Meet Assistant Professor J. Nathan Hohman, whose research centers on the synthesis of new catalysts, energy storage devices, and new methods for building molecular architectures.
Professor Nate Hohman was drawn to chemistry from a young age. As a young teenager, he had a subscription to Popular Science and recalls reading – with great interest – about buckyballs and carbon nanotubes. He was especially drawn to the patterns of connectivity and strength and properties of these unique materials. By his 10th grade chemistry class, Hohman was certain that he wanted to pursue a degree in chemistry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana and went on to study under Professor Paul S. Weiss at Penn State for his Ph.D. From there, a sudden change in Weiss’s appointment led Hohman to complete his studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. From LA, Hohman moved his way up the West Coast, completing a postdoctoral research position in the Stanford University Materials Science and Engineering Department. Shortly after his post doc, he began working at the Molecular Foundry at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
After working for three years at the Molecular Foundry, Hohman realized he missed the world of academics and the joys of teaching students. He wanted to be closer to the faculty and students while experiencing the independence that comes from being a faculty member. Hohman chose UConn after searching for a university that would provide him the opportunity to teach and pursue his research interests.
When joining the UConn Department of Chemistry, Hohman’s primary goal was to teach a freshmen general chemistry course. “I’ve always seen general chemistry as the gatekeeper for the study of chemistry. It was the class that got me interested in chemistry and I wanted to pass that along.” With a smile, Hohman added, “I also believe most research is just fancy general chemistry!” Hohman is currently teaching a general chemistry course (CHEM 1127Q), and is learning how to navigate the challenges that come with a large lecture size, such as maintaining an open and exciting conversation. He is looking forward to continuing teaching general chemistry in the fall of next year. Hohman is also excited to teach Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 5396) in Spring 2020, which will feature some of his research and will explore synthesis of nanomaterials, characterization, and their peculiar solid state physics.
“I’ve always seen general chemistry as the gatekeeper for the study of chemistry. It was the class that got me interested in chemistry and I wanted to pass that along…I also believe most research is just fancy general chemistry!”
Dr. Hohman originally began his research working with ultrathin films composed of a single layer of molecules attached to surfaces like gold. Using a scanning tunneling microscope, he examined how molecules pack and self-organize on surfaces. After exhausting his efforts in 2D layers, he began to study 3D layers through inorganic synthesis, specializing in a class of compounds called metal-organic chalcogenolates (MOChas). His current interest is in how those principles of organization in 2D films translate to the self-organization of matter in three dimensions. Hohman found new materials with interesting, new properties through the use of crystals. “By changing the molecule, we change the crystal. If we do this systematically, we can build all sorts of exciting new compounds with new chemistry and structure.” Hohman will continue this work as a faculty member here at UConn, with an eye towards the synthesis of new catalysts, energy storage devices, and new methods for building molecular architectures.
Dr. Hohman believes that students will succeed if they can identify what their end goals are and focus on their passions. Hohman’s advice for undergraduates is to enjoy freshman year, create networks, and get involved with research. For graduate students, Hohman stresses the importance of developing strong relationships with faculty and the importance of research experience. “Every single graduate program is looking at whether you have research experience, and then the grades. Don’t neglect your coursework, but committees mostly talk about your research chops.”
Hohman is a new parent and is currently enjoying living in the Connecticut countryside, where he can pursue many of the incidental hobbies that come with home ownership, including yard work, cleaning, and home repair. He maintains an organic garden and grows a few fruits and vegetables, including peaches, raspberries, and rhubarb. After living in cities and residing in apartments, he is excited to live in the countryside where he can enjoy the lifestyle and community. When he is not playing with his kids or working on his yard, Hohman enjoys cooking, brewing beer, and has been known to enjoy the occasional strategy game.