PhD Student · Researcher · Volunteer
David GabrielSchauer
B.Sc. ETH in Interdisciplinary Sciences
PhD Student in Chemical Engineering · Columbia University, Gang Lab
Research Trajectory · ETH Zurich · Brown University · Brookhaven National Laboratory
I work on plasmonic gold nanoparticles and their surface-sensitive interrogation through optical and X-ray spectroscopy. My path traces an unconventional arc — from a mechatronics apprenticeship in Austria to interdisciplinary natural sciences at ETH Zurich, beamline work at Brookhaven, and graduate studies at Columbia. Outside the lab, I serve as US ambassador for Malaika Kitchens, a food-security initiative in rural Kenya.
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01 · Research & Academic Trajectory
Plasmonic Nanostructures &
X-ray Spectroscopy
Tunable synthesis, surface functionalization, and optical / X-ray spectroscopic interrogation of plasmon resonance in (an)isotropic gold nanoparticles — across ETH Zurich, Brown, Brookhaven, and now Columbia.
Columbia University · Gang Lab
Fully funded MS/PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science. Joining Prof. Oleg Gang's group on programmable nanomaterial assembly.
PhD StudentETH Zurich · ATTO Group, LPC
Scientific staff in Prof. Hans Jakob Wörner's lab (D-CHAB). Led wet-chemistry laboratory; developed pH-driven seed-mediated synthesis for precise tuning of plasmon response in gold nanoparticles, paired with optical and X-ray spectroscopy.
Scientific StaffHitachi Energy · CERC
R&D internship at the Central European Research Center, Baden-Dättwil. Reliability testing of encapsulated power modules for SiC-MOSFET semiconductors using scanning acoustic microscopy, surface profilometry, and accelerated stress testing.
Industry R&DBrown University · Klein Lab
Visiting Scholar in the Department of Chemistry. Helped build out the chemistry & spectroscopy laboratory with Prof. Emily Sprague-Klein; plasmonic nanoparticle synthesis and surface-sensitive spectroscopy.
SEMP ExchangeBrookhaven National Lab · 3-ID HXN
Guest User at NSLS-II, hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline. PI on XAS of surface plasmon resonance in gold nanoparticles (Au L3-edge 2D-XANES); Co-PI on Cu K-edge XANES of copper-carbon ultraconductors under in-situ He / vacuum conditions.
DOE BeamlinePaul Scherrer Institute · SwissFEL Maloja
Guest User on X-ray pump/probe of vortex electron scattering in 3-pyrrolidinol. Vacuum chamber, manipulator, and liquid delivery system assembly.
BeamtimeTeaching · Columbia ChemE
TA for Analysis of Chemical Engineering Problems (CHENE3020, Prof. Urban) and Principles of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (CHENE3010, Prof. Simunovic).
Teaching AssistantAustria → Switzerland → United States
Mechatronics apprenticeship in Linz · Benedictine Abbey High School, Melk · B.Sc. Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences at ETH Zurich · MS/PhD Chemical Engineering at Columbia.
Education02 · Publications & Talks
Peer-Reviewed Work &
Conference Presentations
Three peer-reviewed publications and presentations at APS, Gordon Research Conferences, ICORS, NSLS-II, and Nanotech France. Full list on Google Scholar.
Targeted Synthesis of Gold Nanorods and Characterization of their Tailored Surface Properties using Optical and X-ray Spectroscopy
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (RSC) · 2024 · 26(39), 25581–25589 · PCCP 2023 Emerging Investigators
Plasmon Resonance Dynamics and Enhancement Effects in tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) Gold Nanosphere Oligomers
Nanoscale (RSC) · 2024 · 16(11), 5601–5612 · Nanoscale 2024 Emerging Investigators
Failure Evolution and Reliability Assessment of Epoxy Mold Compounds in Power Module Encapsulation
PCIM Conference · Nuremberg · May 2025 · pp. 1209–1216
Plasmon Resonance Dynamics of Surface-Modified Gold Nanoparticles Explored Through Optical and X-ray Spectroscopy
Anaheim, CA · 2025
Posters & Abstracts · 2022 — 2025
03 · Engagement & Service
Malaika Kitchens &
Volunteer Work
Outside the lab — service through food security in Kenya, music education in Switzerland, and student leadership at ETH. The work connecting science training to the world beyond it.
Malaika Kitchens
US Ambassador for a grassroots initiative working on health, education, and community in rural Kenya. Responsible for outreach and funding acquisition in the United States.
Active · Get Involved →Melody Factory
Ambassador for a Swiss foundation supporting youth and music education. Responsible for communication, outreach, and funding acquisition.
Foundation WorkAssociation of Chemistry Students at ETH (VCS)
Held three board positions: Vice President, Head of Industrial Relations, and Transcript Writer. Connected the student body with industry partners and supported academic life across the department.
Student LeadershipAustrian Red Cross · Civil Service
Completed national civil service. Board examination as paramedic and emergency vehicle driver.
Civil Service04 · Affiliations
Professional &
Civic Membership
Active membership in a handful of professional and university clubs in New York City — a useful framework for fellowship, alumni connection, and civic life across institutions.
Rotary Club of New York #6
Member in good standing. International service organization founded in 1909.
MemberPenn Club of New York
Member in good standing.
MemberColumbia University Club of New York
Member in good standing through Columbia affiliation.
MemberBrown University Club of New York
Member in good standing through Brown affiliation.
MemberBelvoir Rowing Club Zurich
Active rower. Other interests include soccer, skiing & ski touring, tennis, weightlifting; piano and ukulele; ancient philosophy.
Athletic