Physics professor recipient of prestigious NSF CAREER award
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018
Daniel Rolles, assistant professor of physics at Kansas State University, is a recipient of a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development grant. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University physicist Daniel Rolles has received a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development, or CAREER, Program award to investigate ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics during light-driven chemical reactions.
The NSF's CAREER Program supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.
Rolles, an assistant professor of physics, will use his five-year, $500,000 CAREER award to develop new experimental tools for imaging ultrafast dynamics during photochemical reactions in molecules.
"This work will enable new studies of light-induced reactions that are important in several scientific areas," Rolles said. "Such imaging and controlling of reactions at the electronic level can lead to the development of new technologies with several benefits to society."
Rolles works in the physics department's J.R. Macdonald Laboratory where he conducts research in experimental atomic, molecular and optical physics involving ultrafast lasers and X-ray science.
"Dr. Rolles' CAREER award signifies NSF's recognition of his outstanding potential as a faculty member in the J.R. Macdonald Laboratory, the physics department and the College of Arts and Sciences," said Kristan Corwin, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of physics. "His work connects K-State to internationally recognized coherent X-ray laboratories in Europe and North America. This award is highly deserved."
