Schreiner alum to discuss Quantum Mechanics on April 18 Harry Crate Lecture

Schreiner University’s next Harry Crate Lecture will feature alumnus George Elliott on April 18, 2024, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.in the Moody Science Building, Room 106. The event is free and open to the public.

George Elliott completed his B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics at Schreiner University in 2020. Since then, he has been pursuing a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at Iowa State University, under the direction of Mark S. Gordon, Ph.D. His doctoral candidate work currently focuses on the development mathematical models to describe the making and breaking of chemical bonds. He is exploring Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) molecular modeling methods utilizing Effective Fragment Potential (EFP) and linking the QM and EFP models (QM/EFP) to better understand of the various factors that contribute to the ion character of ionic liquids.

This seminar will provide a general overview of the molecular modeling methods with a specific focus on QM/EFP molecular modeling methods, as well as highlight recent work aimed at improving the EFP mathematical model, interfacing EFP with ab initio calculations, and the continued development of the Effective Fragment Molecular Orbital (EFMO) method.

The Harry Crate Lecture Series was established in the 1990s and is named in memory of Professor Harry Crate, a former Schreiner University Mathematics and Engineering Professor. Its purpose is to highlight student engagement in the technical ideas of the time, and past speakers have included Nobel laureates, influencers, and Schreiner University graduates.

Information is available by contacting Kiley Miller, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, at KPMiller@schreiner.edu.