In this project, funded by the MPS-LEAPS (Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways) Program and managed by the Division of Chemistry, Professor Julie A. Peterson and her students at Bowling Green State University will conduct fundamental investigations on an underexplored photoswitch which undergoes reversible isomerization using visible light in aqueous systems. Photoswitches have possible applications in light-responsive hydrogels and drug delivery systems; however, there is a lack of switches that can reversibly isomerize using visible light in water. Stenhouse salts reversibly switch in water using visible light but the principles that govern their on-target reactivity (i.e., reversible switching) and off-target reactivity (i.e., irreversible rearrangements) are not well understood. Professor Peterson and her students will conduct mechanistic investigations on the on-target and off-target reactivities of Stenhouse salts to establish design principles for new derivatives. Their studies could lead towards the development of Stenhouse salts with highly controlled reactivities for applications in light-responsive drug delivery systems. In addition, this program will increase the engagement of undergraduates through the development of an undergraduate lab on photoswitches and with the external community through the development of STEM-based outreach events at community centers. Professor Peterson and her students will conduct fundamental investigations on the on-target and