06/02/2026
Active Faculty Profile: Dr. Michael Grubb
What happens when physical chemistry, spectroscopy, optics, and a little creative problem-solving come together? In Dr. Michael Grubb’s lab, the answer is something he calls “Trash Chemistry.”
Dr. Grubb, Chair and Associate Professor of Chemistry at Fort Lewis College, focuses his recent research on building high-functioning scientific instrumentation from commonly available or discarded items. It’s a hands-on approach that connects core ideas in physical chemistry, photochemistry, laser physics, and optics with the practical challenge of making science more accessible.
Past trash chemistry projects have included a Dynamic Light Scattering instrument to measure nanoparticle sizes made with a $0.50 laser diode, a hand-held 3D-printed refractometer for measuring solute concentrations instantly, and most recently a Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument made from a $500 plastic home tattoo removal laser for measuring the elemental composition of unknown samples. Pulling off these projects requires a combination of practical skills in mathematical analysis, computer programming, electronics, 3D-printing and modelling, and spectroscopy.
This past year students in Dr. Grubb’s lab used their LIBS instrument to analyze ancient Roman coins in collaboration with Dr. Michael Martin from the history department. Included is a LIBS spectrum of an ancient Roman coin and a picture of a student using this system in the lab.
Research like this reflects one of the strengths of the FLC Chemistry & Biochemistry Department… Students don’t just learn abstract chemistry in a classroom, they get to practice chemistry and apply it to the real world.
