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Postdoctoral Researcher, Gaithersburg, MD
Biography
Claire recently joined the Functional Nanostructured Materials Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (Gaithersburg, MD), where she investigates the mechanisms of copper electrodeposition for energy-efficient interconnects.
She earned her PhD in Chemistry (2026) with Michael Rose at the University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX). Her dissertation focused on precise control of interfacial electronic structure in silicon through molecular-level surface modification, alongside advancing electrochemical characterization methodologies. Her work on hybrid semiconductor–molecule interfaces is relevant to light-adsorbing devices (photovoltaics & photoelectrochemistry) and molecular electronics. These applications depend critically on understanding a semiconductor’s energetic landscape, including (i) the energetic distribution of electronic states within the material and (ii) the kinetic response of electrons under applied bias. Since electrons transfer through material’s interface – the interface is the most critical design parameter of the device.
Prior to graduate studies, Claire earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from Hope College (Holland, MI). There, she worked with Jeff Christians on the modification of perovskite quantum dots. She also competed for four years on the varsity tennis team and was a two-time NCAA Division III All-American in singles.
Outside of research, Claire continues to participate in the local tennis community through USTA leagues and enjoys hitting with and mentoring competitive junior players.
Selected Awards
2024 Bard Center For Electrochemistry Fellowship
2021, 2023 Faraday Teaching Award
Education
Ph.D. Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin
B.S. Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Hope College