Bio
Dr. David Couch is a professor of chemistry specializing in physical chemistry, where he teaches both foundational and advanced coursework in thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, and kinetics. He collaborates actively with the Department of Aeronautical Engineering on research developing detailed chemical kinetics models for combustion under extreme conditions relevant to scramjet propulsion systems. His work focuses on bridging fundamental reaction dynamics with applied aerospace contexts, preparing students for both academic and engineering careers.
His research background includes probing ultrafast molecular dynamics with femtosecond lasers, using laser-based diagnostics to identify combustion intermediates, and measuring elementary reaction rates to better understand ignition chemistry and soot formation. His current research is more applied yet remains grounded in fundamental chemical principles. He is especially interested in integrating computation, theory, and experiment in both his teaching and research.
Outside the lab and classroom, Dr. Couch enjoys hiking with his family and is an avid reader of science fiction and epic fantasy.
Education
Ph.D. Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder (2016-2019)
M.S. Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder (2013-2016)
B.S. Chemical Physics (2009-2013)
B.A. Psychology (2009-2013)
Professional Experience
Assistant Professor, USAFA (2023-present)
Postdoctoral Researcher, Sandia National Laboratories (2019-2023)
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Colorado at Boulder (2013-2019)
Honors & Awards
Young Investigator Award, ACS Division of Physical Chemistry (2022)
First Place presentation at Sandia’s 15th Postdoctoral Technical Showcase (2022)
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (2014-2019)
Research and Scholarly Interests
Experimental benchmarks for detailed combustion kinetics models (2016-2025)
Laser diagnostics for identifying and quantifying combustion intermediates (2015-2025)
Publications
D. E. Couch, M. M. San Marchi, N. Hansen, Experimental observation of molecular-weight growth by the reactions of o-benzyne with benzyl radicals. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 26, 24833-24840 (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D4CP02560A
D. E. Couch, A. W. Jasper, G. Kukkadapu, M. M. San Marchi, A. J. Zhang, C. A. Taatjes, N. Hansen, Molecular weight growth by the phenyl + cyclopentadienyl reaction: Well-skipping, ring-opening, and dissociation. Combust. Flame 257, 112439 (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.combustflame.2022.112439
D. E. Couch, C. R. Mulvihill, R. Sivaramakrishnan, K. Au, C. A. Taatjes, L. Sheps, Quantification of key peroxy and hydroperoxy intermediates in the low-temperature oxidation of dimethyl ether. J. Phys. Chem. A 126, 9497-9509 (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c06959