Matthew Jorgensen

Education

Ph.D. Candidate (current)
Dept. of Chemistry - University of Utah

B.S. Chemistry – Cum Laude (2007)
Utah State University

 

Awards

Dow Chemical First Year Scholarship – Utah 2008
Henry Eyring Research Fellowship – Utah 2007
Maeser-Bauer Scholarship Award – USU 2007
Maeser-Bauer Graduate Teaching Assistant Award – USU 2007
Eccles Undergraduate Research Fellowship – USU 2006-2007
Department of Engineering Scholarship – USU 2002

Research Interests

Currently, I am investigating non-classical behavior of semiconductor nanocrystals in novel photonic materials.

One phenomenon being investigated is the modification of spontaneous emission by periodic dielectric materials, such as titania inverse opals.  These experiments can provide power insight into the relationship between emitters, the light they emit, and their surroundings.

The nature of quantum dot emission is also being investigated – on the single nanocrystal scale – in other types of controlled environments, such as an electrochemical cell.

Past research has included theoretical work for Dr. Stephen Bialkowski on photothermal spectroscopy at Utah State University and organic synthesis on a novel anticancer drug for Dr. Thomas Hemscheidt at University of Hawaii.

Most of my fascination with light comes simply from curiosity and was stimulated by The Ghost in the Atom: A Discussion of the Mysteries of Quantum Physics (P. C. W. Davies) and QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter (Feynman).

General Interests

I have been a husband for 7 years and a father for almost 2.  Needless to say, between family and graduate school there is not much personal time.  However, when I get a free moment I enjoy reading biographies and history books.  I also like to sneak away and ski at Snowbird in the winter, and hike during the summer.