David A. Blank

David A. Blank is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering. He leads research in condensed phase chemical dynamics, energy transfer in materials, and photovoltaic applications using nonlinear spectroscopy and computational tools like TDDFT.

His research spans Physical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, and Photovoltaic Dynamics, focusing on ultrafast electron transfer mechanisms in nanomaterials and solution-phase reactions. Techniques include time-resolved spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.

Recent publications highlight work on electron transfer dynamics in thiophene-ZnO systems, BODIPY-fullerene triads, and photoredox catalysis. Key themes include charge separation, excited-state deactivation, and nonlinear optical methods.

The Blank Research Group has received institutional recognition, including the Platinum Safe Lab Award, and mentors students in outreach initiatives like thermodynamics demonstrations for elementary schools. Collaborative projects span organic synthesis, nanostructured materials, and computational modeling.