Elucidating the principles of nuclear, atomic, molecular, and mesoscopic processes
As physical chemists we address the "why" and the "how" of physical, chemical, and biological processes. Our interests are multidisciplinary and span a wide domain from the subatomic to the cellular. Both experimental and theoretical efforts aim to understand and control the systems we study. Students are educated as scientists by working, within a collaborative environment, on fundamental questions at the forefront of the field.
Faculty | deSouza • Dragnea • Iyengar • C Jarrold • M Jarrold • Ortoleva • Raghavachari • Stevens Aron • Baik • Clemmer • Flood • Hieftje • Li • Raff • Reilly • Skrabalak • Tait • Thielges |
Student Experience
We are experimentalists trying to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles...
...that may connect seemingly disparate natural forms of macromolecular self-assembly such as virus shells and the fly eye. We also practice virus taxidermy for therapeutic purposes and make our own tools, when we need them.
Bogdan Dragnea
- Professor
Divisions |
In the Nuclear Chemistry group we investigate nuclei and nuclear matter...
...under extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, shape, and neutron-to-proton ratio. Our interests range from understanding the formation of the elements in supernova explosions to the properties of neutron star crusts and X-ray superbursts. In order to understand these phenomena we develop cutting edge detectors and electronics which we utilize at radioactive beam facilities both in the U.S. and abroad.
Romualdo T. de Souza
- Provost Professor
- Adjunct Professor, Physics Department
Divisions |
Our research focuses on characterizing the chemical mechanisms in the atmosphere that influence air quality and global climate change
An accurate understanding of this chemistry is essential to assess, control, and predict the impact of anthropogenic perturbations on the chemical and radiative properties of the atmosphere. Research projects in our group include laboratory kinetics experiments that isolate important chemical reactions, theoretical studies of the reaction mechanisms, and in-situ measurements of free radicals in the atmosphere in both urban and forested environments.
Philip S. Stevens
- Professor
- Rudy Professor, SPEA
Divisions | Themes |
The Iyengar group’s research resides on the interface of chemistry, computational physics and applied mathematics
They develop new theoretical and computational methods for problems in biophysical, atmospheric and nano chemistry. Current efforts include rigorous treatment of hydrogen transfer reactions in enzymes, hydrogen-bonding in atmospheric and nano-systems and electron transport in molecular wires.
Srinivasan S. Iyengar
- Associate Professor
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Physics Department
Divisions |
Electron guns, lasers, molecular beams and differentially pumped vacuum chambers...
...are the tools used in CC Jarrold group, where the research projects focus on issues of energy and the environment. We use a powerful combination of anion spectroscopic techniques and calculations to probe systems relevant to photocatalysis and atmospheric chemistry.
Caroline Chick Jarrold
- Professor
Phase transition in small systems, such as how the melting and freezing transitions change as a function of the number of atoms in nano-clusters with less than 200 atoms
Properties of liquid nanoclusters. Charge separation in the break-up of water droplets and bubbles. Development of mass spectrometry methods to weigh objects in the 1-100 megadalton range, like viruses, polymers, and nanoparticles.
Martin F. Jarrold
- Professor and Robert & Marjorie Mann Chair
Our research is focused on the development of new methods in electronic structure theory and their applications to a broad range of challenging problems in molecular and material science
Current projects in our group include new electronic embedding methods applicable for large molecules, accurate composite models for theoretical thermochemistry, semiconductor surface chemistry, peptide fragmentation studies, and investigations of metal oxide clusters to explore their roles in catalytic activity.
Krishnan Raghavachari
- Professor
Divisions |
The Ortoleva group uses multiscale techniques to derive principles of nanosystem behavior from laws of molecular physics
With support from the NSF, DOD, DOE and NIH, they study quantum dot, superconducting and graphene nanoparticles, viral processes, and nanocapsules for drug delivery. They enable computer simulations of supra-million atom systems with angstom resolution over long times (left image), and atomic-scale electrical potential.
Peter Ortoleva
- Distinguished Professor
Divisions |
Nancy Ortiz
4th year Graduate Student
Materials
Laredo, Texas
My decision to attend graduate school to further my academic pursuits was motivated by my interest in the scientific challenge of research and curiosity in understanding the behavior of materials. Specifically, I chose to attend IU because of the quality of education offered in its Ph.D. program, well-equipped research facilities, and interactions with professors and graduate students during recruiting weekend.
At IU, I have had the opportunity to conduct research in an academic environment which encourages the freedom to pursue my ideas for projects under the guidance of my advisor, while having access to other professors and graduate students' experiences. The professors are great individuals who have shown consideration and interest in educating their students, and this has provided a solid foundation for me to grow as an independent scientist. My experiences as a graduate student have been phenomenal and I am very pleased to have chosen IU as my academic home.
“At IU, I have had the opportunity to conduct research in an academic environment which encourages the freedom to pursue my ideas.”
Keith Searles
2nd year Graduate Student
Inorganic
Mechanicsville, Virginia
I was initially drawn to Indiana by the quality of research and level of science being undertaken in the chemistry department. While I was already impressed by the research before visiting Bloomington, the faculty and technology of the department exceeded my expectations after seeing it firsthand. During my visitation weekend I was welcomed by the chemistry family and met several graduate students who described their wonderful and challenging graduate experience at Indiana.
Although I was excited to begin working on cutting edge science at Indiana, I was also very excited to move to Bloomington. I've found it is a great college town with lots of things to offer a new resident, such as myself. The community is hilly and beautiful, and has several great restaurants and bars to experience when I'm not working hard in science. Overall, my decision to come to Indiana has paid off greatly, and I'm excited for the years to come in Bloomington
“While I was already impressed by the research before visiting Bloomington, the faculty and technology of the department exceeded my expectations.”
Lesley Sevcik
2nd year Graduate Student
analytical
Meadville, Pennsylvania
I came to IU's chemistry department after completing my B.S. in chemistry at Allegheny College. I made the decision to attend IU because everything about the university and Bloomington seemed to be all that I was looking for and something extra: the faculty, the facilities, the staff, the arts, the diversity and the restaurants.
After completing my first year of coursework and research, I transitioned to the MAT program to pursue my masters in teaching and become a licensed educator. I have the unique opportunity to also teach undergraduates in the process, which is invaluable experience. I have also appreciated the support from faculty and staff that I have received throughout the transition process. The Chemistry Department at IU has helped me along the path to achieve my goals in becoming a more knowledgeable scientist and valuable teacher.
“The Chemistry Department at IU has helped me along the path to achieve my goals in becoming a more knowledgeable scientist and valuable teacher.”
Ashley Sidebottom
3rd year Graduate Student
Chemical Biology
Tallahassee, Florida
As a third year student at Indiana University, I can't imagine receiving a degree from another institution. When choosing a graduate school, my decision was based on who I would work for, what facilities would be available to me (NMR, MS, etc), and my overall feeling about the department. Here at IU, all of my requirements were met and exceeded. The expert faculty and state of the art facilities have allowed for a collaborative environment with limitless possibilities for my project. I have also been fortunate to travel for conferences and to our collaborating lab in Michigan for experience and interaction with the top researchers in my field. Outside of lab I also enjoy Bloomington and try to enjoy as much of it as I can in my free time. The town is very active with lots of amazing restaurants, trails for hiking/biking, live music on the weekends and fun things to enjoy like the farmers market or our local winery/breweries. Choosing IU was one of the best decisions I've ever made and I am excited to be here for another three years.
“Choosing IU was one of the best decisions I've ever made.”
Andrew Storey
3rd year Graduate Student
Analytical
Beaverton, Oregon
Indiana University has been a wonderful place to pursue my graduate studies in analytical chemistry. The university provided me the amazing opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers who have shown a great willingness to help and mentor me in my academic pursuits with learning opportunities through both structured and casual conversations with faculty and peers alike. The facilities and cutting-edge research of the University is matched only by the proficiency and friendliness of the staff that enthusiastically assists graduate researchers in their endeavors. From labmates across the room to collaborators across the ocean, I have never found a shortage of knowledgeable people with varied skills, experience, and perspective with whom to discuss your research and successfully tackle the challenges of instrumentation development. Located in a quintessential college town and surrounded by the beautiful, rolling hills of southern Indiana, IU has not only surpassed my expectations in terms of academic and professional development, but also has provided a vibrant environment in which to live.
“The university provided me the amazing opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers who have shown a great willingness to mentor me.”
Srinivas Tekkam
3rd year Graduate Student
Organic
Duluth, Minnesota
Selecting a graduate school is one of the most important choices we make. I consider myself very fortunate to study chemistry at Indiana University. The faculty is inspiring and outstanding in all areas of chemical and biochemical research. They give the full breadth of the subjects and encourage researchers in multidisciplinary thought. The instrumentation facilities are well-equipped, and the chemistry library is well established with extensive scientific literature.
“The instrumentation facilities are well-equipped, and the chemistry library is well established with extensive scientific literature.”
Toolika Agrawal
2nd Year Graduate Student
Organic
Mumbai, India
IU chemistry was my program of choice when I decided to return to school after 2 years in the pharmaceutical industry. I was impressed by the diverse faculty and world class research facilities. I have found the faculty, students and support staff here to be friendly and approachable which encourages exchange of ideas and facilitates learning.
The department offers opportunities for multidisciplinary research in a congenial work environment. In my short time here I have fallen in love with the beauty and cultural diversity of Bloomington.
“I have found the faculty, students and support staff here to be friendly and approachable which encourages exchange of ideas and facilitates learning.”
René Buell
3rd Year Graduate Student
Inorganic
Kirksville, Missouri
I have just finished my second year at IU, and I have learned so much since being here. I have found that communication is very open and easy not just within my research group members, but also with other professors in my research area, outside of my division, and even across the state and country.
The facilities at IU are fantastic, and the personnel are always happy to help and teach me when I come across something I do not know. Outside of the lab, Bloomington has a great music scene and lots of entertainment opportunities. My experience at IU has been a great one, which I would not trade for anything.
“I have found that communication is very open and easy not just within my research group, but also with other professors in my research area, outside of my division, and even across the state and country.”
Irma Hamilton
3rd Year Graduate Student
Materials
Amherst, Massachusetts
"I first visited IU during recruitment weekend, and it was then that I had the opportunity to explore various facets of the Chemistry Department. The faculty and current graduate students were instrumental in making IU Chemistry a top choice for my graduate education. Everyone was quite approachable for discussions of everything from coursework and their research to housing and great eateries.
The facilities available are numerable and have assisted me in my materials research, which includes image production of nano-scaled molecular self-assembly on different substrates. With machine, electronic, and glass shops I've also created apparatuses to better focus my study. The program here has allowed me to tailor my study to my specific interests with courses in sub-divisions of chemistry. There is a rich diversity here not only in the Chemistry Department but also in the rest of the university and surrounding areas that is nurturing me into a mature independent thinker.
“The program here has allowed me to tailor my study to my specific interests with courses in sub-divisions of chemistry.”
Brandon Hirsch
2nd Year Graduate Student
Physical
Crawfordsville, Indiana
The innovative atmosphere of the Chemistry Department was the largest influence in my decision to attend IU. Applying to graduate school still green from undergraduate, I was searching for a department filled with driven leaders but did not want to miss out on a lively community that offers nightlife, festivals, as well as outdoor excursions. Here, the faculty and staff encourage collaborations, which blur the boundaries between divisions.
My days are spent bouncing back and forth from the synthetic lab to the surface chemistry lab, collecting input from both advisors as I work on the collaborative project exploring liquid/solid interfaces.
“I was searching for a department filled with driven leaders, but id not want to miss out on a lively community that offers nightlife, festivals, as well as outdoor excursions.”
