Past Seminars & Events

Departmental Seminar
Professor Delia Milliron
Department Chair of McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Host: Professor Gladfelter

Abstract

Plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystals and their gel assemblies

Metal oxide nanocrystals doped with a few percent of aliovalent dopants become electronically conducting and support strong light-matter interactions in the infrared due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Focusing on the prototypical material, tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), we have found that the strength and spectrum of light absorption depend non-trivially on nanocrystal doping, size, and the radial distribution of dopants. Conductivity of nanocrystal films also depends systematically on dopant placement within the nanocrystals, due to associated changes in the near-surface depletion layers. Coupling of LSPR between nanocrystals in assemblies allows realization of materials whose properties depend both on the distinctive characteristics of their nanoscale building blocks and on their organization. Nanocrystal gel assemblies are interesting because their porous, percolating structures can in principle lead to tunable (valence-dependent) material properties with dynamic reconfigurability. We use dynamic covalent chemistry to create reversible gels of ITO nanocrystals under conditions guided by thermodynamic theory and rationalized with the help of simulations. The infrared optical response of the gels is broadened by coupling between the LSPR of the nanocrystals. Since assembly is reversible, the ITO nanocrystals gels are switchable infrared absorbers. Overall, plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystals offer compelling opportunities as building blocks for dynamic and tunable optical and electronic materials.

Research

Structuring materials on the nanoscale presents new opportunities to develop functionality not found in homogeneous, single-component materials. Energy devices, in particular, demand materials with complex combinations of properties that can also be processed at low cost and on large scale. Research in the Milliron group is motivated by new concepts for high performance electrochromic smart windows, batteries, and photovoltaic cells that take advantage of the unique optical, electronic, and processing characteristics of colloidal nanocrystals and other nanoscale building blocks.

Department Chair Delia Milliron

Bill L. Stanley Endowed Leadership Chair in Chemical Engineering
T. Brockett Hudson Professorship in Chemical Engineering

Departmental Seminar
Michael Smith
Director of Process Development at Moderna
Host: Professor Valerie Pierre 

Abstract

Messenger RNA: Delivery Challenges and First Steps Towards a Novel Modality

The combination of messenger RNA and lipid nanoparticles (mRNA LNPs) represent a novel therapeutic modality with a range of potential applications. However, mRNA is challenged by unavoidably large molecular size, instability, and immunogenicity. Preclinical efforts have shown the utility of LNPs for efficient mRNA encapsulation and tissue-specific delivery. Through advancement in mRNA and lipid chemistry, together with progression in nanoparticle formulation and process science, many barriers were overcome towards robust protein expression in vivo. In addition, more recent evidence has emerged suggesting the ability to encapsulate multiple mRNA cargo within LNPs, enabling the expression and assembly of multi-subunit proteins. The totality of clinical outcomes exemplify progress in the past few years, driving enthusiasm for RNA therapeutics and the area of nanoparticle-mediated oligonucleotide delivery. 

Press References:

• https://www.instagram.com/tv/CJRLNzgrLx4/
• https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/12/moderna-covid-19-vaccine-program.html

Michael Smith

Michael “Mike” Smith currently serves as Director of Process Development at Moderna. In his role, Mike leads a cross-disciplinary science and engineering team developing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation platforms for messenger RNA (mRNA). Mike is a self-proclaimed “nanoparticle geek” and has a deep curiosity for the physical chemistry of nanoparticle self-assembly. Leveraging the science of nanoparticle synthesis, the team has built robust scale-up capabilities that service Moderna’s ambitious development portfolio, which includes over 23 drug candidates in active development. More recently, Mike’s team was a major contributor towards the development of Moderna vaccine against SARS-COVID-2 (mRNA-1273). His efforts, together with the Moderna team, were featured in a recent CNN Hero’s segment and further showcased in NY Magazine (see links below).

Mike has led numerous scientific and engineering projects over seven years at Moderna. In years prior, Mike contributed to nanoparticle formulation efforts at Merck that include siRNA LNP and liposomal formulations. Prior to his time in industry, Mike received his PhD from Georgia Tech with a dissertation on the topic of stimuli-responsive hydrogel nanoparticles for therapeutic delivery.

Departmental Seminar
Professor Suzanne Bart
Purdue University
Host: Professor Roberts

Abstract

Building Unprecedented Uranium-Nitrogen Multiple Bonds

Our laboratory has recently demonstrated the synthesis of uranium imido [U(NR)_x] complexes bearing one, two, three, or four imido ligands in the absence of ancillary ligands using organoazides and a strong reductant. These complexes show unique electronic structures, in that loading multiple imido substituents on a single metal center results in very activated U=N bonds. This strategy represents a useful method by which uranium-element multiple bonds can be activated. These materials are useful building blocks, and have been used to synthesize the first metal pentakis(imido) species, which has been spectroscopically and structurally characterized.

Research

Our research program aims to identify and address significant challenges toward the ubiquitous use of uranium compounds for metal-mediated organic transformations. Some challenges we have identified and are currently working on include:

1. Well-defined uranium organometallics are limited, especially those in low oxidation states.
2. Understanding of fundamental organometallic reactions with uranium is less well established than transition metals, preventing broad application.
3. The scope of catalytic reactions currently demonstrated with uranium is limited compared to transition metal analogues.

We currently make use of a variety of tools to understand and characterize our uranium compounds. These include paramagnetic 1H NMR, infrared, electronic absorption, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. We also utilize X-ray crystallography and computational methods to understand the bonding in our compounds and to provide a complete picture of their electronic structures.

Professor Suzanne Bart

B.S. 2001, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Ph.D. 2006, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Advisor: Paul J. Chirik

Postdoc: Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow, 2006-2008, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
Advisor: Karsten Meyer

Albert J. Moscowitz Memorial Lecture
Professor Latha Venkataraman
Columbia University
The Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics
Host: Professor Aaron Massari

Abstract

Physics and Chemistry of Single-Molecule Circuits

Over the past decade, there has been tremendous progress in the measurement, modeling and understanding of structure-function relationships in single molecule circuits. Experimental techniques for reliable and reproducible single molecule junction measurements have led, in part, to this progress. In particular, the scanning tunneling microscope-based break-junction technique has enabled rapid, sequential measurement of large numbers of nanoscale junctions allowing a statistical analysis to readily distinguish reproducible characteristics. Although the break-junction technique is mostly used to measure electronic properties of single-molecule circuits, in this talk, I will demonstrate its versatile uses to understand both physical and chemical phenomena with single-molecule precision. I will discuss some recent experimental and analysis aimed at understanding quantum interference in single-molecule junctions. I will then show an example where molecular structure can be designed to utilize interference effects to create a highly non-linear device. Finally, I will discuss some new areas of research that we are focusing on utilizing the scanning tunneling microscope-based break-junction platform.

Research

We measure fundamental properties of single molecule devices, seeking to understand the interplay of physics, chemistry and engineering at the nanometer scale. The underlying focus of our research is to fabricate single molecule circuits, a molecule attached to two electrodes, with varied functionality, where the circuit structure is defined with atomic precision. We measure how electronic conduction and single bond breaking forces in these devices relate not only to the molecular structure, but also to the metal contacts and linking bonds. Our experiments provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental physics of electron transport, while laying the groundwork for technological advances at the nanometer scale.

Professor Latha Venkataraman

Latha Venkataraman received her Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993 and Ph. D. in 1999. She joined Columbia University as a research scientist in 2003. She started her independent career as an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics at Columbia University in 2007, was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2012 and Professor in 2016.

Latha Venkataraman is currently Lawrence Gussman Professor of Applied Physics and Professor of Chemistry. Latha Venkataraman has been serving as Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs since January 2019. Prominent awards she has received include the National Science Foundation Career Award, Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, and the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship in Chemistry. Latha Venkataraman currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of the American Chemical Society and the Advisory Board of Chemical Science.

Departmental Seminar
Professor Ryan Shenvi
Department of Chemistry
The Scripps Research Institute
Host: Professor Nick Race

Abstract

Synthesis of CNS-active plant metabolites

Natural products (NPs) populate areas of chemical space that are remote from commercial compounds and thus challenging to access, modify and study. Our group develops new chemistry to accelerate access to nodes in NP space. These syntheses can be leveraged to assign mechanism of action, remove structural liabilities and perturb target selectivity. Recently, we developed new cross-coupling methods to access two alkaloids from Galbulimima and used this synthetic platform to discover their biological targets. We also developed short synthetic routes to picrotoxinin (PXN) and a more complex analog (5MePXN) that simplifies synthetic access, stabilizes the scaffold and allows diversification to probe selectivity among ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs). 

Research

Dr. Shenvi develops chemistry to solve broad problems in complex molecule synthesis, and answers fundamental questions of organic chemistry, with an emphasis on natural products and the invention of new chemical methods. The Shenvi lab has published methods to synthesize important classes of CNS-active metabolites including potent nAChR inhibitors and Illicium terpenes, sometimes called ‘neurotrophic terpenes.’ The lab proposed that these latter metabolites enhance neurite outgrowth through binding to the CysLoop family of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels–probably GABAa receptors. Our chemistry allows us to match the combinatorial nature of these receptors with a combinatorial assembly of terpenes.

Professor Ryan Shenvi

Professor, The Scripps Research Institute, 2019-present
Associate Professor, The Scripps Research Institute, 2014-2019
Assistant Professor, The Scripps Research Institute, 2010-2014 
NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University (E.J. Corey), 2008-2010
Ph.D., The Scripps Research Institute (P.S. Baran), 2003-2008
B.S., Pennsylvania State University (R.L. Funk), 1999-2003

Departmental Seminar
Professor Dominika Zgid 
LSA University of Michigan
Department of Chemistry
Host: Professor Jason Goodpaster

Abstract

Post-DFT calculations for strongly correlated solids

I will present a detailed discussion of the methods that we are developing in my group for post-DFT calculations in correlated solids. I will discuss the self-energy embedding theory (SEET) which is a quantum embedding scheme allowing us to describe a chosen subsystem very accurately while keeping the description of the environment at a lower cost. We applied SEET to molecular examples and solids, where our chosen subsystems are made out of a set of strongly correlated orbitals while the weakly correlated orbitals constitute an environment. Such a self-energy separation is very general and to make this procedure applicable to multiple systems a detailed and practical procedure for the evaluation of the system and environment self-energy is necessary.

Finally, on a set of carefully chosen periodic solids and molecular examples, I will demonstrate that SEET, which is a controlled, systematically improvable Green’s function method can be as accurate as established wave function quantum chemistry methods.

Research

We are a theory group bridging three fields, chemistry, physics and material science. Our motivation for research steams from the recent progress in experimental chemistry that enabled manufacturing new materials that can be used in a variety of industrial applications.

Semiconductors, heterostructures and thin layered films are used for energy harvesting and solar sells. Newly emerging “electron correlation” devices made out of transition metal oxide heterostructures and metallic surfaces with deposited magnetic molecules can be used for  signal conversion, nonvolatile memory and spintronic devices.

Currently, this experimental progress poses many questions to our theoretical understanding.  These questions should be answered in materials or molecules by design solutions using a combination of modeling and theory to support experiment.

In our group, to tackle these important questions we are developing controlled, reliable, and systematically improvable methods that describe correlation effects and are able to treat solid and large molecules realistically.

Professor Dominika Zgid

Dominika Zgid is an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 2008. Since starting at Michigan, she has received a DOE Early Career Award in 2013 and an NSF Career Award in 2015.

Her main interests are at the interface of theoretical chemistry and condensed matter physics with a major focus on designing new, systematically improvable and controlled computational methods that can be used to study strongly correlated molecules and materials. She has worked on variety of topics, such as a molecular version of density matrix renormalization group, solvers for dynamical mean field theory using explicit bath formulation, conserving Green’s function methods for weakly correlated systems and the development of the self-energy embedding theory.

Special Seminar
Professor Aaron Rury
Department of Chemistry
Wayne State University
Host: Professor Renee Frontiera

Abstract

Assessing Hybrid Molecular Platforms for Next Generation Quantum Technologies

Quantum control over light and matter is poised to enable future capabilities beyond the reach of current technologies in chemical synthesis, energy harvesting, and information processing and storage. Despite this promise, the fundamental physical drivers of quantum control in proposed platforms remain unclear. In this talk, I will present results from fundamental studies of structure property relationships in two disparate hybrid molecular systems of emerging interest to the chemistry community. 

First, I will present results from our studies on the chemistry and properties of mid-gap states formed in self-assembled quantum nanostructures. These results indicate synthetic routes to the deterministic design of structural defects for the emission of narrowband light spectra central to solution-processed single photon sources and entangled photon generation in the established telecommunications band. Second, I will present results in the design, fabrication, and characterization of cavity polariton samples containing single and multiple chromophores. These results suggest the entanglement of light and matter states mediated by polariton formation opens new avenues to control ultrafast molecular photophysics and intermolecular interactions on truly quantum footing. These studies demonstrate the wealth of fundamental physical information central to the development of next generation molecular quantum technologies that can be attained from informed materials design and advanced spectroscopic characterization.

Research

Research in the Materials Structural Dynamics Laboratory (MSDL) strives to uncover the fundamental physical processes that lead to useful properties in emerging materials. New materials with useful and exotic properties remain necessary for the development of next generation technologies in electronics, photonics, and information science. The discovery of new materials also means the development and use of tools to explore the physical mechanisms from which their properties derive. Student and postdoctoral researchers in the MSDL will use experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to tackle problems that span the fields of chemistry, physics, materials science, and optics to connect physical mechanisms to material properties. 

Professor Aaron Rury

B.S. Physics (minor in Chemistry) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2004; Ph.D. Applied Physics (Ultrafast and Molecular Spectroscopy), University of Michigan, 2012; Caltech Postdoc at JPL, California Institute of Technology, 2012-2014; Postdoctoral Associate, University of Southern California, 2014-2017.

Research Interests: using vibrations to interrogate electronic processes in emerging materials, drivers of light-matter interactions under different physical conditions, and materials design and function. 

Favorite Scientist: James Clerk Maxwell

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WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A PHD IN CHEMISTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA? 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

These events will be conducted with COVID safety in mind 100% of the time.

Friday, October 15^th, 2021:

• 5:30 pm: Dinner and Outdoor Lawn Games with Faculty and Current Students

Saturday, October 16^th, 2021:

• 9:00-9:30 am - Breakfast with Student Groups
• 9:30-10:00 am - Welcome to the Department
• 10:00-11:00 am - Workshop: Applying to Graduate School and Your First Year of Graduate School
• 11:00-12:00 pm - Ask Me Anything Panel with Students
• 12:00-1:30 pm Poster Session and Lunch with Students and Faculty
• 1:30-3:00 pm Meetings with Faculty (3 x 30 min slots)
• 3:00-4:00 pm Break at the Hotel
• 4:00-5:00 pm Facility and Lab Tours
• 5:00 pm Dinner with Faculty and Current Students

Sunday, October 17^th, 2021:

• Explore the Twin Cities on your own and fly out

Questions? Please contact Stephanie Stathopoulos at:  chmapply@umn.edu

Departmental Seminar
Professor Cathy Wong
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Oregon
Host: Professor David Blank

Abstract

In situ transient absorption spectroscopy during materials formation

Molecules, polymers, and nanocrystals can form the active layer in electronic devices such as photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes. Their electronic structure and excited state dynamics dictate their function and suitability for these applications. Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy is used to measure these properties, and has provided remarkable insights into the behavior and function of electronic materials. However, multiple minutes-to-hours are typically required to perform these measurements, making it difficult to accurately measure the excited state dynamics of unstable and evolving materials systems such as electronic materials during their synthesis or deposition into a thin film. In this seminar, I will introduce a novel implementation of TA spectroscopy that can measure transient spectra in 8 ms, with good signal-to-noise achieved in ~30 s. This new technique is applied to the study of organic molecules during their aggregation into a thin film, as well as lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals during their synthesis. These examples demonstrate that in addition to providing an understanding of how excited state dynamics change during materials formation, TA signals measured in situ can reveal new insights into the mechanisms of complex materials formation processes.

Research

Research in our lab seeks to adapt time-resolved spectroscopies that report on excited state dynamics to the measurement of materials during their formation and degradation. We measure electronic structure and exciton dynamics in situ and in real-time as irreversible processes occur, such as molecular aggregation, polymer annealing, and nanocrystal synthesis. We develop strategies to control these processes to create materials with designer excitonic properties.

Professor Cathy Wong

I grew up in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and enjoy camping, sports, cooking, and data.

Izaak M. Kolthoff Lectureship in Chemistry
Professor Joseph Francisco
Department of  Chemistry and Department of Earth and Environmental Science
University of Pennsylvania
Host: Professor Don Truhlar

Abstract

Water Effects on Atmospheric Reactions

Water has a significant impact on many processes that occur in the Earth's atmosphere. It is one the most abundant resources in our atmosphere and, because of its ability to be both a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, water can form very stable complexes. The formation of these complexes can dramatically affect the chemistry in the atmosphere, including heterogeneous removal and alteration of the photochemical properties of the atmospheric species, the formation of water droplets and aerosol particles, as well as the participation of complexes in chemical reactions. This talk will review both experimental and theoretical investigations of water vapor effects on gas phase reactions, with an emphasis on those pertinent to the atmosphere. A goal of the talk is to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying potential water effects, imparting a framework to better understand global effects of water chemistry in our atmosphere.

Research

Professor Joseph S. Francisco’s laboratory focuses on basic studies in spectroscopy, kinetics, and photochemistry of novel transient species in the gas phase. He has made significant contributions in many areas of atmospheric chemistry by applying new tools from experimental physical and theoretical chemistry to atmospheric chemical problems. His research has transformed our understanding of chemical processes in the atmosphere at the molecular level. Francisco’s work has led to important discoveries of new chemistries occurring on the interfaces of cloud surfaces as well as fundamental new types of chemical bonding that control these processes.

Professor Joseph S. Francisco

Francisco received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 and his doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1983. From 1983-85, Francisco trained as a Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge in England, and then returned to MIT as a Provost Postdoctoral Fellow. He was also a Visiting Associate in Planetary Science at the California Institute of Technology.

Over his career to date, Francisco has published more than 700 journal articles, written several book chapters, and he is the co-author of the fundamental textbook in chemical kinetics and dynamics, Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics. He is a recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt U.S. Senior Scientist Award, the Edward W. Morley Medal from the Cleveland Section of the American Chemical Society, and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship. Francisco is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society, the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also a Member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

Francisco is currently the Executive Editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, and he has recently been appointed as a member of the Editorial Board for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. From 2005-07 he served as President of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers and was President of the American Chemical Society in 2010. Also in 2010, Francisco was appointed to the President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama.