Steven L. Tait

Steven L. Tait serves as Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University Bloomington, with an adjunct professorship in Physics and Associate Directorship of the IU Electron Microscopy Center.

His educational background:

• BS in Honors Physics and University Honors, Brigham Young University, 2000
• PhD, University of Washington, 2005 (co-supervised by Charlie Campbell and Sam Fain; research conducted at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory under Bruce Kay)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart, Germany (supervised by Klaus Kern)

Prof. Tait's research integrates physical chemistry, materials science, and supramolecular chemistry to engineer functional nanostructures through organic molecule self-assembly on surfaces. His work employs advanced surface analysis techniques to develop applications in molecular electronics, catalysis, sensor technology, and magnetic materials, bridging fundamental surface kinetics with practical nanotechnology solutions.

His scientific awards include:

• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship
• Max Planck Society Fellowship
• Graduate Fellowship in Nanoscience (University of Washington/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

As leader of the Tait Group and Associate Director of the IU Electron Microscopy Center, he directs cutting-edge surface science research while overseeing critical university microscopy infrastructure. Although specific advisees and grant details aren't documented in the source text, his active research program and departmental leadership indicate ongoing mentorship and substantial research funding.