Christopher Collison
Professor
School of Chemistry and Materials Science
College of Science
Jane King Harris Endowed Professorship
585-475-6142
Office Location
Christopher Collison
Professor
School of Chemistry and Materials Science
College of Science
Jane King Harris Endowed Professorship
Education
BS, Ph.D., Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
Bio
My research focuses on the application of artificial intelligence, particularly large language models and autonomous agents, to challenges in chemistry and chemistry education. My most recent project delves into using voxel-based representations within fine-tuned convolutional neural networks. This approach aims to accurately predict the free energy of solvation, a critical factor dependent on the 3D conformations of molecules. This work is instrumental in advancing drug development, particularly in predicting ligand-protein docking, a key process in pharmaceutical research.
My foundational training as a physical and materials chemist, with specialized expertise in photoactive materials, has provided me with a deep understanding of molecular behavior and interactions. In the last decade I concentrated on organic photovoltaics, where I explored the impact of small molecule packing and the role of aggregation in charge transport and photoinduced charge generation at donor-acceptor interfaces. Additionally, my work with photoactive self-healing polymers further reinforced my ability to analyze and manipulate complex materials.
This extensive background in chemistry and materials science now informs and enhances my application of AI-driven methodologies, allowing for more sophisticated models and predictions in molecular chemistry and materials research.
585-475-6142
Areas of Expertise
Artificial Intelligence
Organic/Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Quantum Mechanics
Molecular Photophysics
Lasers and Spectroscopy
Nanomaterials
Select Scholarship
Invited Article/Publication
Ramos, Mayk Caldas, Christopher J. Collison, and Andrew D. White. "A Review of Large Language Models and Autonomous Agents in Chemistry." arxiv. (2024). Web.
Journal Paper
Wiegand, Tyler J., et al. "Directional Exciton Diffusion, Measured by Subpicosecond Transient Absorption as an Explanation for Squaraine Solar Cell Performance." The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 128. 11 (2024): 4616–4630. Web.
Hu, Zhiqi, et al. "An Experimental and Computational Study of Donor–Linker–Acceptor Block Copolymers for Organic Photovoltaics." JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE, PART B: POLYMER PHYSICS 56. (2018): 1135–1143. Web.
Spencer, Susan, et al. "Critical Electron Transfer Rates for Exciton Dissociation Governed by Extent of Crystallinity in Small Molecule Organic Photovoltaics." Journal of Physical Chemistry C 118. (2014): 14840-14847. Web.
Spencer, Susan, et al. "The Effect of Controllable Thin Film Crystal Growth on the Aggregation of a Novel High Panchromaticity Squaraine Viable for Organic Solar Cells." Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 112. (2013): 202-208. Web.
Published Article
Collison, Christopher J., Susan Spencer, Amber Monfette, Jessica Alexander, and Jason Staub. “Newcandidates for near-infra-red-absorbing active layers in multijunction organic photovoltaics: Characterization and performance”. Proceedings of the Thirty-fifth IEEE Photovoltaic SpecialistsConference, 20-25 June 2010. 1601-1606. Print. " É
Formal Presentation
Collison,Christopher. “Strategies for improved efficiency and sustainability of bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices.” Chemistry Department Seminar. University of Maryland. 15 September 2010. Presentation. "
Collison, Chris, Amber Monfette, Jessica Alexander, JasonStaub, Annick Anctil, Paul Jarosz, Susan Spencer and Harry Hu. “Potential New Candidates for Near-Infra-Red-Absorbing Active Layers in Multijunction Organic Photovoltaics: Characterization and Performance.” MRS National Spring Meeting Organic Photovoltaic Science and Technology symposium. San Francisco, CA. 8 April 2010. Presentation. "
Currently Teaching
CHEM-171
Advanced General Chemistry I
3 Credits
Advanced General Chemistry designed for aspiring chemical professionals. Students will learn the fundamental concepts that support a modern understanding of chemistry. Atomic and molecular structures are presented and investigated using quantum mechanics. The relationship between quantum mechanics, molecular structure, and material properties is emphasized.
CHEM-489
Advanced Special Topics
1 - 3 Credits
This is an advanced course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures.
CHEM-493
Chemistry Research
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research in chemistry that could be considered of an original nature.
CHEM-495
Advanced Chemistry Research
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
CHEM-790
Research & Thesis
1 - 6 Credits
Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
CHEM-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
CHMP-342
Physical Chemistry II
3 Credits
This course provides fundamental concepts, and organizing principles of quantum chemistry, applied in all aspects of chemistry and related fields. A rigorous and detailed explanation of central, unifying concepts in quantum chemistry will be developed. Mathematical models will be described, which contain the underpinnings to concepts applied in analytical, inorganic, organic, and biochemistry courses, as well as more advanced topics in chemistry. The course will cover: Postulates and formulation of Schrödinger equations, Operators and matrix elements, Solutions for the particle-in-a-box, simple harmonic oscillators, the rigid rotor and angular momentum, the hydrogen atom; spin, the Pauli principle. Approximation methods will be described for the helium atom, the hydrogen molecule ion, the hydrogen molecule, Diatomic molecules. Linear combinations of atomic orbitals and computational chemistry will be introduced and quantum chemistry applications will be provided. In addition this course will cover standard thermodynamic functions expressed in partition functions and spectroscopy and light-matter interaction
CHMP-346
Experimental Physical Chemistry II
1 Credits
An advanced experiential course based on the use of experimental data, theory, simple computer programming and computational demonstration to apply and test quantum mechanical models, which explain chemical phenomena. Emphasis is placed on connecting established theories to experimental evidence, and on presenting in a formal technical report.
MTSE-790
Research & Thesis
1 - 9 Credits
Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
MTSE-793
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis