Education
- BA Mod, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, 1987
- MS, Cornell University, 1990
- PhD, Cornell University, 1994
Biography
Stephen FitzGerald started his physics training in Ireland, obtaining a bachelor’s degree at Trinity College Dublin. He received a PhD at Cornell University and caught the teaching bug during a one-year position at Colgate University. His preparation for Oberlin was rounded out by a postdoctorate at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
FitzGerald was one of six faculty members to receive the college’s prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award for 2015–16.
Research Interests
- Infrared spectroscopy of trapped hydrogen molecules
- Inelastic spectroscopy of Fullerenes (Buckyballs)
Recent Courses
Awards and Recognition
Professor of Physics Stephen FitzGerald in spring 2017 was awarded a three-year, $310,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support his project entitled "RUI: Probing adsorbate interactions in metal-organic frameworks using site selective spectroscopy."
This research examines hydrogen storage for fuel-cell applications and isotope separation for chemical labeling, medical tracing, and heavy water moderators. The grant provides funds for on-going student participation and the acquisition of a specialized mass-spectrometer.
Notes
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Stephen FitzGerald Awarded Grant
March 2, 2017Professor of Physics Stephen FitzGerald was awarded a three-year, $310,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support his project entitled "RUI: Probing adsorbate interactions in metal-organic frameworks using site selective spectroscopy." This research examines hydrogen storage for fuel-cell applications and isotope separation for chemical labeling, medical tracing, and heavy water moderators. The grant provides funds for on-going student participation and the acquisition of a specialized mass-spectrometer.
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Stephen FitzGerald Publishes
November 11, 2015Professor of Physics Stephen FitzGerald published the paper "Orientational ortho-H2 pair interactions in the microporous framework MOF-5” in the international journal Physical Review B. The paper was co-authored by Christopher Eckdahl '17, Cooper McDonald '15, Jocienne Nelson '14, Kai Shinbrough '17, Holden Lai '15, and the late Assistant Professor of Chemistry Jesse Rowsell.