HOME “Hernandez Optics, Materials, and Education Lab”

1) Combining themes at the forefront of optics, spectroscopy, and physical chemistry, my primary research focuses in the application of state-of-the-art two-photon circular dichroism (TPCD) to understand:

The fundamental activity of chiral molecules and macromolecules in biological processes, mainly those involved in Alzheimer disease.

The properties of optically active asymmetric catalysts used in the pharmacological and flavor industry.

The design of novel metamaterials leading to the construction of perfect lenses and cloaking devices.

2) Studying the physical-chemical and optical properties of nanomaterials and their interaction with tailored organic molecules, my secondary area of research focuses on:

The development of novel chemical, explosive, radiological, and biological sensors for environmental analysis, homeland

security and the biomedical fields. The employment of metal nanoparticles and Plasmonics to

assist nonlinear absorption processes and control the decay rates of hybrid-systems with potential applications in bioimaging, photodynamic-therapy and optical data storage.

3) Passionate about teaching and learning my chemistry educational research focuses on:

Ways to introduce authenticity to chemistry education. Incorporation of active learning and critical thinking upper-

level chemistry courses to emulate scientific thinking and increase learning.

Development of state-of-the-art experiments in nonlinear optics and sensors research as course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs).

Evaluation of student learning and perceptions and the impact of pre-CURE experiences in a high school students’ summer chemistry camp.