Robert Hamers

Robert Hamers is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His office is located in Room 3357 of the F. Daniels and J.H. Mathews Chemistry Building. He leads research focused on atomic-level understanding of surface chemistry and interfaces.

Research Interests: Professor Hamers investigates structure, bonding, and reactivity at solid surfaces to develop functional materials. Key areas include:

• Molecular interactions with semiconductor surfaces (Si, Ge, diamond)
• Biotechnology applications (gene chips, DNA sequencing)
• Molecular electronics (organic molecules as electronic devices)
• Hybrid inorganic-organic interfaces

Experimental and computational methods are employed to characterize chemical and electronic properties.

Collaborations:

• Prof. Jillian Banfield (Geology/Geophysics): Mineral surface chemistry
• Prof. Lloyd Smith (Chemistry): Surface-based DNA hybridization
• Dr. John Russell (Naval Research Labs): Diamond surface functionalization