Dr. Benjamin Mccall

Professor

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Biography

Professor McCall received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1995 and completed a joint Ph.D. in Chemistry and Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Chicago in 2001. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at Berkeley before joining the faculty at the University of Illinois in 2004. His research focuses on molecular spectroscopy, particularly involving laboratory plasmas and ultrasensitive techniques for recording high-resolution infrared spectra of molecular ions. He is especially interested in the structure and intramolecular dynamics of non-classical carbocations, such as CH5+, and simpler ions like H3+, HeH+, and OH+. McCall aims to contribute to the field of laboratory astrochemistry, providing new measurements to aid astronomical studies of ions, and he also investigates plasma spectroscopy related to ball lightning. Acknowledging the pressing climate impacts of fossil fuel combustion, he has taken steps towards sustainability, leading projects at the Illinois Biodiesel Initiative and engaging undergraduate and master's students in research efforts.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Research Professor

— Present

Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois • Urbana, IL

Teaching and conducting research in the fields of molecular spectroscopy and astrochemistry.

Awards

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Fellow

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Fellow

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Presidential Early Career Award

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David and Lucile Packard Fellowship

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University Scholar

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Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award

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Helen Corley Petit Scholar

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Dean's Teaching Fellowship

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Sloan Research Fellowship

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Coblentz Award

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Cottrell Scholar Award

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Young Investigator Award

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CAREER Award

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Predoctoral Fellow

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.