Dr. Henrik Larsson is a new theoretical chemist in the department, currently teaching graduate quantum chemistry, with research focused on developing and utilizing tools for simulating and understanding quantum effects in molecular systems. He is interested in both structural and dynamical properties of molecules. His recent applications range from understanding entangled proton transfer motion in floppy, protonated water clusters, using strong laser fields to control the motion of electrons, to solving a more-than-40-year-old problem of bringing experiment and theory in agreement for a strongly correlated transition metal dimer.
Dr. Larsson studied Chemistry in Kiel (Germany) and in Lund (Sweden). He received his doctorate in Theoretical Chemistry working in the groups of Bernd Hartke (Kiel) and David Tannor (Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel). He then joined the group of Garnet Chan at California Institute of Technology as postdoctoral scholar. Afterwards, he joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at University of California, Merced as Assistant Professor.
Dr. Larsson is particularly excited about joining the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at University of California Merced because of the strong focus on theory and spectroscopy, and the vibrant department atmosphere. While Merced is a bit warmer, the many cows and the flat land remind him of his home in northern Germany.
