Matthew Zimmt
Professor:
Chemistry
Phone: +1 401 863 2909
matthew_zimmt@brown.edu
Research program: 1. Functional Architectures for Control of Electron Transfer at Electrodes 2. Molecular Test Bridges for Studies of Electron Tunneling. 3. Optical Screeing Methods for Library Evaluation in Microarrays 4. Probing Weak Interactions Between Bio-molecules Using a Fluorescence Balance.
Biography
B.Sc. (Chemistry) Case Institute of Technology, 1981
M.A. (Chemistry) Columbia University, 1982
M.Ph. (Photochemistry) Columbia University, 1985
Ph.D. (Photochemistry) Columbia University, 1985
Postdoctoral (Chemical Physics) Stanford University, 1985-87
Dissertation Topic: I. Lifetimes of 2-phenyleycloalkanone derived triplet biradicals. The importance of spin orbit coupling, hyperfine and chain dynamics; II. The Kinetics and energetics of dibenzyl ketone derived triplets radical pair reactions in micelles.
Stanford University Research Associate, 1985-87
Brown University Assistant Professor, 1987-93
Brown University Associate Professor, 1993-99
Brown University Professor 1999-present
Interests
Self-Patterning Self-Assembled Monolayers. We are investigating structure-function relationships in molecules that form self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on surfaces. We have implemented strategies for spontaneous patterning of monolayers formed from mixtures of organic molecules that self-assemble on conductive surfaces. These self-patterning, self-assembled monolayers control assembly of single component and multi-component nanoparticle mixtures at surfaces. We are investigating the optical and magnetic properties of the patterned nanoparticle assemblies as a function of composition and geometry.
Functional Architectures for Control of Electron Transfer at Electrodes. We are preparing molecules with novel architectures that align on electrode surfaces, individually or as part of larger aggregates, and modulate electron transfer in and out of the electrode. The alignment of these 1 – 3 nm sized molecules is probed using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Individual molecules' conformations is modulated by interaction with the strong electric field near the STM tip. This interaction is being explored for purposes related to Molecular Electronics.
Bioactive Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Glycoprofiling. We are developing assays to distinguish malignant, benign, and healthy cells based on the identities of the carbohydrates presented on their surface. Literature precedent indicates changes in cell surface carbohydrates upon transformation from healthy to various cancerous states. These glycoprofiling assays employ panels of fluorescent nanoparticles functionalized with key lectins to quantify the carbohydrates present at cell surfaces. (In collaboration with Professor Amit Basu).
Awards
Camille and Henry Dreyfus Distinguished New Faculty Awardee 1987-92
Presidential Young Investigator Award 1989-95
Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Awardee 1993-98
Phillip T. Bray Award for Excellence in Teaching, Brown University 1994,2005
National Science Foundation Grant Extension for Special Creativity 1995
Grammaticakis-Neumann Prize: Swiss Section, European Photochemical Assoc. 1996
Barrett Hazeltine Citation for Teaching Excellence from the Senior Class 1998,2005
Electron Donor-Acceptor Gordon Conference, Chair 2006 2003
UCS Award for Teaching Excellence 2004
Affiliations
American Chemical Society
Funded Research
National Science Foundation: "Development and Application of Self-Patterned - Self Assembled Organic Monolayers on HOPG: Studying Nanoparticle Interactions in Controlled Geometries"; $416,000; 8/15/06 - 7/31/09
Curriculum Vitae
