Faculty by Division

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemistry plays an important role in modern society, bridging various areas of chemistry with other disciplines such as environmental sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy, medicine, forensics, materials science, and engineering. Ranked 7th in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report (2007), the analytical chemistry division includes faculty with a wide range of backgrounds and experience who share the mutual goal of advancing analytical science. A sample of some of the current analytical research projects includes:

  • Ultrafast separations of short-lived chemical intermediates via capillary electrophoresis
  • Development of electrochemical nanofluidic sensors for viruses and DNA
  • Fabrication of sensor arrays for toxicology and HIV monitoring
  • Development of electrospray ionization/quadrapole ion trap mass spectrometry for analysis of DNA/drug complexes
  • Ultratrace metal analysis of complex samples using electrothermal vaporization-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ETV-ICP-MS)
  • Use of biomolecules and biopolymers for metal remediation and sensing
  • Development of a host of hybrid surface analytical techniques (near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL), and spectroelectrochemical imaging microscopy)
  • Fabrication of new micro- and nanostructured biomaterials using multiphoton lithography

These fundamental analytical developments are addressing problems associated with a number of applied applications, including: chemical sensors, medical diagnostics, separations, photonics, microelectronics, proteomics, metabolism, toxicology, and energy conversion/storage (fuel cells and batteries). Many of these projects are highly interdisciplinary and involve significant collaboration with other departments and institutes, including the, Environmental Science Institute, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas Materials Institute, and Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and Technology.

If you are considering applying to our graduate program, our analytical chemistry information brochure provides a brief synopsis of the department and the research interests of our faculty. More detailed research summaries can be accessed via the links to each of the analytical faculty’s web pages. For more information on the UT analytical chemistry graduate program, please contact Dr. Jennifer Brodbelt (Graduate Adviser) at 512-471-0028, jbrodbelt@mail.utexas.edu or Dr. Keith Stevenson (Analytical Chemistry Graduate Recruiter) at 512-232-9160, stevenson@mail.cm.utexas.edu or contact any of the other analytical chemistry faculty directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

Name Office Phone Email
Paul F. Barbara NST 1.206 471-2053 p.barbara@mail.utexas.edu
Allen J. Bard WEL 2.426 471-3761 ajbard@mail.utexas.edu
Jennifer S Brodbelt WEL 3.424 471-0028 jbrodbelt@mail.utexas.edu
Richard M Crooks WEL 3.210AA 475-8674 crooks@cm.utexas.edu
James A. Holcombe WEL 3.234C 471-5140 holcombe@mail.utexas.edu
David A. Laude WCH 2.222 471-4536 dalaude@mail.utexas.edu
John T. McDevitt WEL 4.420 471-0046 mcdevitt@mail.utexas.edu
Jason B. Shear WEL 3.426 232-1454 jshear@mail.utexas.edu
Keith J. Stevenson WEL 3.416 232-9160 stevenson@cm.utexas.edu
David A. Vanden Bout WEL 3.150B 232-2824 davandenbout@mail.utexas.edu
Katherine A. (Kallie) Willets WEL 3.420 471-6488 kwillets@mail.utexas.edu

Biochemistry

We in Biochemistry seek to understand biological processes at the molecular level and, when possible, at the level of fundamental chemical and physical principles. The faculty at UT Austin use a wide range of approaches to study these processes: at one extreme, we observe individual molecules to learn about the dynamic behavior that governs molecular function; at another extreme we study whole cells to delineate the intricate molecular networks that underlie cell viability.

Current research interests of our faculty include:

  • using x-ray crystallography and NMR to determine structures of proteins and RNAs involved in an array of processes including cell signaling, human mitochondrial transcription, tRNA processing and translation, and polyamine biosynthesis regulation.
  • probing the evolutionary lineages of biosynthetic pathways and coenzymes, with particular emphasis on hyperthermophilic organisms.
  • engineering proteins and RNAs for use as ultra-sensitive sensors and as medical diagnostics and therapeutics against infectious agents such as HIV and anthrax.
  • measuring incorporation by human mitochondrial DNA polymerase of nucleoside analogs used to combat HIV. Incorporation of these drugs into the human mitochondrial genome is likely to underlie their toxicity, so this work will allow development of less toxic drugs.
  • developing new approaches for genetic engineering and gene therapy using a novel mechanism for site-specific DNA insertion that we recently discovered in autocatalytic group II RNA introns.
  • determining protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions during initiation of eukaryotic protein synthesis.
  • using computational and experimental approaches to generate genome-wide predictions of protein function.
  • integrating single molecule fluorescence and ensemble approaches to study RNA folding, RNA-protein assembly, and protein chaperones of RNA folding.
  • using biochemical and molecular genetic techniques to understand how metabolic pathways are organized and controlled between different subcellular compartments.

For more information on the biochemistry graduate program, please visit the Prospective Students section of this website. More detailed research summaries can be accessed via the links to each of the biochemistry faculty’s web pages. For more information on the UT biochemistry graduate program, please contact Dr. David Hoffman (Biochemistry Graduate Adviser and Recruiter) at 512-232-9160, dhoffman@mail.utexas.edu or contact any of the other biochemistry faculty directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

Name Office Phone Email
Eric V. Anslyn WEL 5.201 471-0068 anslyn@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu
Dean R. Appling WEL 4.230D 471-5842 dappling@mail.utexas.edu
Karen S Browning WEL 5.256B 471-4562 kbrowning@mail.utexas.edu
Richard M Crooks WEL 3.210AA 475-8674 crooks@cm.utexas.edu
Andrew Ellington MBB 3.448B 232-3424 andy.ellington@mail.utexas.edu
David E. Graham WEL 4.260B 471-4491 degraham@cm.utexas.edu
Marvin L Hackert WEL 5.266B 471-1105 m.hackert@mail.utexas.edu
David W. Hoffman MBB 3.422 471-7859 dhoffman@mail.utexas.edu
Brent L. Iverson WEL 5.320 471-5053 biverson@mail.utexas.edu
Kenneth A. Johnson MBB 3.122 471-0434 kajohnson@mail.utexas.edu
G Barrie Kitto WEL 4.260C 471-3279 bkitto@mail.utexas.edu
Alan M. Lambowitz MBB 2.234 232-3418 lambowitz@mail.utexas.edu
Hung-wen (Ben) Liu WEL 5.235 232-7811 h.w.liu@mail.utexas.edu
Lara K. Mahal WEL 4.314 471-2318 lmahal@cm.utexas.edu
Edward M. Marcotte MBB 3.210 471-5435 marcotte@icmb.utexas.edu
Stephen F. Martin WEL 5.334 471-3915 sfmartin@mail.utexas.edu
John T. McDevitt WEL 4.420 471-0046 mcdevitt@mail.utexas.edu
Jon D. Robertus WEL 5.266A 471-3175 jrobertus@mail.utexas.edu
Rick Russell MBB 2.148 471-1514 rick_russell@mail.utexas.edu
Jason B. Shear WEL 3.426 232-1454 jshear@mail.utexas.edu
Y. Whitney Yin MBB 3.422C 471-5583 Whitney.Yin@mail.utexas.edu

Out-of-Department Members of the Biochemistry Graduate Studies Committee

Name Office Phone Email
Creed W. Abell PHR 2.222C 471-5715 abellc@mail.utexas.edu
Kevin N. Dalby PHR 4.220B 471-9267 dalby@mail.utexas.edu
Walter Fast PHR 4.220A 232-4000 WaltFast@mail.utexas.edu
George Georgiou CPE 4.41 471-6975 gg@che.utexas.edu
Jon Huibregste MBB 2.312 232-7700 huibreg@mail.utexas.edu
Sean M. Kerwin PHR 4.220D 232-2606 skerwin@mail.utexas.edu
Robert M. Krug MBB 2.122BA 232-5563 rkrug@icmb.utexas.edu
Misha Matz PAT 141 471-6731 matz@mail.utexas.edu
Jennifer Maynard CPE 5.466 471-9188 maynard@che.utexas.edu
Tanya Paull MBB 2.212 232-7802 tpaull@icmb.utexas.edu
Austen F. Riggs II PAT 506A 471-1585 riggs@uts.cc.utexas.edu
Krishnendu Roy ENS 610 232-3477 kroy@mail.utexas.edu
Christine Schmidt CPE 4.418 471-1690 schmidt@che.utexas.edu
Scott Stevens MBB 2.448BA 232-9303 stevens@icmb.utexas.edu
Chris Sullivan NMS 3.11 471-4648 chris_sullivan@mail.utexas.edu
Marvin Whiteley NMS 3.124 471-5493 mwhiteley@mail.utexas.edu
Christian P. Whitman PHR 4.220C 471-6198 whitman@mail.utexas.edu
Claus Wilke BIO 401A 471-6028 cwilke@mail.utexas.edu
Muhammad Zaman ENS 610 471-4205 mhzaman@mail.utexas.edu
Zhiwen Jonathan Zhang PHR 4.220E 471-4551 zhang@mail.utexas.edu

Inorganic Chemistry

The Faculty in the Inorganic Division are engaged in research into the synthetic and structural chemistry of both main group (s and p-block) and transition metals (d and f blocks). Current areas of interest include the chemistry of elements from groups 13 and 15 in which these elements are in low oxidation state and low coordination number, the use of novel precursors for the formation of thin films of important electronic materials such as GaN, TiN, GaAs and noble metals, materials which feature metal arrays with one-dimensional or supramolecular arrangements, the developments of lanthanide complexes for use in bioassays, ligand design and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.

If you are considering applying to our graduate program, the research interests of our faculty can be accessed via the links to each of the inorganic chemistry faculty’s web pages. For more information on the UT inorganic chemistry graduate program, please contact Dr. Jennifer Brodbelt (Graduate Adviser) at 512-471-0028, jbrodbelt@mail.utexas.edu or Dr. Richard Jones (Inorganic Chemistry Graduate Recruiter) at 512-471-1706, rajones@mail.utexas.edu, or contact any of the other inorganic chemistry faculty directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

Name Office Phone Email
Alan H. Cowley WEL 4.330 471-7484 cowley@mail.utexas.edu
Bradley J. Holliday WEL 4.150 471-8491 bholliday@cm.utexas.edu
Richard A. Jones WEL 4.414 471-1706 rajones@mail.utexas.edu
Joseph J. Lagowski WEL 4.328 471-3288 jjl@mail.utexas.edu
John T. McDevitt WEL 4.420 471-0046 mcdevitt@mail.utexas.edu
Jonathan L. Sessler WEL 5.428 471-5009 sessler@mail.utexas.edu

Organic Chemistry

Interested in doing research at the forefront of modern science? With strengths in both the traditional fields of natural products and synthetic chemistry and in the emerging fields of bio-organic, supramolecular and materials chemistry, the Organic Division at U. T. Austin offers a host of exciting opportunities. Some examples of research in our division include:

  • Synthesis of medicinally important complex alkaloids.
  • Creation of chemical-based sensors for analysis of biologically and environmentally important molecules.
  • Invention of novel environmentally friendly methods for enolate additions.
  • Development of chemical biology methods to dissect the role of carbohydrates in cancer and diabetes.
  • Engineering of macromolecules to create therapeutics important for bio-defense applications, for example anti-anthrax agents.
  • Synthesis of intelligent materials for pathogen detection.

As reflected in our diverse research interests, the graduate program in Organic Chemistry combines fundamental training in synthetic and physical chemistry with an eye towards interdisciplinary research. We invite you to explore our program further by either downloading our brochure or visiting our faculty websites.

For further information on the UT organic chemistry graduate program, please contact Dr. Jennifer Brodbelt (Graduate Adviser) at 512-471-0028, jbrodbelt@mail.utexas.edu or Dr. Christopher W. Bielawski (Organic Chemistry Graduate Recruiter) at bielawski@mail.cm.utexas.edu or contact any of the other organic chemistry faculty directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

Name Office Phone Email
Eric V. Anslyn WEL 5.201 471-0068 anslyn@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu
Christopher W. Bielawski WEL 4.230c 232-3839 bielawski@cm.utexas.edu
Bradley J. Holliday WEL 4.150 471-8491 bholliday@cm.utexas.edu
Brent L. Iverson WEL 5.320 471-5053 biverson@mail.utexas.edu
Michael J. Krische WEL 5.146 232-5892 mkrische@mail.utexas.edu
Hung-wen (Ben) Liu WEL 5.235 232-7811 h.w.liu@mail.utexas.edu
Philip D. Magnus WEL 4.320 471-3966 p.magnus@mail.utexas.edu
Lara K. Mahal WEL 4.314 471-2318 lmahal@cm.utexas.edu
Stephen F. Martin WEL 5.334 471-3915 sfmartin@mail.utexas.edu
Stephen A. Monti MAI 201 471-4363 monti@mail.utexas.edu
Jonathan L. Sessler WEL 5.428 471-5009 sessler@mail.utexas.edu
Dionicio R. Siegel WEL 5.416 471-2073 dsiegel@cm.utexas.edu
C. Grant Willson WEL 5.240 471-4342 willson@che.utexas.edu

Physical Chemistry

Physical chemistry bridges the fields of physics and chemistry. We investigate problems that span all sub-areas of chemistry and focus specifically on providing a fundamental perspective on chemical phenomena. Our research ranges from microscopic studies of the electronic properties of nanostructured materials, to the basic principles of heterogeneous catalysis, to biophysical analyses of individual macromolecules. Much of the current research is highly interdisciplinary, and we physical chemists have strong ties to other divisions in chemistry, as well as to physics, biology, and chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering. A myriad of joint projects provide opportunities to collaborate and expand our understanding and experience.

The Physical Division includes faculty members with diverse interests in both experimental and theoretical chemistry, and is the home for several research centers, including the Center for Nano-Molecular Science and Technology and the Institute for Theoretical Chemistry. Our faculty come not only from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry but also from the Departments of Physics and Chemical Engineering. We invite you to explore the exciting research underway in Physical Chemistry at UT.

Physical, Nano and Material Chemistry at UT, Recruiting Talks, Spring 2007

If you are considering applying to our graduate program, our physical chemistry information brochure provides a brief synopsis of the department and the research interests of our faculty. More detailed research summaries can be accessed via the links to each of the physical faculty’s web pages. For more information on the UT physical chemistry graduate program, please contact Dr. Jennifer Brodbelt (Graduate Adviser) at 512-471-0028, jbrodbelt@mail.utexas.edu or Dr. David Vanden Bout (Physical Chemistry Graduate Recruiter) at 512-232-2824, davandenbout@mail.utexas.edu or contact any of the other physical chemistry faculty directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

Name Office Phone Email
Paul F. Barbara NST 1.206 471-2053 p.barbara@mail.utexas.edu
Alan Campion WEL 3.114 471-3012 campion@mail.utexas.edu
James R. Chelikowsky ACE 4.324 232-9083 jrc@ices.utexas.edu
Ron Elber ACE 4.422 232-5415 ron@ices.utexas.edu
Graeme Henkelman WEL 5.256A 471-4179 henkelman@mail.utexas.edu
James A. Holcombe WEL 3.234C 471-5140 holcombe@mail.utexas.edu
Sang-Hyun Lim WEL 3.120 471-0872 shlim@mail.utexas.edu
Dmitrii E. Makarov WEL 3.148 471-4575 makarov@mail.utexas.edu
Peter J. Rossky WEL 3.204A 471-3555 rossky@mail.utexas.edu
Jason B. Shear WEL 3.426 232-1454 jshear@mail.utexas.edu
John F. Stanton WEL 3.208A 471-5903 jfstanton@mail.utexas.edu
Keith J. Stevenson WEL 3.416 232-9160 stevenson@cm.utexas.edu
David A. Vanden Bout WEL 3.150B 232-2824 davandenbout@mail.utexas.edu
Robert E. Wyatt WEL 3.237 471-3114 wyattre@mail.utexas.edu

Out-of-Department Members of the Physical Chemistry Graduate Studies Committee

Name Office Phone Email
Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo CPE 4.422 471-6300 lloo@che.utexas.edu
C. Buddie Mullins CPE 4.466 471-5817 cbm@che.utexas.edu
Greg O. Sitz RLM 10.218 471-0701 gositz@physics.utexas.edu