Brooks H. Pate

Brooks H. Pate is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Chemistry at the University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He leads an innovative research laboratory focused on developing and applying broadband rotational spectroscopy for advanced chemical analysis.

• B.S., University of Virginia, 1987
• Ph.D., Princeton University, 1992
• NRC Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, 1992–1993

Dr. Pate’s research centers on molecular rotational spectroscopy, particularly the development of chirped-pulse Fourier transform rotational spectroscopy. His work enables ultra-high-resolution analysis of molecular structure, dynamics, and stereochemistry. Key areas include intramolecular dynamics, molecular clusters (especially water hexamers), and quantitative chiral analysis with applications in pharmaceutical chemistry. His lab’s instruments operate across microwave to mm-wave frequencies, allowing analysis of both small (astrochemical) and large (biomolecular) species.

The recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward real-time, in situ chemical analysis and stereochemical monitoring in synthesis. The research combines experimental spectroscopy with quantum chemical modeling to extract structural and dynamical information. Applications span from fundamental quantum tunneling phenomena in water clusters to industrial process optimization in drug synthesis.

Notable scientific awards include:

• 2016 William F. Meggers Award, The Optical Society
• UVa Innovator of the Year
• Multiple publications in Science recognized for groundbreaking impact

Dr. Pate actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom are co-authors on high-impact publications. His lab has secured significant research funding, leading to technological innovations that have spun out into a startup company focused on faster molecular analysis. The research is supported by instrumentation development, computational modeling, and strong interdisciplinary collaborations.

The Pate Lab is a hub of innovation in physical chemistry, combining cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques with practical applications in pharmaceuticals and astrochemistry. The group operates advanced rotational spectrometers, including cavity-enhanced systems for real-time sampling from reaction flasks, and maintains strong ties with national labs and industry partners.