Martin L. Kirk

Martin L. Kirk is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at The University of New Mexico. His research focuses on electronic structure contributions to catalysis in metalloenzymes and molecular electronics. He holds a B.S. from West Virginia University (1985), a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina (1990), and completed postdoctoral studies at Stanford University (1992).

Research interests include spectroscopic studies of pyranopterin molybdenum enzymes (e.g., sulfite oxidase, DMSO reductase) and donor-bridge-acceptor (D-B-A) biradicals. Techniques employed include multifrequency EPR, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), resonance Raman, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies, combined with computational modeling to understand catalytic mechanisms and electron transport.

Recent work addresses electronic communication in molecular wires, lanthanide-radical magnetic interactions, and the role of second coordination sphere effects in enzyme activity. His Kirk Research Group investigates applications in molecular electronics and quantum information science using a multidisciplinary approach integrating synthesis, spectroscopy, and theory.

Labs/Teams: Based in Clark Hall, Albuquerque, NM. Collaborates with teams in molecular biology and materials science to advance understanding of enzyme catalysis and electronic structure phenomena.