PSRC - About Us

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Photo-Sciences Research Center (PSRC) is to use the energy and interrogating power of light to push back the frontiers of chemistry, physics, and biology. Fueled by its research in photonic qubits, ultrafast biology, and photocatalysis, PSRC seeks to cultivate an in-depth understanding and precise control of light-matter interactions. Learn more: PSRC Research

Established in 2019, PSRC is a strategic research center within the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy.

Leadership

PSRC is directed by Emily Weiss, the Mark and Nancy Ratner Professor of Chemistry and a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, by courtesy, at Northwestern University. Professor Weiss earned her PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern in 2005. Her graduate work focused on magnetic superexchange interactions of radical ion pairs created by electron transfer within organic donor-acceptor systems. Professor Weiss did postdoctoral research at Harvard University under George M. Whitesides from 2005-2008 as a Petroleum Research Fund Postdoctoral Energy Fellow and started her independent career at Northwestern in Fall 2008. The objectives of Weiss’ research group are to understand the mechanisms of conversion of energy from one class to another at interfaces and the behavior of quantum confined systems far from equilibrium, and to design and synthesize nanostructures that are new combinations of organic and inorganic components. Her recognition includes the 2015 Harry Gray Award for Creative Work in Inorganic Chemistry by a Young Investigator, the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE), Young Investigator Awards from the AFOSR and DOE, Packard and Sloan Fellowships, the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, and the Early Career Award in Experimental Physical Chemistry from the ACS.