Todd Joseph Martinez

Developed a set of theoretical methods to calculate the dynamic behavior of molecules in excited electronic states. Applied his ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) method to many photochemical reactions, including photoinduced isomerization, photochemical ring opening, excited state proton transfer, and DNA photodamage. Work suggests that the lifetime of the excited state may be controlled by designing an appropriate electric field surrounding the chromophore. Has extended AIMS to significantly higher accuracy and larger molecules than previously accessible, with tighter connections between theory and experiment. Recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship.