Journal of Physical Chemistry & Biophysics
Open Access

Jonathan E Kenny

Biography

Dr. Kenny’s research program applies his training and experience in fundamental physical chemistry (vibrational structure of polyatomic molecules and photophysics of aromatic systems) to the solution of real-world problems.  He co-authored the paper in Analytical Chemistry in 1983 that demonstrated the feasibility of in-situ UV fluorescence spectroscopy using fiber optics, and developed field-portable instrumentation to do multidimensional fluorescence screening of hazardous waste sites.  He also demonstrated the potential of multidimensional fluorescence combined with chemometrics to fingerprint ships’ ballast water, providing a potential enforcement tool for current US regulations regarding ballast water exchange for protection against foreign aquatic nuisance species.  Professor Kenny has been involved in many environmental education initiatives, including developing a course in Environmental Chemistry for non-scientists. In this course, he developed the use of journals and a program in critical thinking. Professor Kenny has taught interdisciplinary courses spanning the natural and social sciences and the humanities in the American Studies and freshman seminar programs at Tufts.

Research Interest

Fluorescence, Multidimensional fluorescence, Chemometrics, UV-Vis absorption, Raman and IR, Dissolved Organic Matter, PAH detection, Spectroscopic Methods, Laser techniques, Supersonic jet spectroscopy, Inner Filter effects, Instrumentation calibration and standardization, Fluorescence quenching, Molecular complexes, Natural waters characterization, Fluorescence fingerprinting of ballast water, Fluorescence fingerpringing of organisms, Photophysics, Fluorescence lifetimes.