Katie Mauck joined the Department of Chemistry in 2019. Her research interests lie at the intersection of physical chemistry and materials science. She has used various spectroscopic techniques to understand energy processes and morphology in emerging semiconductor materials with applications in optoelectronics, such as solar cells and light emitting devices. In addition, she has done art conservation science research at museums, including a Fulbright fellowship at the Musee National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, France, and worked at a nanotechnology start-up prior to her graduate work. At Kenyon, Mauck studies the vibrational signatures of intermolecular coupling and assembly in hybrid, inorganic and organic materials, as well as how the molecular orientation and binding of common surface-capping ligands can be characterized for colloidal nanocrystal development using infrared reflectance spectroscopy.
Areas of Expertise
Spectroscopy, optoelectronics, energy materials
Education
2017 — Doctor of Philosophy from Northwestern University
2009 — Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College
Courses Recently Taught
This course provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental concepts, theories and methodologies of chemistry. Topics may include stoichiometry, theories of molecular structure and bonding, the periodic table, quantum theory, acid-base chemistry, chemical equilibria and thermodynamics. This course, or the equivalent, is required for the major. No prerequisite. Offered every fall semester.
We create scientific knowledge through observation, mental models and careful design of experimental procedures. We invite you to explore and understand this process through a combination of practical experience and critical analysis. CHEM 123 and 126 are your introduction to modern experimental chemistry and are foundational to all upper-level chemistry laboratory courses. Course activities: analyze and design laboratory procedures, practice operation of laboratory equipment, assess and validate techniques, construct knowledge through discussion. Format: one three-hour laboratory session per week. Topics typically include gravimetric and volumetric techniques, standardization, titration, spectrophotometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, molecular modeling, separations, chromatography, thermal analysis, kinetics, programming, data acquisition and data analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 123. First-years and sophomores only. Offered every spring semester.
Is your water safe? How do you know what compounds are in your water, food, body and local environment? How do you measure and quantify these compounds? How do you convince yourself that your measurements are valid or invalid? CHEM 341 explores the theory and practice of quantitative chemical analysis. Students apply principles of measurement, instrument design and data analysis to instrumental methods. Topics include statistics of measurement error and uncertainty, calibration, spectrochemical methods, electrochemical analysis and analytical separations including chromatography, spectroscopic, electrochemical and chromatographic methods. According to student interest, additional topics may include environmental analysis, biochemical assays, food quality and consumer safety. Students develop scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations. This counts towards the major. Prerequisite: CHEM 233. Offered every spring semester.
Section 01 (0.25 unit): Students engage in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The time requirement is at least three hours in lab per week. Students learn to search literature and give professional presentations. This course also provides an introduction to scientific writing. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.\n\nSection 02 (0.5 unit): This section is a prerequisite to CHEM 497 and 498. The time commitment is six to eight hours per week in lab. Students learn to search literature and give professional presentations as well as to write scientifically. More details can be obtained from the department chair. This counts toward advanced lab elective for the major. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.
Advanced selected topics in advanced chemistry and biochemistry are explored with an emphasis on reading and discussing current scientific research and literature. Topics covered vary by faculty interest each semester and typically relate to interesting applications or emerging techniques within organic, biophysical, biochemical, materials or analytical chemistry. Offered every semester, sections will change. Inquire with the chair and look for announcements for the specific topic in a given semester. Please see the schedule of courses each semester for the section being taught. This counts toward advanced course elective requirement for the major. Offered every semester.
