Sara E. Mason

Sara E. Mason is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on computational chemistry, particularly density functional theory and electronic structure calculations, to study nanomaterials in environmental and energy-related contexts.

• PhD in Chemistry from University of Pennsylvania
• BS in Chemistry from St. John Fisher College
• AAS in Chemistry from Monroe Community College

The Mason Group specializes in modeling cation release from complex metal oxides, predicting ion-driven nanocluster formation, and characterizing electrostatic potential reactivity. Their work bridges computational chemistry with experimental collaborations to advance sustainable materials for energy and water remediation. Key methodologies include thermodynamic modeling, molecular dynamics, and high-performance computing.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in metal oxide dissolution, actinide complexation, and nanoparticle-water interactions. She integrates computational techniques into undergraduate curricula via partnerships with Hawkeye Community College. Her research leverages supercomputing resources for predictive modeling in environmental nanotechnology.

• Emerging Investigator by Journal of Environmental Monitoring (2012)
• Contributions to special issues of Molecular Simulation (2014) and Computational and Theoretical Chemistry (2012)

Sara E. Mason collaborates extensively with experimental teams across the U.S. and advises students at all levels. Her group develops computational methodologies and applies them to environmental challenges, such as arsenate adsorption on alumina and phosphate interactions with cobalt oxides. She also investigates chemical looping combustion mechanisms for sustainable energy systems.