Research Emphasis Structure of metal-containing molecules; high resolution x-ray fluorescence and x-ray Raman spectroscopy; soft x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism; EXAFS, Mo and V nitrogenase; hydrogenase and other Ni metalloproteins.
Our interest falls into experiment and development, which intertwine quite nicely.
We experimentally determine the detailed structure of metalloenzymes, or enzymes that use metal atoms to catalyze reactions. In particular, enzymes with environmental impacts from metabolizing actenides (including uranium) to produing hydrogen.Development is quintessential for our research as it keeps us on the cutting-edge. As new generation synchrotrons arise with more power and resolution, experimental capabilities widen. We have spent much time trying to develop and try out new techniques, tools, and spectroscopic experiments. Some examples include our work in XMCD, NRVS, and STJ Array detectors.
