Chemical applications of statistical mechanics typically assume that the electronic partition function is trivial, as all members of the system are in the ground electronic state. When this approximation breaks down (example: electrical conductors), it is necessary to combine statistical mechanics and electronic structure theory to determine the electronic partition function. This composite theory is called a "finite-temperature" theory. The oldest finite-temperature theory is finite-temperature perturbation theory (FTPT). In 2013, Prof.

Over the past few decades synthetic chemists were striving to make a leap from simple molecular switches to molecular systems with controlled dynamic behavior. These research efforts were inspired by directional motion in living systems that are key to almost every essential process in the cell. The structure of molecular rotary motors resembles the layout of macroscopic electric motors which are widely used to convert energy into motion. However, controlling the dynamic behavior at the molecular level is challenging.

The use of microorganisms in fermentation for ethanol production or in bio-catalysis for drug synthesis has been attracting attention of scientist over the past few decades because it efficient, cost-effective, and environment-friendly. The aim of my research project is applying X-Ray crystallography to investigate the enzyme structures of enantioselective Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and Carbonyl reductase (CAR) from these organisms to elucidate the interaction with the substrate at the active site and reaction mechanism.

Tracing the evolution of baryonic matter from atoms in space to stars and planets hinges on an accurate understanding of the underlying chemical processes controlling the properties of the gas at every step along this pathway.  Here I will explain some of the key epochs in this cosmic cycle and highlight our laboratory studies into the underlying chemistry that controls the observed properties of the cosmos.

A graduate student in the department of Chemistry, Ms. Cynthia Tope, has been selected to receive the 2020 Helen F. Holt Scholarship for Early Career Women in Science by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The award, to a single recipient, recognizes an outstanding graduate student who will be making a research presentation at the annual national AAAS meeting. The award includes funds to offset the cost of travel to the conference, held this year is Seattle, WA, conference registration, and AAAS membership. Ms.

Alanna Koritzke, a graduate student in the lab of Prof. Brandon Rotavera, has been awarded the Chateaubriand Fellowship for 2020.  The Chateaubriand Fellowship is a grant offered by the Embassy of France in the United States. It supports outstanding Ph.D. students from American universities who wish to conduct research in France for a period ranging from 4 to 9 months.

Square-planar coordination is an ideal structure for tetracoordinate complexes in transition metal chemistry.