David Brook

David Brook is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at San José State University, within the College of Science. He serves as a Principal Investigator with the SJSU Research Foundation, actively leading a research program focused on the design and investigation of novel molecular materials with switchable electronic and magnetic properties.

His research centers on metallo-organic compounds whose magnetic states can be toggled by external stimuli such as temperature and light. These systems are studied using physical property measurement systems across a wide temperature range (50K to 400K). The long-term goals include applications in molecular-scale information storage, quantum computing, and advanced sensors.

Dr. Brook integrates students at all levels into his research team, providing hands-on experience in chemical synthesis, material characterization, and data analysis. His students regularly present their findings at national and international conferences, including meetings of the American Chemical Society and the International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies.

Several of his former students have pursued graduate studies at institutions such as UC Irvine, UCLA, UC San Diego, McGill University, and the University of Nebraska, while others have entered industry roles at companies like Apple and Gilead. One student, Arshia Hamzehpour Savojbalaghi, expressed an ambition to become a clinician-scientist through an M.D.-Ph.D. program, inspired by research in Brook’s lab.

• Research Area: Molecular Magnetic Materials
• Key Techniques: Physical Property Measurement, Synthesis of Metallo-organic Compounds
• Applications: Quantum Information, Molecular Electronics

Dr. Brook’s work is supported through the SJSU Research Foundation, indicating active grant involvement and sponsored research. His lab functions as a student-centered research environment fostering innovation and professional development in chemistry and materials science.