Tim Brown

Mentors: Bob Waymouth and Richard Zare

Biography
Timothy Brown earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He now works towards his PhD in Chemistry with Prof. Richard N. Zare at Stanford University, studying and improving the current applications of mass spectrometry. He also chose to work with Prof. Bob Waymouth through CMAD to further his understanding of organometallic electrocatalysts to be studied with mass spectrometry.

Research summary
His doctoral research at Stanford University focuses on the mechanistic studies of electrocatalytic and oxidation-reduction processes using mass spectrometry. Utilizing the power of high-resolution mass spectrometry, he seeks to capture fleeting intermediates in catalytic cycles to better understand the roles of catalysts in these reactions. The knowledge gained from having a more complete understanding of the catalysts will lead to the development of more efficient catalysts and fortify what we know of the catalytic cycles. The strengths of Prof. Zare and Prof. Hao Chen (Ohio University) focus on analytical chemistry and, in particular, mass spectrometry, which is vital in the development of new mass spectrometric techniques. The experience and understanding of organometallic compounds Prof. Waymouth has acquired is invaluable in understanding the electrocatalysts and the intermediates present within a catalytic cycle.