pollutant degradation on mineral surfaces in soils. This site aims to provide some information on the ongoing research. It will guide you to various projects that we are working on, and will introduce you to various lab members as well.