Chris Mundy

Chris Mundy is a Lab Fellow and Physicist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), specializing in theoretical and computational approaches to complex interfacial systems. His research integrates statistical mechanics and molecular simulations to address fundamental challenges in electrolyte behavior, solvation phenomena, and energy-related materials science under the Department of Energy's Basic Energy Sciences portfolio.

His educational background includes a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley (1992) and a BS in Chemistry from Montana State University (1988). Mundy has held significant leadership roles including Chair of the Gordon Research Conference on 'Chemistry and Physics of Liquids' (2025), Chair of the Theoretical Chemistry Subdivision of the American Chemical Society (2022), and Vice Chair (2020-2021).

Mundy's research focuses on bridging molecular-scale phenomena to macroscopic outcomes in electrolytes and interfacial systems. His work spans computational modeling of ion hydration, solvation dynamics, and nanoscale assembly processes relevant to energy storage and environmental systems. Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on advanced simulation techniques applied to battery electrolytes, biomimetic materials, and aqueous interfaces.

His 15 most recent publications reveal consistent focus on computational chemistry methods applied to interfacial phenomena, with growing integration of machine learning and advanced spectroscopy techniques. Key themes include ion-specific effects at interfaces, solvation structure characterization, and predictive modeling of electrolyte behavior across concentration regimes.

• American Physical Society Fellow (2014)

Mundy actively contributes to professional service through leadership in Gordon Research Conferences and ACS subdivisions. His work at PNNL connects fundamental theoretical chemistry to Department of Energy mission areas including energy storage, environmental remediation, and materials science. Current research leverages high-performance computing resources to develop predictive frameworks for complex fluid systems.

As a senior researcher at PNNL, Mundy collaborates extensively across national laboratory teams and academic institutions, focusing on theoretical development that informs experimental design in interfacial science and electrochemistry. His group utilizes advanced molecular simulation techniques to probe systems ranging from battery electrolytes to biological interfaces.