I studied physics (BSc and MSc Hebrew University, PhD – University of Cambridge) and spent most of my career performing research on the interface between chemistry and physics, studying surface dynamics and gas-surface interactions. A common aspect to the work of my research group, is focussing on research questions which are impossible to study using existing scientific technology, but can be addressed by designing, building and applying new experimental techniques
Controlling molecular rotations. When a molecule collides with a surface, various outcomes are possible, in particular it can scatter back into the gas phase, stick to the surface or dissociate upon impact. Understanding these processes is crucial for surface chemistry in general and heterogenous catalysis in particular. One of the properties which affects the outcome of the collision is the rotational projection state of the molecule (corresponding to the direction of the plane of rotation of the molecule with respect to the surface). This quantum property could not be controlled or measured for most molecules. Our group has developed a new experimental technique which is capable of controlling and measuring the rotation of ground state hydrogen molecules, providing new insight into the interaction of molecules with surfaces. Read more about the new experimental technique and how it can be used to study a molecule-surface collision.
Separation of Ortho and Para H2O. Water molecules exist as two different spin-isomers differing by their nuclear spin states, this is similar to the well-known case of ortho and para molecular hydrogen. Unlike hydrogen, Ortho and Para H2O were impossible to separate leading to a limited knowledge and no applications which can exploit their different physical properties. Using a magnetic separation approach we managed to separate the two isomers, producing a highly purified molecular beam of Ortho-H2O. Our group is actively pursuing new applications which make use of this technical breakthrough.
FELLOWSHIPS, AWARDS and HONORS
2018 ERC consolidator grant awardee
2017 Yanai prize for excellence in teaching
2016 Schulich excellence in teaching award
2015 Schulich excellence in teaching award
2015 Excellent Young Scientist Prize – Israeli Chemistry Society
2012 ERC starting grant awardee
2012 Krill Prize – Wolf fundation
2011 Henry Taub Award
2009 Landau Fellow
2009 Alon Fellowship
2008 Royal Society University Research Fellowship (I declined the offer to start my position as a senior lecturer at the Technion).
2005 ECOSS Young Researcher Prize – ECOSS-23, Berlin.
2005 Research Fellowship Competition - Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University.
2002 Overseas Research Awards Scheme
2001 Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Building on Structure and Bonding 1 (CH-123), this will extend the theoretical underpinning for atomic and molecular structure and will address more advanced examples from organic and inorganic chemistry as well as macroscopic systems. The content of this module will require knowledge developed in prior modules as well as independent reading outside scheduled sessions. The module will have a variety of formative assessment opportunities and summative assessments that include writing of technical reports, a presentation, quizzes, workshops, and an exam.
This module will introduce students to the three broad employment areas for chemistry: research, teaching or industrial positions. The lecture portion will cover fundamental aspects of being a professional chemist including safety, report writing, project management, and teaching skills. Students will attend research seminars and workshops, industrial field trips, and supervise school pupils in the laboratory. Assessment will be by coursework and a written report.
The area of computational chemistry is of ever increasing importance in industry; from designer materials to prediction of likely drug targets, the falling cost of computational power is allowing the simulation of ever more complex molecular systems, lowering the cost of real-world research. This module will take the foundations of theoretical chemistry covered in Year One and further develop these in order to apply to in silico chemistry. Note: it is expected that material, techniques and skills covered in the course of this module will require understanding of any prior core module.
This course will cover theory and applications of qualitative and quantitative analytical chemistry, with particular emphasis on quantitative chemical analysis. The students will learn about various processes and measurements involved in a chemical analysis, and about statistical analyses of the data acquired during such experiments. The topics related to both classic (e.g., titrations) and modern analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, surface analysis) will be covered. Material, techniques and skills covered in the course of this module will build on and therefore require understanding of all prior modules. The module will be assessed by coursework (a presentation, laboratory experiments, laboratory report and assignments) and by examination.
3rd year projects are the opportunity to bring all you've learnt during your degree together and apply that knowledge to solve a problem. In Swansea these projects can be embedded in active research groups across the colleges of science, engineering or medicine, allowing you to build a network and experience in your chosen specialism within the chemical sciences. These projects are your opportunity to demonstrate to employers that you have a full understanding of your course and are able to direct your own studies, manage an independent research project and effectively communicate your findings. This selection suggests an interest in a project embedded within a research group in engineering, focusing on materials chemistry or chemical engineering
MChem projects are the defining feature of the integrated masters with a chance to contribute research work of potentially publishable standard to an active research group within the University. In Swansea these projects can be embedded in active research groups across the Faculty of Science and Engineering or the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, allowing you to build a network and experience in your chosen specialism within the chemical sciences. These projects are an excellent way of managing the transition on to your next destination after undergraduate study, whether that is a postgraduate research studentship or into employment. The skills developed in the MChem projects demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver all aspects of a 60 credit research project and on exit you will have demonstrated the academic equivalence and begun developing the other skills required for entry into professional development schemes leading to chartership. This selection suggests an interest in a project embedded within a research group in science, focusing on straight chemistry, or interacting and collaborating with another department such as bioscience, geography, physics, maths or computer science.
This module gives students the opportunity to explore options within Chemistry, giving opportunity to apply prior learning to advanced research topics and allowing students to pursue more specialised topics related to their research interests and aligned with the research areas represented within the Department. Study areas available will include advanced spectroscopic techniques, the application of instrumentation in chemistry, as well as more advanced synthetic pathways and a return to more integrated study of the traditional branches of organic/inorganic/physical chemistry. Classes will be supported with workshops which will help students gain a thorough understanding of the integrated nature of Chemistry at an advanced level. Where possible, topics will be taught using relevant examples from primary literature, encouraging students to evaluate and appraise a range of primary literature sources and locate appropriate new sources. The module is designed to be flexible to allow the content to vary with the research areas represented within the Department.
Dr Helen Chadwick, Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr Hamza Labiad, Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr. Joshua Cantin, Postdoctoral Researcher
Mr Yosef Alkoby, PhD Student
Ms Dagmar Butkovikova, Laboratory Manager and Instrument Scientist.
2019 - Present
2018 - 2019
2014 - 2018
2008 - 2014
2005 - 2008
