David L. Cedeño
Associate Professor
B.S. 1991, University del Valle; Ph.D. 1999, Baylor University
The Cedeño group uses laser-based methods and computational chemistry to investigate the effect of molecular structure on molecular properties. Current work includes: A) rational design of photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitizers. We want to understand how the photophysical and photochemical properties of conjugated systems (carbocyanines and porphyrins) linked to production of reactive O2 are affected by molecular structure and environment. B) Bonding in organometallic complexes. We want to quantitatively rationalize metal-olefin interactions in terms of the nature of the olefin and the metal and ancillary ligands.

Robert W. Quandt
Associate Professor
B.S. 1991, St. John's University; Ph.D. 1996, North Dakota State University
Research in the Quandt lab entails using Cavity Ringdown (CRD) absorption spectroscopy to study the kinetics and dynamics of gas phase reactions that are important in both atmospheric and combustion chemistry. Studies probe the photodissociation dynamics of several different hydrochlorofluorocarbons with flash photolysis using an ArF excimer laser operating at 193 nm to photodissociate the species of interest, and the CRD technique to probe the energy distribution of the photoproducts. Another interest of the lab is reactions of O(³P) with alkenes, key intermediate steps in the combustion of fossil fuels. A goal is to measure the energy distribution of various reaction products from O(³P) reactions with alkenes, specifically the HCO product. Due to its unique electronic structure HCO is difficult to detect using traditional techniques, but is relatively easy to detect using CRD.

Jean M. Standard
Professor
B.S. 1982, Bradley University; Ph.D. 1987, University of Wisconsin
Research in the Standard group is in the area of computational chemistry. The major themes of our research include investigations of weakly bound intermolecular complexes, studies of atmospherically significant chemical reactions, and development of molecular potential energy surfaces. One current research project involves studies of the structure, properties, and reactivity of sulfur ylides, compounds that are important in the synthetic production of epoxides. Another current project involves elucidation of the mechanisms of acid rain formation and other atmospheric processes involving sulfur chemistry.

Cheryl D. Stevenson
Distinguished Professor Emeritus
Ph.D. 1969, Texas A&M University
Thermodynamic stability and reactivity of organic anions in solution, gas phase, and solid state, magnetic resonance and isotopic enhancement.