The research centers on d6 polypyridyl assemblies, capable of serving as catalysts in photoinduced energy conversion schemes. The assemblies are modeled after the photosynthetic reaction center, wherein spatial separation of the opposite charged holds and electrons is used to avoid the "short circuiting" recombination reaction. Kinetic study of the photoinduced electron transfer in simple systems, requiring time resolved laser spectroscopy, will underpin the goal of transferring the holes and electrons across the assemblies containing novel relay molecules. The photochemistry of assemblies containing centers capable of catalyzing chemical energy conversions will be explored. Interactive activities focus largely on undergraduates. A primary goal is to provide students with maximal personal interaction with role models. Interactions include research mentoring and academic advising, and teaching an enriched section of a general chemistry course integrated under the theme of "energy and the environment". A variety of prominent women in the sciences will be invited to serve as additional role models. A peer womentoring program will be initiated among the graduate and undergraduate students. The latter represent an extensive group of potential role models and mentors for younger students.
