Zhen (Coraline) Tao

Research

Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
I am interested in understanding how microscopic interactions among electrons, nuclei, spins, and their environments give rise to complex molecular and material behavior. My group develops fundamental theories and realistic simulation tools to study molecular and material processes across different spatial and temporal scales, with particular emphasis on connecting microscopic mechanisms to measurable observables. We aim to uncover the physical principles underlying emergent phenomena and establish experimentally testable connections between microscopic dynamics and chemical and material function.

Education

  • Ph.D., Chemistry, Yale University, 2022
  • B.S., Chemistry, Davidson College, 2016