UROP Project

computational chemistry, perfluoroalkyl substances, perfluorosulfonic acids, perfluorocarboxlic acids, and nonthermal plasma
Kimberley Christopher Photo Bio.jpg
Research Mentor: Kimberley Christopher,
Department, College, Affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: kmc23@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Bruce Locke
Faculty Collaborators Email: locke@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Computer Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 3rd 2-4pm

Project Description

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse set of compounds that are toxic at low concentrations, ubiquitous in the environment, and especially difficult to degrade due to their inherently strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Many methods to degrade PFAS are currently being investigated and nonthermal plasma, which produces several reactive intermediates, has proven successful. Mechanistically, there are many competing theories for the degradation of different classes of PFAS; however, no consensus has been reached about the exact degradation pathway. Experimentally, it is difficult to deduce the mechanism of degradation as the concentration of PFAS in wastewater treatment may be well below detection limits of analytical equipment. Computations, therefore, are an invaluable tool to study the degradation of PFAS from a thermodynamic point of view. In this study, we will, for the first time, conduct a systemic computational analysis from a Physical Organic Chemistry perspective to understand how PFAS are degraded in nonthermal plasma. We will investigate how chemical structure affects reactivity, what role reactive intermediates play in PFAS degradation, and we will quantitatively evaluate various degradation mechanisms utilizing a variety of methods from the field of Computational Chemistry.

Research Tasks: Literature Review
Computational Experiments
Data Analysis
Writing Reports


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Prior coding experience is recommended

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentor, my primary goal is to cultivate an environment that enables the mentee to be curious and acquire the skills they need to be successful and independent in their future careers. I will foster a collaborative environment by being available and encouraging mentees to share ideas and test theories. Periodically, I will check in to see when the mentee needs assistance. Additionally, I will guide the mentee and support them by exposing them to new opportunities. I expect my mentees to be honest and verbalize their expectations and future plans to assist them to the best of my ability. My mentees should have a healthy does of curiosity and willingness to learn new things. I strive for my mentoring relationship to be collaborative and productive.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Kimberley-Christopher-2258346553
Return to Project Database