Kennedy Lecture Series with Dr. Laura Gagliardi from the University of Chicago at 4:30pm

Abstract: What makes atoms bond together, and how can understanding these interactions help us address
some of the world's most pressing challenges? These questions have guided much of my scientific
journey, from my early studies of chemical bonding to my current research on materials for
sustainable energy and environmental applications.
In this lecture, I will share how my career evolved across different countries, institutions, and
scientific disciplines, and how curiosity, unexpected opportunities, and collaborations shaped the
directions of my research. I will discuss how fundamental questions about chemical bonding led
me to explore unusual metal–metal interactions and, eventually, to the computational design of
porous materials capable of capturing carbon dioxide and harvesting water from the atmosphere.
Along the way, I will reflect on the people and experiences that influenced my career, the
importance of connecting theory with experiment, and the lessons I have learned about pursuing
science with curiosity, rigor, and an open mind.

About the Gagliardi Group: The Gagliardi Group addresses the most compelling challenges of our planet related to clean energy. We develop novel quantum chemical methods and apply them to study phenomena related to sustainable energies. We are interested in modeling molecular species, materials, and interfaces.  We develop electronic structure theories, machine learning protocols, and combine quantum and classical simulation techniques.
 

Seminar hosts: Prof Rob Wexler, Prof Kelly Powderly, and Prof Zach Zheng