Research in the McGuire Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology uses the tools of
physical chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, and observational astrophysics to understand how
the chemical ingredients for life evolve with and help shape the formation of stars and planets.
In the laboratory, we use high-resolution rotational spectroscopy to enable the detection
of new molecules in the interstellar medium. We exploit automation, signal processing, and
statistical tools to produce, identify, and measure new potential species in an unbiased fashion.
We then endeavor to determine how the results of these experiments inform our understanding
of the underlying fundamental chemical processes.
Observationally, we use high-resolution radio astronomical observations to study the rotational
spectra of molecules in interstellar sources. We seek to know what molecules are present and to understand
how they got there and where they are going, both in terms of the chemical and physical evolution
of the source. The fundamental experiment is the detection of new molecular species. Each new
detection imparts momentum of the field of astrochemistry, sometimes subtly pushing, other times
forcefully driving research to follow the new discoveries.
7 Aug 2023 - The group attends the Green Bank Single Dish Summer School and GBT Training Workshop (Read More)
31 Jul 2023 - Welcome to Dr. Marty Holdren as a new Postdoctoral Associate in the group (Read More)
10 Jul 2023 - The group attends the Kavli-IAU Astrochemistry Symposium (Read More)
19 Jun 2023 - The group attends the 2023 International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy (Read More)
22 May 2023 - Zach presents at AbGradCon 2023 (Read More)
29 Mar 2023 - Alex is awarded NSF GRFP Fellowship (Read More)