Detection of molecules in the interstellar medium

Dr. Ryan C. Fortenberry uses theoretical and computational chemistry to predict electronic, vibrational, and rotational spectra for novel molecular systems. Such systems include radicals, cations, and anions that are notoriously difficult to examine experimentally in the laboratory. Existing methodologies are employed and new methodologies are pioneered to treat these systems. Largely, the computed spectra are used as reference data in the detection of molecules in the interstellar medium in order to better understand the chemistry of interstellar space.

Last updated: 7/15/2016