The Pellizzeri Group is actively recruiting undergraduate and graduate students. Projects can be tailored to your interests and may include applications, model development, and coding-focused research.
Join the LabThe Pellizzeri Group uses computational chemistry to predict, explain, and model chemical processes using the core equations of physical chemistry and chemical intuition. We focus on building molecular-level understanding that supports experimental design and materials discovery.
Identify promising catalysts by combining electronic structure analysis with mechanistic modeling.
Methods: Density Functional Theory (DFT), descriptor development, and reaction pathway analysis.
Impact: Accelerates catalyst screening and helps prioritize targets for experimental validation.
Quantify energetics and rate-limiting steps for molecular transformations relevant to energy and synthesis.
Methods: Potential energy surfaces, transition-state calculations, and microkinetic modeling.
Impact: Provides molecular-level understanding to guide reaction optimization.
Model adsorption and decomposition pathways for contaminants, including PFAS-related compounds.
Methods: Thermodynamic analysis, adsorption modeling, and computational nanoreactors.
Impact: Supports development of more effective and selective treatment materials.
Students with interests in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or coding are encouraged to apply.
To express interest, email Dr. Pellizzeri with a short background summary and research interests: spellizzeri@eiu.edu.
Last updated: July 2026