Physical and Fundamental Chemistry
New Mexico Tech faculty covers a broad range of research areas that fall under the general umbrella of physical and theoretical chemistry. The faculty interests encompass both fundamental ("basic") and applied topics. We primarily approach physical problems using spectroscopy, catalysis, photochemistry, as well as computational and theoretical chemistry.
Faculty
Associate Professor
Dr. Altig and his team construct computational models involving quantum chemical and
biophysical calculations using commercial software such as Gaussian or Autodock to
examine the structure of small organic molecules and how they interact with larger
biomolecules. They have been examining the structure of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)
and the factors which influence its stability as an energetic material.
Associate Professor
Dr. Pias studies the structural dynamics of biochemical systems, with the aim of gaining
insight into metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Her current focus is on oxygen flux
across biological membranes and other cellular lipid structures. Given the central
importance of aerobic metabolism for human health, hindrance of oxygen transport on
the cellular level can have enormous consequences, impacting tumor cell metabolism,
cardiac function, and diabetic insulin response. The Pias Group takes a biophysical
chemistry approach, using computer simulations to gain insight into lipid structural
dynamics and oxygen diffusion.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Gao is broadly interested in the design, synthesis, characterization, and applications
of new functional materials. He focuses on leveraging nanospace for energy-related
critical issues at the interface of organometallic and materials chemistry. The confined
nanospace within porous materials, including metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic
frameworks, and organic cages, provides unlimited opportunities and intriguing tools
to interrogate fundamental questions in a variety of areas. Students working in Dr.
Gao's lab will gain expertise in various facets of synthetic inorganic and material
chemistry. They will become skilled at using NMR, mass spectroscopy, FT-IR, gas adsorption,
UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods to characterize their materials.
They have opportunities to access Synchrotron radiation to investigate their material
structures. They are encouraged to attend local and national conferences to disseminate their
most exciting results.