Gulf Coast Conference: Kevin Schug Discusses Predicting Gas Phase Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectra
At the 2023 Gulf Coast Conference, Spectroscopy spoke with Kevin Schug of the University of Texas at Arlington, about predicting gas phase vacuum ultraviolet spectra using machine learning. This interview was one of four conducted live at GCC 2023.
Schug spoke during the 2023 Gulf Coast Conference (GCC) in Galveston, Texas, with one of his lectures being titled, "Prediction of Gas Phase Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectra using Machine Learning."
Kevin A. Schug is a Professor and Shimadzu Distinguished Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington. He received his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech working with the late Professor Harold McNair. He earned a B.S. Chemistry from the College of William and Mary. He has been at the University of Texas at Arlington since 2005.
Spectroscopy sat down with Hagemann to discuss the following questions:
- Can you give us a brief overview of the work you'll be presenting today (00:16–01:24)?
- Why do you believe machine learning to be useful in predicting gas phase vacuum ultraviolet spectra (01:25–03:20)?
- What more research can be done in this space (03:21–04:57)?
- What is the most exciting or interesting part of this research for you (04:58–05:52)?
- Is there anything we're not asking you that you think would be interesting for viewers to know (05:53–06:49)?
- Are there other presentations you are/were excited to see here at GCC (06:50–07:59)?
- What makes GCC significant for the next generation of separation scientists (08:00–09:04)?
Our interview with Schug was one of four conducted live at GCC 2023. For the other published GCC interviews, click on the links below:
Gulf Coast Conference: Elena Hagemann Discusses Using Raman and NIR to Analyze Petrochemicals
Gulf Coast Conference: John Wasson Discusses Data Retrieval From Chemical Processing Plant Streams
Gulf Coast Conference: Jean-Francois Borny Discusses Evolutions in PFAS Analysis
Exoplanet Discovery Using Spectroscopy
March 26th 2025Recent advancements in exoplanet detection, including high-resolution spectroscopy, adaptive optics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data analysis, are significantly improving our ability to identify and study distant planets. These developments mark a turning point in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
Using Spectroscopy to Reveal the Secrets of Space
March 25th 2025Scientists are using advanced spectroscopic techniques to probe the universe, uncovering vital insights about celestial objects. A new study by Diriba Gonfa Tolasa of Assosa University, Ethiopia, highlights how atomic and molecular physics contribute to astrophysical discoveries, shaping our understanding of stars, galaxies, and even the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Illuminating Robotics and the Role of Optical Sensors in Continuum Robots
March 19th 2025A recent review published in Sensors explores the dynamic field of continuum robotics, with a particular focus on the advances in optical sensing technologies. The study, led by researchers from the Technical University of Košice and the University of Texas at Austin, highlights the dominance of optical fiber sensors in tracking robotic shape perception and environmental interactions, demonstrating spectroscopic applications and future potential.
