Brian B Laird

Brian B. Laird is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas, with courtesy appointments in Chemical & Petroleum Engineering and Physics & Astronomy. His research focuses on computational materials science and applied statistical mechanics, particularly in understanding the macroscopic properties of materials through microscopic molecular interactions.

Dr. Laird's research spans three main areas: the structure and thermodynamics of condensed phase interfaces, phase-equilibrium and transport properties of novel solvent media for environmentally beneficial catalysis, and the development of new algorithms for molecular modeling. His work combines molecular dynamics simulations with statistical mechanics to study complex systems like multicomponent alloys, molecular systems, and gas-expanded liquids. The Laird Research Group has made significant contributions to understanding crystal-melt interfaces, solid-liquid interfacial premelting, and the properties of gas-expanded solvent systems.

His recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a continued focus on interfacial phenomena, particularly crystal-melt interfaces and liquid surfaces, with increasing attention to amorphous silica systems and zeolites. The research shows a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining computational chemistry with materials science and engineering applications. Many recent papers involve collaborations with international research groups, particularly in China and the UK.

• KU Chemistry Faculty Research Impact Award (September 2022)
• Marnie and Bill Argersinger Dissertation Award (2022)
• Jankunas Doctoral Dissertation Award in Chemical Physics (2022)
• External Senior Fellow of the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies

Dr. Laird has advised numerous graduate students including Seth Martin, Zeke Piskulich, Joyce Nguyen, and Micah Welsch, many of whom have received prestigious awards for their dissertation work. His research has been supported by collaborations with the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis and the NSF-funded Networks for Materials Synthesis and Design program. The Laird Research Group maintains active collaborations with multiple research groups at KU and internationally, particularly with the Yang group at East China Normal University.