Seth Brown

Seth Brown is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Notre Dame's College of Science. His office is located in Stepan Chemistry Hall (Room 269) in Notre Dame, Indiana.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Washington
• B.S. in Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• B.S. in Humanities and Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professor Brown's research focuses on homogeneous catalysis, with particular emphasis on developing and elucidating novel reaction mechanisms. His work explores mechanisms that efficiently break or form strong C-H, O-H, or O-O bonds, with applications in solar fuel production through electrochemical or photochemical reactions. A significant portion of his research investigates "nonclassical" redox reactions where bond-making or bond-breaking events occur at metal centers but oxidation or reduction occurs at redox-active ligands. This research has implications for energy conversion and environmentally benign chemical processes.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on metal-ligand interactions, particularly with iridium, ruthenium, osmium, and other transition metals. The research spans coordination chemistry, redox chemistry, and catalysis, with particular attention to π bonding, ligand-centered reactivity, and oxidation state changes. Many publications examine iminoxolene and related ligand systems, exploring their electronic structures and reactivity patterns.

Professor Brown has received numerous awards and honors for his teaching and research:

• 2016: ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry Award for Undergraduate Research Mentor
• 2011: Fellow, American Chemical Society
• 2009: Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
• 2008: Shilts/Leonard Award for Outstanding Teaching in the College of Science
• 2003, 2006: John Kaneb Award for Undergraduate Teaching
• 2005: University of Notre Dame Presidential Award
• 2004: Thomas P. Madden Award for Outstanding Teaching in the First-Year Program
• 1998-2002: NSF Career Award
• 1998-2001: Dupont Young Professor Award
• 1996: Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation New Faculty Award
• 1995: NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Throughout his career at Notre Dame, Professor Brown has been deeply involved in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, as evidenced by multiple teaching awards. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including the NSF Career Award and Dupont Young Professor Award. His work bridges fundamental inorganic chemistry with practical applications in energy conversion and catalysis.

Professor Brown's research group focuses on synthesizing novel inorganic and organometallic complexes to explore unconventional reaction pathways. Their work combines synthetic chemistry with detailed mechanistic studies to understand and develop new catalytic processes for energy applications.