Pursue research using ab initio or other computational chemistry methods to study topics such as reaction surfaces, intermolecular complexes (including reactions in clusters and model solids), and molecular spectroscopy, with applications in astrochemistry, inorganic chemistry, biophysics, and other subjects.

NASA Emerging Worlds Program, Grant No. 80NSSC21K1039 (2021-2024): "Quantum Chemical Studies of Prebiotic Ice Chemistry in Protostellar Nebulae" (ACTIVE)

NASA Emerging Worlds Program, Grant No. NNX16AM09G (2016-2019): "Quantum Chemical Studies of Organic Chemistry in Protostellar Nebulae"

NASA Planetary Atmospheres Program, Grant No. NNX14AK32G (2014-2017): "Theoretical Studies of Sulfur Chemistry in the Atmosphere of Venus."

NSF Division of Undergraduate Education TUES (CCLI) Program Grant No. 09-42090 (2010-2016): "Discovering the Nanoworld: A New Module for Teaching about Molecules and Bonding in General Chemistry." CLICK HERE TO VIEW MODULE

NASA Exobiology Program, Grant No. NNX10AR82G (2011-2016): "Theoretical Studies of the Extraterrestrial Chemistry of Biogenic Compounds: Projects for 2010-2013."

NASA Exobiology Program, Grant No. NNX07AN33G (2007-2011): "Theoretical Studies of the Extraterrestrial Chemistry of Biogenic Elements and Compounds."

NASA Exobiology Program, Grant No. NAG 5-13482 (2003-2006): "Theoretical Studies of the Extraterrestrial Chemistry of Biogenic Elements and Compounds."

NASA Planetary Atmospheres Program, Grant No. NAG 5-12305 (2002-2005): "Quantum Chemical Studies of Chemistry in the Atmospheres of Titan and Other Outer Solar System Bodies."

NASA Exobiology Program, Grant No. NAG 2-1396 (2000-2003): "Theoretical Studies of the Extraterrestrial Chemistry of Biogenic Elements and Compounds."

NASA Exobiology Program, Grant No. NAG 2-1161 (1997-1999): "Theoretical Studies of the Extraterrestrial Chemistry of Biogenic Elements and Compounds."

2014-present

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

2011-2014

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

2006-2011

VISITING RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Perform collaborative research with Dr. Thom Dunning, Jr. and others involving chemical and astrochemical phenomena.

2003-2006

DIRECTOR OF SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS, Molecular Research Institute. In addition to ongoing scientific contributions enumerated below, institutional responsibilities include mentoring new investigators in proposal writing, providing editorial input on proposals and ensuring they are consistent with MRI's mission, and promoting MRI by developing marketing materials.

2001-2006

SENIOR SCIENTIST, Molecular Research Institute.

1994-2001

STAFF SCIENTIST, Molecular Research Institute. Responsibilities: scientific research in computational astrochemistry, studies of peroxidase activation mechanisms and P450 metabolism, plus additional research topics; preparation of grant proposals, publications, progress reports, and oral/poster presentations; development of utility programs; Unix system administration; website management. Supervisor: Dr. Gilda H. Loew (deceased).

1991-1994

NORCUS/AWU POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, Molecular Science Research Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Responsibilities: development of correlation consistent basis sets and benchmark studies; studies of weakly-bound intermolecular complexes and solvation of ionic species; preparation of publications and oral/poster presentations. Supervisor: Dr. Thom. H. Dunning, Jr.

1990-1991

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Arlington. Responsibilities: development of formalism and Fortran code for implementation of frozen-core potentials in PRDDO method; scientific research on interstitial and substitutional transition metal impurities in crystalline silicon; preparation of publications and oral presentations; Unix system administration. Supervisor: Prof. Dennis S. Marynick.

1989-1990

USER CONSULTANT, Center for Experimental Computation, Michigan Technological University. Duties: assisted users and performed system administration tasks on Unix and VMS computers. Supervisor: Prof. Donald R. Beck (deceased).

1984-1989

SUMMARY OF MS AND PhD DEGREE STUDIES, Physics Department, Michigan Technological University.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (1986-1990): development of Fortran code for implementation of third-order many-body perturbation theory; determination of intermolecular potentials for species of interest to the natural gas industry for project funded by the Gas Research Institute; study of defects in condensed matter. Advisor: Prof. Donald R. Beck (deceased).

TEACHING ASSISTANT (1984-1986): one year of labs and two terms of sophomore physics recitations. Supervisors: Prof. D. O. Wyble and Prof. A. Barry Kunz (both deceased).

1984

1987

1989