Associate Professor of Chemistry- Department of Natural Sciences
Dr. Hernandez de la Pena is interested in the development of theoretical and computational approaches for
understanding the equilibrium and dynamical properties of complex molecular systems. He employs the
methods of Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics in classical and non-classical regimes, and works on
advancing the necessary theoretical framework to use them efficiently. He is currently developing
approximated quantum dynamical techniques for the study of systems in condensed phase and optimizing
non-equilibrium strategies for the calculation of free energy differences in quantum systems.
Dr. Hernandez de la Pena’s conception of teaching and learning has mainly to do with motivation and
therefore motivating the student is a top priority within his teaching style. Different topics are motivated
differently but a well-organized and knowledgeable professor is a good starting point. Some classes can be
motivated by the applicability to every day phenomena of the material that is being taught, as it happens with
thermodynamics. Other classes can be motivated as the foundation for understanding exotic or unexpected
physical behavior, as it happen with quantum mechanics. In his classes, Dr. Hernandez de la Pena places a
great deal of emphasis on solving examples and discussing with the students the physical meaning of the
problem at hand. He also highlights, as much as possible, the importance of mathematical skills and
quantitative reasoning.
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About Lisandro Hernandez de la Pena
Dr. Hernandez de la Pena is interested in the development of theoretical and computational approaches for
understanding the equilibrium and dynamical properties of complex molecular systems. He employs the
methods of Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics in classical and non-classical regimes, and works on
advancing the necessary theoretical framework to use them efficiently. He is currently developing
approximated quantum dynamical techniques for the study of systems in condensed phase and optimizing
non-equilibrium strategies for the calculation of free energy differences in quantum systems.
Dr. Hernandez de la Pena’s conception of teaching and learning has mainly to do with motivation and
therefore motivating the student is a top priority within his teaching style. Different topics are motivated
differently but a well-organized and knowledgeable professor is a good starting point. Some classes can be
motivated by the applicability to every day phenomena of the material that is being taught, as it happens with
thermodynamics. Other classes can be motivated as the foundation for understanding exotic or unexpected
physical behavior, as it happen with quantum mechanics. In his classes, Dr. Hernandez de la Pena places a
great deal of emphasis on solving examples and discussing with the students the physical meaning of the
problem at hand. He also highlights, as much as possible, the importance of mathematical skills and
quantitative reasoning.
| Present | Associate Professor of Chemistry, Kettering University ‐ Department of Natural Sciences | |
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Disciplines
Research Interests
Courses
| 2004 | Ph.D. in Chemistry, Dalhousie University | |
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| 1997 | M.S. in Radiochemistry, Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technology | |
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| 1995 | B.S. in Radiochemistry, Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technology | |
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Contact Information
Chemistry/Biochemistry
MC 3-215
810-762- 7928
lhernand@kettering.edu