Education

PhD in Chemistry, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of San Francisco

Profile

When Professor Jordan Nelson was a child, he wanted to be an astronomer, studying vast galaxies. From there, he dreamed of being a geologist, then a veterinary doctor, studying specific organ systems in particular species. Eventually, he chose chemistry, a synthesis of all these disciplines.

“What I eventually realized drew me to these disparate studies of matter at such different scales was the element of the unknown,” Nelson said. “In academia, we learn to describe these unknowns better, but we also learn to concede that there are some unknowns we rely on that simply require faith.”

North Park’s distinctives—city-centered, intercultural, and Christian—brought Nelson here and continue to inspire him to design new assessments for students to integrate these unique aspects as they intersect with biochemistry. Nelson said his colleagues’ resilient and determined spirit, especially in the face of uncertainty and overt challenges, has furthered his commitment to North Park.

Recent Publications

Nelson, J. N.; Zhang, J.; Zhou, J.; Rugg, B. K.; Krzyaniak, M. D.; Wasielewski, M. R. CNOT Gate Operation on a Photogenerated Molecular Electron Spin-Qubit Pair. J. Chem. Phys. 2020, 152 (1), 014902

Nelson, J. N.; Zhang, J.; Zhou, J.; Rugg, B. K.; Krzyaniak, M. D.; Wasielewski, M. R. Effect of Electron–Nuclear Hyperfine Interactions on Multiple-Quantum Coherences in Photogenerated Covalent Radical (Qubit) Pairs. J. Phys. Chem. A 2018, 122 (49), 9392–9402.

Nelson, J. N.; Krzyaniak, M. D.; Horwitz, N. E.; Rugg, B. K.; Phelan, B. T.; Wasielewski, M. R. Zero Quantum Coherence in a Series of Covalent Spin-Correlated Radical Pairs. J. Phys. Chem. A 2017, 121 (11), 2241–2252.