Laura Kiefer

Education and Experience

Assistant Professor, Oakland University, 2022 - present
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Michigan, 2020 - 2022
Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University, 2017 - 2019
Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, University of Michigan, 2017
M.A. Mathematics, Wayne State University, 2016
B.S. Chemistry with Honors, Wayne State University, 2009
B.S. Mathematics, Wayne State University, 2009
A.A., Macomb Community College, 2005

Research

The focus of my research is to identify and characterize intermediates in photo-initiated and electrochemical catalysis reactions, primarily at the surface of electrodes and within cavities using spectroelectrochemistry techniques including FTIR-SEC, 2D-IR-SEC and 2D-ATR-SEC. These powerful methods offer new insight into mechanistic pathways and how these pathways can be altered or enhanced using information on both ultrafast timescales and in in situ conditions. The spectral resolution available from multidimensional spectroscopy enables detailed assignments of spectrally overlapping species, which is essential for unpacking complex reaction mechanisms. The ultrafast temporal resolution provides a modern perspective on the nature of dynamical fluctuations of the all-important double layer, which remains poorly understood at the molecular level. My group will also focus on the solvent contribution to specific pathways in these catalytic reactions.