February Speaker: Prof. Alex Brown

Alex_Brown_20150211February 11 at 7:00 pm we will be hosting Professor Alex Brown of the University of Alberta Department of Chemistry for a talk on his research applying computational models to chemistry problems. All are welcome to join the talk, as we learn how computational chemistry can aid in understanding experimental measurements and help come up with ideas for yet unmade chemical species. If you’re curious to learn more about Dr. Brown’s research, check out his website or Google Scholar profile.

PDF abstract.

Location: University of Alberta, Central Academic Building (CAB), Room 243 (map)

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Time: 6:30 PM refreshments; 7:00 PM lecture

Title: Computational Chemistry: What is it Good For? (Absolutely everything. Say it again)

Abstract:
The interpretation of modern experimental measurements and syntheses in chemistry is greatly aided through a a variety of sophisticated computational chemistry techniques (in particular ab initio electronic structure methods). These methods can be used for determining molecular geometries, bonding (electronic structure), and physical as well as photophysical properties of molecules. Computational chemistry can go beyond simply interpreting existing experiments to the prediction of new species with novel properties. In this talk, I will highlight recent examples from our work on phosphorescent tellurophene-compounds and molecular precursors for materials chemistry (research in collaboration with Prof. E. Rivard, University of Alberta). I will then move from materials chemistry research to chemical biology to discuss the design of fluorescent proteins with strong two-photon absorptions for biological imaging. From these examples, I will showcase the strong role computational chemistry plays in modern chemistry research.
*with apologies to N. Whitfield, B. Strong and their song “War” recorded E. Starr (1970)