Dr. Travis White
By Amanda Biederman
NQPI editorial intern
OHIO Chemistry & Biochemistry Professor Travis A. White discussed his research on alternative energy methods on March 28 as part of the Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute seminar series.
White, who joined OHIO’s faculty in the fall of 2016, conducts fundamental research to improve methods of solar energy conversion. Working with doctoral chemistry student Sima Saeedi and former graduate chemistry student Brad McCullough, White synthesizes small molecules that can be used to harness energy from sunlight.
“(We are) trying to develop molecules that absorb solar energy efficiently,” White said. “We want to take that harnessed solar energy and convert it into something more useful – ideally, converting water into hydrogen gas. Now you have an alternative fuel source to fossil fuels – something that’s more renewable.”
Additionally, White is currently working with Chemistry & Biochemistry professor and NQPI member Dr. Eric Masson on a separate project. During his talk, White said he had a positive experience interacting with faculty members of the multi-disciplinary institute.
“(There were) a lot of more big-picture questions than what you would see in a specifically chemistry-focused seminar,” he said. “Many different types of questions were asked. It was great, because it pushes you to think from a different point of view.”
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