Photochemistry is central to many aspects of energy conversion, atmospheric chemistry, corrosion, and catalysis. The ability to drive chemical reactions selectively and efficiently on surfaces with light remains a significant challenge, as these transformations are often dependent on the structure and chemical nature of the material surface. Furthermore, as more complex, multi-component materials are used in photochemical applications, robust model systems are needed to understand how synergistic properties impact these transformations.
The Bruce Group focuses on processes related to the conversion of light to drive chemical reactions at different interfaces. Our group has expertise in surface chemistry using ultrahigh vacuum, near ambient pressure, and operando spectroscopy/microscopy techniques. This, coupled with electrochemical and photoelectrochemical characterization, enables a unique insight into photochemical conversions at gas-liquid, liquid-solid, and solid-gas interfaces.
Latest News from the Bruce Group
- Welcome Amal!We are excited to welcome Amal Berhan to the group! Amal is born and raised in Las Vegas and is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry. As a member of the group, Amal’s work is focused on functionalizing the surface of silicon using organic reactions and characterizing it with XPS, UPS, IPES, etc.…
- Welcome Mekha!We are very excited to welcome our first graduate student to the group, Mekha Mohandas! Mekha P M hails from Kerala, India, and holds an MSc. in Applied Chemistry from CMS College, Kottayam and Mahama Ghandi University, Kottayam in her home state. With a keen interest in research, she conducted pioneering work in the area of…
- Welcome Stephen!Stephen is a 4th year undergraduate student currently working towards dual BS degrees in both Physics and Chemistry. He plans to move onto a graduate program in the future to complete a PhD in Chemistry, with emphasis on materials science. His current research focuses on utilizing photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies to characterize the chemical and…
- Welcome Helen!Helen joins the group as a summer undergraduate student. She is a second year biochemistry major with a keen interest in scientific exploration. Originally from Ethiopia, she moved to Las Vegas in 2010 and graduated from Atech High School.
- Welcome Miguel!Hailing from the Philippines, Miguel moved to America in 2009. He graduated from high school at Sierra Vista in 2022 as its salutatorian. Miguel is set to work under the lead of Dr. Jared Bruce in his work with model hybrid materials and liquid-jet spectroscopy as one of his undergraduate research assistants. He is currently…
