Alice Kunin

Alice Kunin is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University, with office in Frick Laboratory (288). Her research focuses on ultrafast spectroscopy to study light-induced processes in condensed phase systems.

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, 2019
• B.S., Chemistry (minor in Mathematics), University of Maryland, College Park, 2014

Alice Kunin's research interests span Spectroscopy, Physical Chemistry, Quantum Materials Science, and Optical Materials and Light Matter Interactions. Her work particularly focuses on applying ultrafast spectroscopy to resolve fundamental light-induced processes in condensed phase systems, with applications in renewable energy, quantum information, and environmental surface science. The Kunin Lab uses pump-probe spectroscopy and develops advanced spectroscopic techniques to image ultrafast dynamics of photoexcited charge carriers at complex surfaces and interfaces.

Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in studying exciton dynamics in quantum materials, charge-transfer processes at organic-inorganic interfaces, and photochemistry of heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions. Her work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in next-generation photovoltaics and solar cells.

Scientific Awards:

• DOD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellow, 2015 – 2018
• Chemical Society of Washington (ACS) College Chemistry Achievement Award, 2014
• 2025 Beckman Young Investigator Awardee

Alice Kunin advises several graduate students including Gabby Sonderegger, Anji Ni, Bea Pence, and Runxuan Yang. Her lab has received significant funding including DOE funding for Microelectronics Science Research Center project and joint funding with the Gmachl lab for quantum surface co-design for photocatalytic processes. She also serves as faculty advisor for summer students like Sonya through the Laboratory Learning Program.

The Kunin Lab is actively involved in building custom ultrafast fiber-based lasers and ultra-high vacuum spectroscopic instrumentation. Recent collaborations include work with Princeton ECE's Gmachl lab and participation in the DOE-funded Microelectronics Science Research Center project awarded to PPPL.