Renee Frontiera

Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry: microscopy, spectroscopy

Nanoscience & Materials Chemistry: molecular plasmonics, nanomaterials

Chemical Biology: biophysical spectroscopy

Experimental Physical Chemistry: ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy

Chemical Physics, Spectroscopy: super-resolution microscopy

Energy & Catalysis

Research in our group investigates fundamental and applied issues in membrane protein biophysics, alternative energy sources, and nanotechnology. We seek to determine the effect of local environments on chemical reaction dynamics, from cellular membranes to photovoltaic devices to plasmonic nanomaterials. We develop and apply new spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to examine how molecules react, following their dynamics on the nanometer length scale with femtosecond time resolution. Currently, we are working on developing a label-free, super-resolution imaging technique, determining the role of vibrations in driving electron transfer reactions, and using plasmons to monitor and catalyze chemical reactions. Our research is highly interdisciplinary, investigating current problems at the interface of chemistry, biology, and materials science.