George C. Schatz

George C. Schatz is the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry and of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. He holds affiliations with the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, International Institute for Nanotechnology, and Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. His research integrates theory and computation to explore nanotechnology, materials properties, optical phenomena, and quantum processes. Schatz earned his B.S. from Clarkson University and Ph.D. from Caltech.

• Educations: B.S., Clarkson University; Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

His research focuses on nanoscale optical properties (e.g., plasmonic nanoparticles, surface-enhanced spectroscopy), quantum science (entanglement interactions with molecules), and nonthermal chemical processes. Key projects include plasmon-driven photocatalysis, quantum emitter engineering in 2D materials, and molecular dynamics at interfaces.

Notable contributions include developing computational methods (DDA, FDTD, TDDFTB) for nanoparticle optics, and advancing understanding of plasmon-induced reactions. His work bridges theory with experimental collaborations in plasmonics, catalysis, and optoelectronics.

Scientific recognition includes the Feynman Prize, National Academy of Sciences membership, and multiple fellowships. Schatz supervises a diverse group of graduate students and postdocs, including recent Ph.D. recipients Chelsea Mueller and Alanna Felts.

• Advising: Over 30 students/postdocs in areas like nanoparticle self-assembly, quantum materials, and plasma-driven chemistry

Labs/Teams: His group operates at the intersection of computational chemistry and nanotechnology, leveraging Northwestern's interdisciplinary infrastructure. Projects often involve collaborations with experimental groups in materials science and physics.