The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the research program of Prof. Donald Land of the University of California at Davis. Prof. Land's research program focuses on the development of an overlayer-enhanced attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (OE-ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy technique for the study of solid interfaces that are immersed in aqueous fluids. This technique offers unique complementary capabilities to currently used surface spectroscopic methods like surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) Spectroscopy. Prof. Land and his students will perform detailed experimental and modeling studies to optimize the performance of this unique spectroscopy to facilitate its applications for the characterization of biomolecules that are adsorbed to the surface of thin films. The study will provide an excellent educational opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral trainees to carry out a spectroscopic method development project with the potential to greatly impact studies involving interactions between biomolecules on surfaces and at interfaces.
