{"id":8549,"date":"2023-11-14T19:08:30","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T03:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-usc-dornsife.pantheonsite.io\/chemistry\/?page_id=8549"},"modified":"2026-03-16T16:31:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T23:31:27","slug":"faculty-physical","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/faculty-physical\/","title":{"rendered":"Faculty (Physical)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n        \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n  \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--editorial-cards \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--editorial-cards\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          <p style=\"margin-top: -50px\"><\/p>\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                        \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <div style=\"width: 100%; text-align: right; margin-bottom: 50px;\">\n<form><select style=\"margin: 0px; width: 200px; padding: 5px 5px 5px 5px; font-size: 16px; border: 1px solid #CCC; height: 34px;\" name=\"Filter by Research Area\" onchange=\"location = this.value;\"><option value=\"\/chemistry\/faculty\">All<\/option><option value=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-chemical-biology\">Chemical Biology<\/option><option value=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-inorganic\">Inorganic<\/option><option value=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-organic\">Organic<\/option><option selected=\"selected\" value=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-physical\">Physical<\/option><option value=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-theoretical\">Theoretical<\/option><\/select><\/form>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"cards-container\">\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/alexander-v-benderskii\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Alexander V. Benderskii\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-alexander-benderskii.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/alexander-v-benderskii\/\" >\n                  \n                    Alexander V. Benderskii\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Associate Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; width: 100%; vertical-align: top;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0; text-align: center; padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px; margin-top: -5px; margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our group&#8217;s research focuses on the molecular structure and dynamics of surfaces and condensed phase interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/stephen-e-bradforth\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Stephen E. Bradforth\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-stephen-bradforth.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/stephen-e-bradforth\/\" >\n                  \n                    Stephen E. Bradforth\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our group designs laser-based experiments to gain a deeper understanding of how the inter-connected motions of molecules impact chemical reactions in complex environments such as the aqueous milieu of cells, molecular liquids, or in functional molecular materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/vadim-cherezov\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Vadim Cherezov\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-vadim-cherezov.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/vadim-cherezov\/\" >\n                  \n                    Vadim Cherezov\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #990000;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Chemical\u00a0Biology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our group is focused on deciphering functional mechanisms of membrane proteins in health and disease, using cutting edge structural, biophysical and biochemical approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/jahan-m-dawlaty\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Jahan M. Dawlaty\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-jahan-dawlaty.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/jahan-m-dawlaty\/\" >\n                  \n                    Jahan M. Dawlaty\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We use spectroscopic tools to answer fundamental questions at the intersection of catalysis, electrochemistry, and materials sciences, with special focus on challenges in energy conversion and storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/anna-i-krylov\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Anna Krylov\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-anna-krylov.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"Anna Krylov\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/anna-i-krylov\/\" >\n                  \n                    Anna Krylov\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #990000;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Chemical\u00a0Biology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #777777;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Theoretical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Krylov group develops theoretical methods and state-of-the-art computer codes for treating electronically excited and open-shell species. We apply these tools to study bioimaging, plasma, solar energy, quantum information science, and spectroscopy modeling, often in collaboration with experimentalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/daniel-a-lidar\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Daniel A. Lidar\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-daniel-lidar.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/daniel-a-lidar\/\" >\n                  \n                    Daniel A. Lidar\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Viterbi Professorship in Engineering and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics and Astronomy<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #777777;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Theoretical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We are interested in fundamental and applied questions in quantum information science. Our group explores topics including adiabatic quantum computation and quantum annealing, theory and control of open quantum systems, quantum error correction, quantum algorithms, and physical implementations of quantum computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/chi-h-mak\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Chi H. Mak\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-chi-mak.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/chi-h-mak\/\" >\n                  \n                    Chi H. Mak\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #990000;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Chemical\u00a0Biology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #777777;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Theoretical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our group is focused on formulating rigorous theories and efficient computational strategies to understand the fundamental driving forces that dictate how nucleic acids fold and unfold, and the aberrant functions that result when they misfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/peter-z-qin\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Peter Z. Qin\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-peter-qin.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/peter-z-qin\/\" >\n                  \n                    Peter Z. Qin\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #990000;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Chemical\u00a0Biology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We are interested in understanding the mechanisms of specific recognition of nucleic acids that inform genome engineering as well as developments in diagnostics and therapeutics. We use Site-Directed Spin Labeling (SDSL) and other tools to study the relationship between structure, dynamics, and function in nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/hanna-reisler\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Hanna Reisler\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-hanna-reisler.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/hanna-reisler\/\" >\n                  \n                    Hanna Reisler\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>University Professor, Lloyd Armstrong, Jr. Chair for Science and Engineering and Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We study detailed mechanisms of photoinitiated chemical reactions in gas and condensed phases. Our goal is to understand reactive processes at a fundamental level, in particular those important in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/richard-w-roberts\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Richard W. Roberts\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-richard-roberts.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/richard-w-roberts\/\" >\n                  \n                    Richard W. Roberts\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #990000;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Chemical\u00a0Biology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #006ba5;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Organic<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our research involves engineering new peptides and proteins for biology, diagnosis, and therapy using mRNA display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/susumu-takahashi\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Susumu Takahashi\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/Takahashi-updated-1.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"Susumu Takahashi\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/susumu-takahashi\/\" >\n                  \n                    Susumu Takahashi\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We are interested in developing novel magnetic resonance techniques for tests of fundamental science in quantum physics, investigations of nanoscale magnetism\/spin dynamics, and applications to biological imaging and sensing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/mark-e-thompson\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Mark E. Thompson\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-mark-thompson.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/mark-e-thompson\/\" >\n                  \n                    Mark E. Thompson\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>University Professor, Ray R. Irani Chairman of Occidental Petroleum Corporation Chair in Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry &#8211; Fellow of the National Academy of Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #6e7e1b;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Inorganic<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We are interested in the optical and electronic properties of molecular materials, with an eye toward materials used to create organic LEDs, solar cells, and catalysts for solar fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/andrey-vilesov\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Andrey Vilesov\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-andrey-vilesov.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/andrey-vilesov\/\" >\n                  \n                    Andrey Vilesov\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We specialize in the spectroscopy of molecules and molecular ions isolated in superfluid helium droplets and the study of quantum fluids on an atomic scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/arieh-warshel\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Arieh Warshel\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-arieh-warshel.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/arieh-warshel\/\" >\n                  \n                    Arieh Warshel\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Distinguished Professor of Chemistry &#8211; Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences &#8211; Nobel Laureate in Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #990000;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Chemical\u00a0Biology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #777777;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p style=\"color: #fff\"><strong>Theoretical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We develop and use advance computer simulations to elucidate the functions of key biological molecules, with an overarching goal to help alleviate human suffering. Our methods help to elucidate how chemical reactions are catalyzed by enzyme and to progress in enzyme design. We also use our simulations to study the action of very large biological molecules, including molecular motors, ion channels and systems that control signal transduction in the cell. Additionally, we focus a significant effort on computer aided drug design and on fighting drug resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/faculty\/blake-wilson\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Blake Wilson\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2025\/05\/Blake_Wilson_500x387.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"Blake Wilson\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/faculty\/blake-wilson\/\" >\n                  \n                    Blake Wilson\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Assistant Professor of Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Wilson group develops solid-state magnetic resonance tools to study biomolecular structures and processes important for human health. We use time-resolved magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques to study out-of-equilibrium systems, with applications to neurodegenerative diseases and protein-nucleic acid complexes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/curt-wittig\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Curt Wittig\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/chemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/11\/FG3_usc-chemistry-curt-wittig.jpg\"\n                    data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                                      <a href=\"\/chemistry\/faculty-new\/curt-wittig\/\" >\n                  \n                    Curt Wittig\n\n                                      <\/a>\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Paul A. Miller Professor of Letters, Arts and Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: top\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #fc0;text-align: center;padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px;margin-top: -5px;margin-bottom: 10px; display: inline-block;\">\n<p><strong>Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our group&#8217;s research addresses fundamental issues germane to a number of interesting and relevant gaseous and condensed phase (liquid and solid) environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-content-detail.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8549","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - 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