Welcome to the Esposito Research Lab!
The Esposito lab at Chapman University specializes in the computational chemistry exploration of Astrochemistry. Research in the Esposito Lab uses computational chemistry (quantum chemistry) techniques to investigate the chemical properties of molecules in space. This work spans across the electromagnetic spectrum in the form of photochemistry and electronic spectroscopy (UV/vis), vibrational spectroscopy (infrared), and rotational spectroscopy (microwave/radio). Only 90 years ago, space was thought to be an empty vacuum. Since then, over 300 molecules have been detected in space with the help of powerful telescopes, sophisticated laboratory experiments, and advanced computational techniques (termed the “triangle of astrochemistry”). The Esposito Lab at Chapman forms one small piece of this triangle, and through many domestic and international collaborations, we hope to arrive at a deeper understanding of our Universe.
Meet the Group
Esposito Lab Group Members (left to right): Juliana Jordan, Stella Erlandson, Dr. Rachel Huchmala, Prof. Esposito, Ben Smith, Audrey Iravanchy, Cadette Beniyah
Group News
5/23/26 - Ben Smith graduates with his B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics! Good Luck in graduate school Ben!
4/27/2026 - Juliana was awarded a Chapman Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) to do research in the Esposito Lab over the summer!
Esposito Lab 101
Esposito Lab 101 is a self guided intro to the methods used in the lab. It was written with the intention of getting people ready and thinking about the kinds of problems we approach.