Affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute, Mainz
Keywords: Theoretical Chemistry, Quantum Molecular Dynamics, Ultrafast Spectroscopy, Quantum Optimal Control, Photochemistry, Quantum Computing.
Full profile: Daniel Keefer studied and graduated at LMU Munich, obtaining his PhD in theoretical chemistry in 2019 with distinction and awards. He then moved to the United States to perform his postdoctoral studies at the University of California in Irvine, supported by a Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship of the Alexander von Humboldt foundation. In the group of Prof. Shaul Mukamel, he worked on the design and simulation of ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy for the probing of molecular photochemistry. Besides laying an excellent foundation for a scientific career, he explored the beautiful Californian nature, learned surfing and became a father, equally sharing care responsibilities with his wife.
In 2023, Daniel joined the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany to start his own research group. In the same year, Daniel was awarded the ERC Starting Grant “QuantXS”. His research utilizes a “Ménage à trois” of quantum molecular dynamics, ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum optimal control to push spectroscopic capabilities – specifically from X-ray free-electron laser sources – to new frontiers.