James Keller always thrived at boundaries. His research interests bridge two disciplines and focus on fundamental questions of chemical physics. “I like to bring the tools of physics to questions of chemical concern.” Previously, he investigated thin films, atmospheric processes and quantum information; currently he experiments with molecular plasma.
Most of the matter in the universe by far exists in the form of a plasma, at temperatures ranging from a few million Kelvin in stars to a few hundred Kelvin in a flame. “We form a plasma from molecules cooled to less than 1K. Under these conditions, Coulombic forces can dominate the thermal energy of the ions and electrons, allowing strong correlations to develop resulting in liquid-like effects and crystallization.” The study of ultracold plasmas represents a new avenue of plasma physics. Results we obtain will help us understand conditions in plasmas at similar states of correlation in the cores of dense stars or under conditions of thermonuclear fusion.
Keller joined Kenyon’s faculty in 2000 as a Camille & Henry Dreyfus New Faculty Awardee. He has served as chair of the Department of Chemistry (2007-2011) and as chair of the faculty (2012-2015). He is a winner of Kenyon’s Faculty Advising Award. He was a visiting professor at the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia (2015-16, 2021-22).
Areas of Expertise
Physical chemistry, nonlinear laser spectroscopy, spectroscopic investigations of exotic matter.
Education
1989 — Doctor of Philosophy from University of Chicago
1983 — Bachelor of Arts from Williams College
Courses Recently Taught
This lecture-discussion course continues the introductory chemistry sequence started in CHEM 121. We explore the chemical principles of molecular structure, bonding, reactivity, electrochemistry, kinetics and intermolecular forces. Chemical principles are explored in the context of current issues in the study or application of chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. Offered every spring semester.
This course presents a study of chemical kinetics and chemical thermodynamics. Specific topics include rate laws and reaction mechanisms, reaction-rate theories, the laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, properties of solutions, and equilibrium. Applications are drawn from organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as biochemistry. This counts toward the major. MATH 112 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 or 124. Offered every fall semester.
This course presents a study of quantum mechanics as applied to chemistry. Specific topics include general quantum theory; the time-independent Schrödinger equation applied to electronic, vibrational and rotational energy states; valence bond and molecular orbital theory; and molecular symmetry. This counts toward advanced course elective requirement for the major. MATH 112 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, 124 or 126. Offered every two years for the 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.
This advanced laboratory course focuses on spectroscopy instrumentation and data analysis. UV/Vis, fluorescence and laser spectroscopies are used to solve research questions involving kinetics, thermodynamics and molecular structure. Experiments are intended to complement course work in CHEM 341, 335 and 336, but these courses may be taken in any order. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. This counts toward advanced lab elective requirement for the major. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 123 or 126. Offered every year.
Individual study in chemistry is intended to supplement, not take the place of, coursework. For that reason, such study cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the major or minor. To enroll in an individual study, a student must identify a member of the chemistry department willing to direct the project and obtain the approval of the department chair. At a minimum, the department expects a student to meet regularly with his or her instructor for at least one hour per week. Because students must enroll for individual studies by the end of the seventh class day of each semester, they should begin discussion of the proposed individual study by the semester before, so that there is time to devise the proposal and seek departmental approval.
