Thomas Brunold is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, focusing on the geometric and electronic properties of metal centers in proteins and cofactors . His work integrates spectroscopic techniques (electronic absorption, circular dichroism, magnetic circular dichroism, resonance Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance) with density functional theory (DFT) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to validate bonding descriptions and explore catalytic intermediates. Bio-organometallic cofactors (adenosylcobalamin, methylcobalamin, NiF430) Metal-dependent superoxide dismutases (Ni-, Fe-, Mn-SODs) Polynuclear NiFeS enzymes (ACS, CODH) His research spans vitamin B12 chemistry , metalloenzyme specificity , and redox-active clusters , with a focus on resolving substrate-bound intermediates and mechanistic debates in catalytic cycles. Recent publications emphasize ligand dynamics , second-sphere residue effects , and metal-cofactor interactions . Scientific awards include the Taylor Teaching Award (2024) , Kellett Mid-Career Award (2020) , and NSF-CAREER Award (2003) . He mentors students in the Brunold Lab, including Ryan Hall , Laura Elmendorf , and Maddy Rodemeier (co-advised with Andrew Buller), with multiple Outstanding TA Awards to lab members.








