Christopher Elles

Christopher Elles is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas. His research focuses on understanding the excited-state dynamics of photochromic molecular switches, non-adiabatic transitions, and ultrafast spectroscopy to probe reaction mechanisms in solution-phase chemistry.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• B.S. in Chemistry, Colorado State University

Key research areas include:

• Condensed-phase chemical reaction dynamics
• Two-photon absorption spectroscopy
• Nanoplasmon-mediated photochemistry
• Electronic structure of liquids
• Photoactive materials

His recent work explores viscosity-dependent two-photon photocatalysts, ultrafast dynamics of spatially confined molecules, and novel synthetic methodologies. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award and the J. Michael Young Academic Advisor Award. Former students have pursued careers in academia, national laboratories, and industry.