Jennifer Steele

Jennifer Steele is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Trinity University. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on nanophotonics and plasmonics, exploring how light interacts with nanometer-sized structures. She teaches courses such as General Physics, Sophomore Experimental Physics, Photonics and Electronics Laboratory, and Introduction to Nanotechnology for non-science majors.

• Research areas: Nanotechnology, Nanophotonics, Plasmonics
• Community involvement: Co-founder of Trinity Women in Science and Technology (TWIST), Society of Physics Students advisor

Her work bridges chemistry, engineering, biology, and physics to solve complex scientific problems. She emphasizes scientific literacy for all students, highlighting societal and environmental impacts of emerging technologies.

Key trends in her publications include surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence, light-matter interaction in nanostructures, and hybridization of plasmonic modes. These studies span applications in optical sensing, energy transfer, and photonic device design.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF Grant (2020) for nanotechnology research

She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and has mentored numerous students, including co-authors on her publications. Her NSF-funded projects focus on advancing nanophotonic technologies through experimental and theoretical approaches.