Research in the van der Veen lab aims at visualizing light-induced processes in materials with atomic-scale resolution. Conventional techniques either lack the spatial resolution necessary to resolve individual atoms, or they lack the temporal resolution required to capture structural rearrangements as they evolve. Van der Veen proposes the development and application of a unique, new … Continued
Despite significant advances in drug discovery over the past century, an abundance of disease-associated biological targets remain challenging or impossible to drug with traditional small molecule therapeutics. Large, structurally complex molecules have shown promise in engaging these targets, but often have poor drug-like properties and are inherently challenging to optimize. I propose two methods to … Continued
I lead a multi-disciplinary research group of chemists who are interested in the design and synthesis of new functionally precise polymers and their potential applications. Our approach starts at the sub-nanometer scale, whereby we synthesize monomers that are programmed with a particular type of molecular recognition or functionality that, when converted into polymers, ultimately leads … Continued
The focus of the my lab is to discover new chemical reactions that will enable the efficient syntheses of new materials, medicines, and fuels. In approaching our objectives we operate at the interfaces of multiple disciplines, where we leverage the tools of modern molecular biology, fundamental organometallic chemistry, and contemporary organocatalysis to establish innovative chemical … Continued
Bacteria conduct remarkable chemistry. These microorganisms help animals digest food, help plants grow, and synthesize many natural products that are life-saving antibiotics. However, the overuse of antibiotics has resulted in a worldwide antibiotic resistance crisis. My research group integrates biosynthetic chemistry and bacterial genomics to identify new antimicrobial natural products and novel mechanisms to avoid … Continued
Our group works at the quantum interface of chemistry and physics to study how simple rules give rise to complexity. My research focuses on new techniques to bring molecules to a standstill and use them as quantum building blocks of complex system. Notable recent achievements include building single molecules in movable optical tweezers, studying collisions … Continued
One of the biggest challenges facing our generation is identifying sustainable alternatives to precious metals that are required for many important industrial processes. The continuous need for rare metals has led to the mining and refinement of increasingly lower grade metal ores that requires a cocktail of harsh chemicals and generates large amounts of waste … Continued
My lab develops next-generation microscopy and spectroscopy tools that offer new functionality, resolution, and sensitivity for biological, chemical, and nanomaterials systems. In particular, we recently developed spectrally resolved super-resolution microscopy to synchronously obtain the fluorescence spectra and positions of millions of single molecules within minutes. Harnessing this capability and further incorporating environment-sensing fluorescent probes, we … Continued
We are a synthetic inorganic chemistry group focused on building up molecules and materials for targeted applications in light harvesting and catalysis. Using the tools and methods of inorganic and main-group synthesis we are preparing new III-V nanostructures and clusters and designing bifunctional electrocatalyst-nanoparticle composites. Along the way we are preparing new molecular precursors, creating … Continued
Research in our group aims to address challenges associated with developing efficient solar energy conversion processes by studying proton-coupled electron transfer processes associated with solar fuel production. Proton-coupled electron transfer is a fundamental process wherein the reaction pathways of protons and electrons are intimately coupled. Solar fuel generating reactions rely on this fundamental process, as … Continued