For the past five years, assistant professor Dan Ess has used computation and theory to make significant contributions to the field of chemistry.
For his work, Ess was recently awarded the BYU Young Scholar Award. This award recognizes faculty members in the early stages of their careers who have shown outstanding scholarship.
“I am grateful that my colleagues and BYU believe I am worthy of receiving this award,” Ess said.
Ess develops and utilizes quantum-chemistry methods to discover mechanisms, reactivity principles, and selectivity for specific chemical reactions. He and his research group—comprised of postdocs, graduates, and undergraduates—emphasize quantitative simulation of chemical reactions and the development of qualitative models used for experimental predictions.
“I like to make discoveries that make an impact on experimental chemistry and teach chemists new ways to think and solve chemical problems,” Ess said.
Ess has published nearly 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers that have appeared in journals such as Science and theJournal of the American Chemical Society. Ess has also been awarded several grants from the Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, and the chemical industry.
In addition to running a high-powered research group, Ess enjoys teaching.
“The balance of research and teaching at BYU is very rewarding,” Ess said. “I make teaching as high of a priority as research, even though the amount of time is probably not equal.”
Ess’ job allows him to experience the best of both worlds: He is able to ask and answer questions about chemical reactions and help students gain knowledge on a subject he loves.
Ess teaches various chemistry classes, including organic chemistry and physical organic chemistry.