Grp photo 2025 Fall

Our research focus can be summarized as analytical surface-science. Nearly all of our research is based on measurements of chemical interactions with surfaces, and most of our instrumentation is specifically designed to examine interfacial phenomena. If you've ever wondered why oil spreading on water looks like a rainbow, why you can only make sand castles with wet sand, or how Rain-X® keeps your windshield so clean, you might be interested in our work. We use precice measurements of chemical behaviors to create new, fundamental understanding of these types of questions to address important challenges in environmental remediation, materials development, and energy science. 

Detailed descriptions of our research projects and some laboratory pictures can be found within this website.  If you have questions, feel free to send us an email or arrange a visit to our lab.  Follow us on Twitter @shawschem (group) or @shawchem (Prof Shaw)

Research for All

The Shaw group accepts that scientific advancement suffers without participation from all varied communities. We proactively engage all people regardless of status or ability. We acknowledge institutional challenges within the sciences, both for and against, certain groups of people. To counter this and provide clearer pathways to success, we work to create an inviting and enjoyable environment to do, and share, good science for all. Through formal training and informal interactions, we continuously strive to improve ourselves while advocating for each others’ success. We hope our efforts will support positive changes within our field.

 

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Departmental Events

Physical & Environmental Chemistry Seminar- Avdhoot Datar, University of Dayton promotional image

Physical & Environmental Chemistry Seminar- Avdhoot Datar, University of Dayton

Monday, October 26, 2026 12:30pm
Chemistry Building

To learn more about Prof Datar: https://udayton.edu/directory/artssciences/chemistry/datar-avdhoot.php

Title: Local Electric Fields as a Model for Hydrogen-Bond Interactions

Abstract: Hydrogen-bond interactions play a central role in chemistry, influencing molecular structure, spectroscopy, reactivity, and dynamics across a wide range of chemical and biological systems. Despite their importance, describing the effects of hydrogen bonding in molecular simulations can require computationally...

Maker Break: Make your own spooky Homecoming button!

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 11:30am to 1:00pm
Sciences Library
Drop in anytime for a fun, themed craft that takes just 10–20 minutes and explore your creativity.

Organic Seminar- Emmanuel Nnadi (Martin)

Thursday, October 29, 2026 12:30pm
Chemistry Building

"SET vs HAT: Mechanistic Insights into Photoredox Catalysis"

Physical & Environmental Chemistry Seminar- Priscilla Owusu (Miro Group)

Monday, November 2, 2026 12:30pm
Chemistry Building

Three Month Seminar- Emma Markun (Forbes Group)

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 12:30pm
Chemistry Building

"Oxidation of uranium and neptunium oxides in alkaline conditions: Use of peroxide mechanochemistry and ozonation to enable oxidative dissolution"

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