Physical chemists strive to uncover the principles that unify chemistry.
Because chemistry is such a diverse topic, our research and scholarship in physical chemistry covers a wide range of problems. Our laboratory and computational tools reflect this breadth, and we are equipped at a level that places us among the elite universities in th world. For example, Prof. Sean McGlynn concentrates on disentangling complex molecular spectra and finding the underlying simplicity that gives them meaning. In addition to these activities, there is considerable related research by faculty in other subdisciplines, including IR dye photochemistry by Steve Soper, STM and AFM studies for electrochemical systems by Robin McCarley's group, ultra high-field NMR on metal nuclei by Les Butler's students, and polymer morphology light scattering experiments by Paul Russo. So there is a huge range of opportunities that exist for students who wish to learn about cutting-edge topics, and our faculty and students make this opportunity a reality which is both rewarding and enjoyable.