Kenneth S. Schmitz

Professor of Chemistry

Current Research Interests

Our interests in the properties of polyelectrolyte solutions and colloidal suspensions span several years. Many-bodied problems such as these are best examined via computer simulations. Hence the present activity is to use well-known Monte Carlo and Brownian Dynamics methods. The main focus of these investigations is to study the interaction of macroions of like charge. Common wisdom would suggest that these macroions should repel each other through electrostatic interactions. However, there are ample experimental and theoretical studies that show this wisdom to be incorrect, i.e., an electrostatic attraction exists between the macroions of like charge. Related problems include: counterion-solvent distribution in confined spaces; microion dynamics; inhomogeneities in colloidal dispersions; and effects of an external field on the disposition of ionic species.

Because of the efforts by a small group to get Intelligent Design into the  science curriculum, recent focus has been directed to informing the public of what science is and what it does.