Professor Budil's group is interested in the physical behavior of macromolecules, particularly biopolymers such as large proteins. To investigate molecular structure and dynamics, we are developing a novel extension of standard electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy that requires superconducting magnetic fields and far-infrared light. The use of high fields dramatically increases the dynamic and chemical information obtainable using ESR, by analogy with similar advances in NMR. We are applying this method to study a wide variety of different spin-labeled polymers and proteins.

Another area of focus in his research is the ultrafast primary light reaction in photosynthesis. Because this reaction involves the creation of unpaired electron spins, it can also be investigated using ESR. We are applying our high-frequency methods to examine new structural details of the working states of the photosynthetic reaction center that reflect the way in which the host protein directs the primary reaction.

• "Dynamics and Ordering in a Spin-Labeled Oligonucleotide Observed by 220 GHz Electron Paramagnetic Resonance.", Stephen V. Kolaczkowski, D.E. Budil, and Phyllis R. Strauss. Biophysical journal. JAN 01 2000 v 78 n 1
• "Toward Enediyne Mimics: Methanolysis of Azoesters and a Bisazoester.", Veeraraghavan Srinivasan, David J. Jebaratnam, D.E. Budil. Journal of organic chemistry. JUL 23 1999 v 64 n 15.
• "Intruducing a Practice-Oriented Approach in the Physical Chemistry Instructional Laboratory." D.E. Budil, Lutfur R. Khundkar, and Mary Jo Ondrechen. Journal of chemical education. MAY 01 1999 v 76 n 5
• "Rotational Diffusion and Order Parameters of Liquid Crystalline Polymer Studied by ESR: Molecular Weight Dependence." Jack H. Freed, Dajiang Xu, D.E. Budil. The journal of physical chemistry. SEP 26 1996 v 100 n 39.