معرفی
Kimberly Carter-Fenk is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, joining the faculty in fall 2024. She teaches physical and general chemistry undergraduate courses and serves as the department's undergraduate research coordinator.
Education
- BA in Chemistry, The College of Wooster (2016)
- PhD in Physical Chemistry, The Ohio State University (2021)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University (2022-2024)
Research Interests
Dr. Carter-Fenk applies spectroscopic and computational methodologies to investigate molecular organization at interfaces and ultrafast dynamics in complex solutions. Her research targets sustainable chemical approaches through atmospheric chemistry, particularly sea spray aerosol systems and interfacial phenomena.
Specialized expertise includes air/water interface characterization, deep eutectic solvent dynamics, and ion-water network structural analysis using advanced spectroscopic techniques.
Publication Trends
Her 2018-2024 publications reveal consistent focus on interfacial chemistry and ultrafast spectroscopy, with dominant themes in sea spray aerosol surface mechanisms, concentrated electrolyte solutions, and organic film behavior. Work integrates physical chemistry with environmental sustainability across atmospheric, marine, and polymer systems.
Scientific Awards
- CAS Future Leader (2023)
- Stanford Science Fellow (2022-2024)
- Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award, The Ohio State University (2019)
- Preparing Future Faculty Fellow, The Ohio State University (2019)
- GAANN Graduate Research Fellow, The Ohio State University (2016-2017)
Advising and Grants
Recognized for exceptional undergraduate research mentorship, she implements inquiry-based learning to enhance student engagement. Research funding includes the Stanford Science Fellowship and GAANN Graduate Research Fellowship, supporting her work in sustainable chemical methodologies and interfacial dynamics.
Labs and Teams
Developed expertise in Prof. Heather Allen's lab (The Ohio State University) studying air/water interfaces, then advanced ultrafast spectroscopy techniques in Prof. Michael Fayer's group (Stanford). At Pitt, she coordinates undergraduate research initiatives while maintaining collaborations with atmospheric chemistry research teams.
