Dr. Grubbs joined Missouri S&T in 2013. His research deals with the continuing improvement of molecular rotational spectra instrumentation and interpretation in order to unlock the potential uses of microwave rotational techniques, particularly as it applies to actinide-containing and chiral molecules. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles in this area. His group consists of postdoctoral fellows, graduate, undergraduate, and, occasionally, high school students. More about his research can be found here. He is the editor of the Microwave Spectroscopy Information Letter, the premier source for up-to-date experimental happenings among the microwave rotational community. He is the organizer of the Midwest Microwave Spectroscopy Consortium which has nine investigators from eight different institutions: Sean Peebles and Rebecca Peebles – University of Sacramento, Peter Groner – University of Missouri-Kansas City, Galen Sedo – University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Gamil Guirgis – College of Charleston, Stephen Cooke – SUNY-Purchase College, Paul Raston – James Madison University, Wei Lin – University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, and Lindsay Zack – Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.

Dr. Grubbs has been the Associate Advisor of S&T’s Mars Rover Design Team (MRDT) since 2014 which consistently competes and places high in the Mars Society’s University Rover Challenge held near Hanksville, UT. The students on the MRDT build next-generation rovers which are designed to assist astronauts on manned missions to Mars. The rovers must complete a set of various tasks and milestones which change each year. MRDT’s motto is Today, Tomorrow, Forever in order to strive for excellence, educate the next generation of curious explorers, scientists, and engineers, and to continuously push the limits of our imagination in order to grow as a society.

Dr. Grubbs also serves as the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) South Central Missouri Local Section Immediate Past Chair where he is an integral part of multiple community and student outreach events such as National Chemistry Week Festivities, Local Section sponsored picnics and barbecues, selection of Local Section awards for Excellence in Chemistry Teaching and Excellence in Undergraduate Research, and other ACS initiatives. He hosts demo shows for local and regional audiences as and is the recipient of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education’s 2023 Outreach Award in recognition of these efforts.

Disciplines

• Molecular Spectroscopy
• Spectroscopic Instrumentation Innovation and Development
• Gas Phase Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Chemical Physics
• Analytical Chemistry

Education

• 2011-2013 Postdoctoral Fellow, Wesleyan University
• 2011 – Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of North Texas
• 2006 – B.S. in Chemistry, Texas A&M University