Christopher Collison Headshot

Christopher Collison

Professor

School of Chemistry and Materials Science
College of Science
Jane King Harris Endowed Professorship
cjcscha@rit.edu
585-475-6142
Office Location
GOS-3290

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.

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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.
Ramos, Mayk Caldas, Christopher J. Collison, and Andrew D. White. "A review of large language models and autonomous agents in chemistry." Chemical Science 16. 6 (2025): 2514-2572. Print.
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.
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-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-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

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