Lee Sobotka

Lee Sobotka is a Professor of Chemistry and Physics at Washington University in St. Louis, with affiliations to the Department of Chemistry and the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences. His research spans fundamental nuclear physics and applied nuclear science, focusing on topics such as nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, radiation detection technology, and medical imaging.

• Education: PhD in Chemistry from the University of California-Berkeley; BS in Chemistry from the University of Michigan.

Research Interests include the de-excitation modes of highly-excited nuclei, continuum structure of exotic nuclei, nucleosynthesis processes, nuclear fusion and fission dynamics, asymmetry-dependent nucleon correlations, equation of state of nuclear matter, and advanced radiation detectors with applications in medicine. Collaborative efforts also explore plant physiology using 11C positron imaging.

Recent Publications highlight discoveries of new isotopes (e.g., 11O, 17Na), investigations into proton decay mechanisms, development of radiation detection systems, and interdisciplinary applications of nuclear science in astrophysics and plant biology. Key keywords across these works include nuclear structure, detector technology, nucleosynthesis, and radiation therapy.

Scientific Awards:

• Awarded a three-year $1,365,000 Department of Energy grant (2023–2026) to study nuclear reactions and structure linked to element formation and neutron-rich isotopes.

Applied Work extends to radiation health and safety, including a technical forum at St. Louis University (2023) addressing concerns at Jana Elementary School. He emphasizes public communication of complex nuclear science issues.