Research

The chemistry of where materials meet.

We probe surfaces and interfaces to understand molecular organization, interactions, and material properties.

Research / 01

Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy

We use broadband sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy to examine molecular structure, orientation, and chemical fingerprints at interfaces.

SFG combines infrared and visible light to generate a signal from an interface. Its sensitivity to molecular symmetry helps us study the thin region where two materials meet.

Browse publications ↗
SFG illustration showing infrared and visible beams meeting at an air-water interface, with fully submerged surfactant headgroups and tails extending into air.

Seeing molecules at interfaces

Sum frequency generation spectroscopy probes molecular structure and organization at interfaces.

View precise beam geometry: 50° / 60° / 52°Precisely constructed coplanar SFG geometry: visible incident at 50 degrees, IR incident at 60 degrees, and SFG outgoing at 52 degrees, all measured from the surface normal.

Angles from the surface normal: visible 50°, IR 60°, and outgoing SFG 52°. All three beams lie in the same plane of incidence.

Research / 02

Surfactants and Interfaces

Surfactants change how liquids interact with air, solids, and other liquids. We examine how adsorption, molecular conformation, and organization influence interfacial behavior.

For example, switchable surfactants provide a way to explore how changes in solution conditions influence molecular arrangement and emulsion stability.

Browse publications ↗
Surfactant molecule at a liquid interface, with ripples showing interfacial effects.

Small molecules. Large interfacial effects.

Surfactant adsorption and molecular organization shape the behavior of interfaces.

Research / 03

Polymer Surfaces and Materials

We investigate methacrylate copolymers, molecularly imprinted polymers, and chemically recyclable polyesters. The chemistry at a polymer surface can differ from its bulk composition.

Our work connects molecular organization and surface segregation with the properties that matter when a material contacts another phase.

Browse publications ↗
Illustration of surface functionalization followed by cell adhesion to a modified material surface.

Connecting surface chemistry to material function

Molecular organization at polymer surfaces connects surface chemistry with material properties.

Research / 04

Biopolymers and Biomaterials

In collaboration with Dr. Held and his group, plant-based biopolymers, including extensins, offer a window into molecular self-assembly. We examine how these molecules organize at surfaces.

We also study materials for biomedical applications, where surface chemistry and material properties influence interactions with the surrounding environment.

Browse publications ↗
Illustration of a plant-inspired molecular chain assembled on a material surface.

Learning from biological building blocks

Biological building blocks offer insight into molecular self-assembly and biomaterial surfaces.

Research / 05

Nanomaterials and Corrosion

Our interests include doped graphene quantum dots, nanoparticles, and the chemistry of metal surfaces.

By examining structure and interfacial interactions, we seek to understand the behavior of nanomaterials and the processes associated with corrosion.

Browse publications ↗
Magnifying glass examining a molecular structure.

Chemistry at the smallest scales

Exploring nanomaterials, molecular interactions, and the chemistry of metal surfaces.

Techniques & instrumentation

Our research combines interfacial spectroscopy and surface characterization, with complementary measurements as appropriate to each project.

SFGAFMFTIRRamanSEMTEM