Jeffrey Peterson has been a member of the Geneseo faculty since 2008.
Research Interests
The Peterson group is focused on two main goals: (1) chemical synthesis of novel nanoparticles (NPs) and (2) the development of a full understanding of their optical and electronic properties through innovative spectroscopic methods. The group has a special interest in semiconductor quantum dots, inorganic particles 10,000x smaller than the width of a human hair that possess unique optical properties and that have applications in renewable energy and biological imaging. Active projects in the group include the application of single molecule spectroscopy methods to investigate the impact of NP shape on fluorescence blinking and the optimization SiO2/Au core/shell structures for the production of steam from solar radiation at room temperature.
Fall 2025 Office Hours
Tues 12:30-2:00
Thur 12:30-2:00
or by appointment
Curriculum Vitae
Education
NRC Postdoctoral Fellow, JILA/NIST, Boulder, CO
Ph. D. Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
B.S. Chemistry, Wheaton College, Chicago, IL
Classes
-
CHEM 116: Chemistry I
An introduction to some of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include introduction to chemistry, stoichiometric principles, atomic structure and nature of the periodic table, chemical bonding, reactions in solutions, solution stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and trends in the physical and chemical properties of elements and their compounds.
-
CHEM 129: Intro to Lab Research in Chem
An introduction to research methods used in chemistry laboratories. Topics include utilizing chemical literature, experimental design and iteration, and scientific communication. Students complete a quantitative analysis project utilizing spectroscopic methods and write a technical report describing their work.
-
CHEM 290: Chemistry Research
This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in an exploratory laboratory research experience with a Chemistry Department faculty member. Research positions are arranged by consultation with the course instructor, faculty mentor, and student. A learning agreement and permission of instructor is required for class registration; use the link in section notes to submit a permission request.
-
CHEM 324: Principles of Physical Chem
A foundational course surveying major topics in physical chemistry. Topics include gas laws, laws of thermodynamics, chemical and physical equilibria, chemical and enzyme kinetics, introductory quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy.
-
CHEM 361: Physical Chemistry Lab
An introduction to, and application of a variety of physico, electro and spectro-chemical techniques currently used for the determination of physical and molecular properties and for chemical analysis. Use of modern instrumentation, including computerized data analysis, will be stressed.
-
CHEM 490: Advanced Chemistry Research
An individual, student-led, advanced laboratory research experience with a Chemistry Department faculty member. Working with a faculty mentor, students design, perform, and analyze the results of a laboratory experiment. Students submit a written laboratory report that conforms to American Chemical Society Guidelines and a self-reflection about their experience. A learning agreement and permission of instructor is required for class registration. Use the link in section notes to submit a permission request.