Sum-Frequency Generation Spectroscopy Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Natalie BanerjiView profile

Professor

University of BernSwitzerland

Natalie Banerji is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Bern, Switzerland. She previously held positions as Associate Professor (2015–2017) and Assistant Professor (2014–2015) at the University of Fribourg, and was an Ambizione Fellow at EPF Lausanne (2011–2014). Her research focuses on organic electronics, photovoltaic materials, and charge transport dynamics in conjugated polymers and perovskites. She has pioneered studies on electrochemical doping mechanisms, materials engineering for organic electrochemical transistors, and the interplay between material structure and optoelectronic properties. Education: PhD in Physical Chemistry (2009, University of Geneva), Diploma in Chemistry (2003, University of Geneva). Her work integrates advanced spectroscopic techniques like terahertz conductivity, transient absorption, and sum frequency generation to explore ultrafast charge dynamics. Key areas include optimizing polymer side-chain engineering for enhanced device stability and performance, and understanding charge separation in organic solar cells. Her recent articles emphasize advances in flexible electronics, biocompatible materials for bioelectronic devices, and perovskite-based optoelectronics. She has been funded by SNSF grants and collaborations with institutions like UCSB and EPFL.

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Bjoern BraunschweigView profile

Professor

University of MünsterGermany

Professor Bjoern Braunschweig is a W2 Professor for Physical Chemistry at the Institute of Physical Chemistry within the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Muenster. His research group focuses on fluid interfaces, hierarchical materials, and responsive systems, utilizing advanced nonlinear optical spectroscopy techniques such as sum-frequency generation (SFG) and second-harmonic scattering (SHS) to investigate molecular structures at interfaces. He leads the ERC-funded SUPERFOAM project, which aims to establish molecular-level understanding of foam formation and stability. His research interests span across interface science, soft matter physics, electrocatalysis, and responsive materials. Braunschweig's work particularly emphasizes molecular self-assembly at fluid interfaces, electrode/electrolyte interfaces in ionic liquids, and the development of light- and temperature-responsive materials. His group investigates how molecular building blocks like surfactants, polymers, and proteins determine macroscopic properties of soft materials such as foams and emulsions. The research group has published extensively on photoswitchable arylazopyrazole surfactants, thermoresponsive polymer systems, CO 2 electrocatalysis in ionic liquids, and ion-specific effects at interfaces. Their recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on molecular-level understanding of interface phenomena with applications in energy conversion, smart materials, and environmental processes. ERC Starting Grant (2014) BASF fellowship (2014) Max Buchner research fellowship (2012) DAAD Travel Grant (2012) Feodor Lynen fellowship (2009) Dissertation award (2009) Professor Braunschweig supervises multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Billura Shakhayeva, Tim Blinzer, Tan Phat Pham, and Zugang Cong. His former students include notable researchers such as Natalia García Rey, Marco Schnurbus, and Eric Weißenborn. The group maintains strong collaborations with researchers across Europe, particularly with Michael Ryan Hansen, Andreas Heuer, and Monika Schönhoff at the University of Muenster, as well as international partners in Poland and the United States. Their research combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to develop fundamental understanding of interface phenomena with practical applications in materials science and energy technologies.

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Ying WuView profile

Professor

Duke UniversityUnited States

Ying Wu is a Professor of Physics at Duke University within the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences . His research focuses on the nonlinear dynamics of charged particle beams , coherent radiation sources , and the development of novel accelerators and light sources using advanced mathematical frameworks like Lie Algebra, Differential Algebra, and Frequency Analysis. His work has significantly enhanced understanding of nonlinear phenomena in light source storage rings and collider rings, with applications in Gamma-ray source development Free-electron laser (FEL) technology Beam stability and diagnostics VUV mirror protection systems Polarization-controlled radiation sources High-reflectivity cavity design Recent publications highlight experimental and theoretical advances in Orbital angular momentum beam generation Photonuclear cross-section measurements Storage ring lattice optimization Multi-color FEL operation Longitudinal beam instability control Differential algebra for particle dynamics Current research programs include collaborations with the High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HIγS) facility and the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory , with active grants from the Department of Energy (1997–2027), National Institutes of Health (2024–2026), and Ian's Friends Foundation (2024–2025). Ying Wu's laboratory specializes in Free-electron laser cavity design Gamma-ray beam characterization Storage ring diagnostics systems High-current electron beam control Polarization-sensitive detection Next-generation light source development

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David AyusoView profile

Researcher

Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse SpectroscopyGermany

Dr. David Ayuso is a researcher at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy in Berlin, Germany, associated with the Strongfield Theory Group. His work focuses on ultrafast phenomena in chiral molecules, attosecond physics, and nonlinear optics. He contributes to understanding electronic and nuclear dynamics under extreme light-matter interactions. Research interests include photoionization dynamics, chiral sensitivity detection, and the development of synthetic chiral light techniques for molecular imaging. His recent studies explore geometric magnetism effects, polarization control, and enantio-selective observables in ultrafast spectroscopy. Key collaborations involve international teams working on high harmonic generation, X-ray scattering in liquids, and theoretical modeling of chiral systems. His publications frequently appear in Science Advances , Nature Photonics , and Optics Express .

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Stephen BradforthView profile

Professor

University of Southern CaliforniaUnited States

Stephen Bradforth is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California and Senior Advisor to the Dean for Research Strategy and Development in the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences . He earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley (1992) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago . B.A., Natural Sciences, Cambridge University (1987) Ph.D., Physical Chemistry, UC Berkeley (1992) Postdoctoral Associate, University of Chicago (1993–1996) His research focuses on ultrafast laser spectroscopy to study chemical reactions in complex environments like aqueous systems and molecular materials . Key projects include: Solar Energy Conversion : Investigating photosensitizers based on earth-abundant elements (Cu, Zn, Zr) and organic photovoltaics with BODIPY cores. DNA Photodamage : Mechanisms of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation under UV exposure, emphasizing base-stacking effects. Electronic Structure in Ethereal Solvents : Studying solvated electrons in liquid ammonia and their role in carbanion stabilization. His 15 most recent articles (2004–2024) highlight advancements in photoelectron spectroscopy , singlet fission for solar cells, and DNA damage pathways . Collaborations span medicine, physics, and engineering . Scientific Awards include the ACS Physical Chemistry Division Senior Experimental Award (2023) , STAR Awardee (2019) , Cottrell Scholar , and Fellow of APS and AAAS . He has received both Junior (2001) and Senior Raubenheimer Awards (2022) at USC. Advising has been a cornerstone, with 23 PhD students graduated and 4 current candidates. His 15 most recent publications (2012–2024) emphasize ultrafast dynamics , charge transfer mechanisms , and environmental photochemistry . Labs & Teams : The Bradforth Group operates advanced time-resolved photoelectron spectrometers , liquid microjet systems , and high-repetition-rate laser facilities . Current projects include metallic water solutions (Nature 2021), DNA photophysics (FASEB J 2011), and carbanion electronic structure in ammonia.

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Davide DonadioView profile

Professor

University of California, DavisUnited States

Davide Donadio is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on molecular modeling and simulations of materials, particularly in non-equilibrium processes, thermal transport, and nanostructure assembly. He leads the Naotheory Group, which develops predictive multiscale models for energy-related materials. Education : Habilitation in Materials Science, Italian Ministry for University and Research (2013) Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Milano (2003) M.S. in Physics, University of Milano (1998) Research Interests : His work spans molecular-level understanding of energy conversion, thermal management, and nanostructure formation. Key areas include phononics, thermoelectrics, and interfacial phenomena in materials like ice surfaces, semiconductors, and clathrates. He employs machine learning and first-principles methods to bridge simulation and experiment. Awards : UC Davis Hellman Fellow (2017–2018) Young Scientist Award, Italian Institute for the Physics of Matter (1998) Grants & Labs : His funding and collaborations drive advancements in nanostructured materials and computational tools like PLUMED tutorials. The Naotheory Group actively publishes in high-impact journals and collaborates internationally on thermal transport and materials design.

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Kevin F. KellyView profile

Associate Professor

Rice UniversityUnited States

Kevin F. Kelly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University. He was formerly the Chair of the Applied Physics Program and is affiliated with the Smalley-Curl Institute. Additionally, he has been a member of the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science and the Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health and the Environment (MIRTHE) Center at Princeton University. Dr. Kelly co-founded Inview Technology Corporation as its Chief Scientist, focusing on commercializing compressive imaging technologies. He has also consulted for the Baker Institute for Public Policy regarding photovoltaics and taught courses in anthropology and history at Rice. Dr. Kelly holds a B.S. in Engineering Physics from the Colorado School of Mines (1993), followed by an M.S. (1996) and Ph.D. (1999) in Applied Physics from Rice University. His postdoctoral work included fellowships at the Institute for Materials Research in Sendai, Japan, and the Chemistry Department at Penn State University. His research interests span Optics and Photonics, Imaging and Spectroscopy at the nanoscale, and the role of mathematics in image acquisition. He develops Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques and studies Electronic Materials such as graphene and topological insulators. A major focus is Compressive Hyperspectral Imaging systems, including single-pixel camera innovations and advanced microscopy methods. He also pioneers molecular machines like the Nanocar and investigates charge transport in polymer photovoltaics. Over recent years, his work emphasizes interdisciplinary applications, such as integrating compressive sensing with neural networks for machine vision and exploring technological disaster analysis through history courses. His contributions have been recognized with awards like the IEEE Fellow (2022) and Technology Review’s Top 10 Emerging Technologies (2007). In addition to academic roles, Dr. Kelly has co-founded Inview Technology and contributed to grants and collaborations through his involvement in the MIRTHE Center and other institutes. While no formal advisees are listed, his teaching includes courses on nanotechnology since 2009 and he actively engages in policy consultations for photovoltaic commercialization. His lab at Rice and collaborations with the Smalley-Curl Institute drive advancements in nanotechnology and imaging, with a particular emphasis on practical applications of compressive sensing and molecular-scale devices.

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T. Randall LeeView profile

Professor

University of HoustonUnited States

T. Randall Lee is the Cullen Distinguished University Chair and NSM Associate Dean for Research in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston. He holds a joint appointment in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Harvard University in 1991 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Caltech. His research focuses on nanoparticle synthesis, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), biomedical materials, and photocatalytic systems. Key projects include developing magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia therapy, antifouling coatings, and smart drug delivery systems. His work spans collaborations with chemical engineers, physicists, and biomedical researchers to advance materials science and energy applications. Education: Ph.D., Harvard University, 1991 B.A., Rice University, Magna Cum Laude, 1985 NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, California Institute of Technology, 1991–1993 Research interests emphasize organic and materials research chemistry, with six core areas: fluorinated thin films, complex organic interfaces, biologically active surfaces, nanoparticle manipulation, polymer science, and catalysis. His group employs advanced techniques like AFM, SEM, and sum frequency generation spectroscopy. Current projects include SAM-based biomedical applications and plasmonic nanoparticle systems. Labs and teams collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, such as nanocomposites for energy harvesting and environmental remediation. Future work aims to expand applications in cancer therapy and sustainable materials.

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Joshua CaldwellView profile

Professor

Vanderbilt UniversityUnited States

Joshua D. Caldwell is a Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, with courtesy appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Chemistry. He also directs the Interdisciplinary Program in Materials Science. His research focuses on nanoscale electromagnetic energy confinement, infrared nanophotonics, and material characterization, particularly in 2D materials like hexagonal boron nitride. Key achievements include identifying hyperbolic properties in hBN during a sabbatical at the University of Manchester and pioneering work on phonon polaritons. Education : B.A. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech (2000), Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from University of Florida (2004). Postdoctoral work at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), where he became a staff scientist and later a supervisor. Research Interests : Development of advanced optical systems using polaritons, design of nanoscale optical components, and characterization of novel materials. The Caldwell lab houses state-of-the-art tools like Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) systems, ultrafast pump-probe microscopes, and nano-FTIR systems enabling sub-20 nm resolution. Recent work includes studies on hyperbolic shear polaritons and epsilon-near-zero materials. Grants & Recognition : Recipient of three NanoScience Institute (NSI) Grants at NRL and several awards for published works. Current projects emphasize thermal emission engineering and plasmonic quasi-BIC metasurfaces. Lab & Collaborations : The lab specializes in exfoliation/transfer of 2D materials and has developed the VINSE transfer tool. Collaborations include Prof. Kostya Novoselov (University of Manchester) on 2D material nanophotonics.

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Tony HanssonView profile

Professor

Stockholm UniversitySweden

Tony Hansson is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Stockholm University, focusing on chemical physics and surface reaction dynamics. His research employs advanced spectroscopic techniques like femtosecond photoelectron spectroscopy and sum frequency generation to study molecular interactions with laser pulses and catalytic surfaces. Research Areas: Ultrafast laser-matter interactions, hydrocarbon decomposition, catalyst passivation, and excited state molecular relaxation. Methodologies: Combines experimental approaches (TPD, SFG, XPS, STM) with computational methods (DFT, molecular dynamics). Recent publications highlight his work on naphthalene dehydrogenation on nickel surfaces, sulfur's role in carbon formation, and oxide-derived gold electrode characterization. His studies bridge fundamental atomic-level processes with industrial catalysis applications. Key collaborations include Oliver Schalk and Ting Geng, with affiliations to Stockholm University's Fysikum facility. Contact: thansson@fysik.su.se

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L. Robert BakerView profile

Professor

Ohio State UniversityUnited States

L. Robert Baker is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The Ohio State University (OSU). He joined OSU in 2014 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship with Stephen Leone at UC Berkeley, following his PhD under Gabor Somorjai at UC Berkeley. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, and developing spectroscopic tools to study charge and spin dynamics at surfaces. He directs the NSF National eXtreme Ultrafast Science (NeXUS) Facility, a cutting-edge user facility for ultrafast science. Baker's education includes a B.S. from Brigham Young University (2007) and a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (2012). His awards include the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award and the DOE Early Career Award. His work spans ultrafast XUV spectroscopy, spin-selective photocatalysis, and electrochemical CO2 reduction. Research interests emphasize energy conversion processes, particularly using surface-sensitive techniques like XUV reflection-absorption and sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. Recent studies explore solvation effects on catalytic selectivity and spin dynamics in photoelectrochemical systems. Publications highlight advancements in CO2 capture/conversion, plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy, and spin-polarized electron dynamics. Awards and grants support his interdisciplinary approach to bridging chemistry, physics, and materials science. Baker advises a vibrant research group with over 25 current and former students/postdocs. The NeXUS Facility under his leadership provides state-of-the-art tools for studying chemical dynamics on attosecond timescales and angstrom lengthscales.

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Ali DhinojwalaView profile

Professor

University of AkronUnited States

Dr. Ali Dhinojwala is the W. Gerald Austen Endowed Chair and H.A. Morton Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron. He joined the university in 1997 after postdoctoral and industry roles. His research focuses on interfacial science, biomimicry, and adhesion mechanisms, leveraging techniques like sum-frequency-generation spectroscopy. He co-leads the Biomimicry Research Innovation Center (BRIC), studying natural adhesives in geckos, spiders, and birds. His work is funded by NSF, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and industry partners. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University (1994), B.Tech. from IIT Bombay (1986). Research Interests: Adhesion, friction, wetting, structural colors, and bioinspired materials. His group develops synthetic adhesives using carbon nanotubes and studies melanin-based materials for color and radiation protection. Grants & Collaborations: Over 20 grants from NSF, DOD, and industry (e.g., Lubrizol, ExxonMobil). Recent projects include ice adhesion studies and nanoscale thermal interfaces. Labs & Teams: Leads the Dhinojwala Research Group and BRIC, fostering interdisciplinary projects with biologists, engineers, and physicists.

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John C. ConboyView profile

Professor

University of UtahUnited States

John C. Conboy is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Utah . His research focuses on the structure and dynamics of lipid membranes, utilizing advanced spectroscopic techniques like sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy (SFVS) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) to explore interfacial phenomena in biological systems. Education: B.S. (University of California, Davis, 1991), Ph.D. (University of Oregon, 1996), NIH Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Arizona, 1998-2000) His work addresses fundamental questions in membrane biology, including lipid flip-flop, electrostatic interactions, and the influence of ions and peptides on membrane asymmetry. He has developed novel label-free detection methods for studying drug-membrane interactions and protein binding. Key themes in his research include: Lipid bilayer dynamics and asymmetry Nonlinear optical spectroscopy applications Role of cholesterol and ions in membrane behavior Design of synthetic membrane mimics Interfacial tension and electrochemistry Scientific Awards: NIH Postdoctoral Fellow

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Francesca CecchetView profile

Researcher

University of NamurBelgium

Francesca Cecchet is a Researcher at the University of Namur, Belgium, affiliated with the Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM) and Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences. She manages the Technological Platform Morphology - Imaging and serves as Principal Investigator for multiple research projects including PHOENIX and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan's energy transition research platform. Dr. Cecchet earned her Doctor of Sciences degree in 2003 from the University of Namur with a thesis on ordered, functional, and switchable films of benzylic amide macrocycles and rotaxanes. She completed her DEA in Physics and Material Chemistry in 2000 and Master's in Chemistry in 1999, both at the University of Namur. Her research focuses on nonlinear optical spectroscopy , particularly sum-frequency generation techniques applied to biological interfaces. She investigates nanoparticle-lipid membrane interactions , interfacial water behavior , and biohazard detection methods. Her work bridges physics, chemistry, and life sciences with applications in nanotoxicology and biosensor development. Her fingerprint shows strong expertise in spectroscopy (100%), sum-frequency generation (93%), surfaces (65%), self-assembled monolayers (47%), and lipid-nanoparticle interactions. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in interface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopy with increasing focus on quantitative detection methods and real-world applications . Her 2024-2025 work demonstrates how optical responses can be leveraged for label-free detection of biohazards, while earlier publications established fundamental understanding of molecular organization at bio-interfaces. As a Principal Investigator, she leads significant research initiatives including PHOENIX (2024-2029), which explores how physics and computational intelligence can induce new historical paradigms, and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan's energy transition research platform (2022-2025). She has supervised multiple theses and managed research equipment including atomic force microscopy platforms. Dr. Cecchet actively contributes to the scientific community through numerous invited talks and conference participations, with recent presentations focusing on nano-bio-interfaces and vibrational spectroscopy applications. Her research platform serves as an expert resource for molecular system synthesis and nanostructured material characterization.

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Ngoc N. NguyenView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of QueenslandAustralia

Dr. Ngoc N. Nguyen is a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at the School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. He earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering at UQ in 2018 after receiving an Australia Award Scholarship. His postdoctoral work included an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2019-2021) at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and visiting scholar roles at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (USA) and Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Vietnam). Research Interests: Dr. Nguyen specializes in surface and interfacial science, with applications in minerals processing, energy and resources engineering, and environmental sustainability. His work addresses challenges in the low-carbon economy through Gas hydrate-based energy storage (e.g., hydrogen, methane) Eco-efficient mineral extraction and separation CO 2 capture and mine waste recycling Publication Trends: His recent articles focus on ion-specific effects in flotation, colloidal interactions, gas hydrate kinetics, and sustainable mineral processing. Key methodologies include sum frequency generation spectroscopy , colloidal probe AFM , and X-ray tomography . Scientific Awards: ARC DECRA Fellowship (2024) Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2019) Supervision & Grants: As an associate investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Eco-enabling Beneficiation of Minerals, he mentors PhD candidates on topics like flotation froth dynamics and X-ray CT applications in mineral processing. His research has secured significant ARC and industry funding.

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