In this CAREER project funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Nathan Hammer of the University of Mississippi will study the fundamental chemistry of noncovalent interactions in condensed phases. Various sized aggregates of molecules displaying noncovalent interactions will be prepared in a variety of chemical environments, and they will be studied using vibrational spectroscopy and computational modeling. The educational plan focuses on integrating computational methods and experiment in all levels of physical chemistry curricula and includes a summer research program in physical chemistry. This work will enhance our fundamental understanding of nocovalent interactions in condensed phases. Such weak interactions play important roles in a range of chemical and biological systems and are emerging as central in systems-level control over complex biological processes.
