It is well known that molecular solutes have a strong influence on the structural and dynamic properties of the surrounding water. In our recent study, we identified the presence of enhanced water-hydrogen bonding in the vicinity of hydrophobic solutes using both IR spectroscopy and ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations. The water molecules involved in the strengthened hydrogen bonds were shown to exhibit extensive structural ordering and restricted mobility. We observed that a single pair of water molecules can form stronger hydrogen bonds with each other when not surrounded by intercalating water molecules. In this talk, we present simulation results that reveal a simple mechanistic picture of the hydrogen bond strengthening around small hydrophobic solutes. Registration at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvc-GrrjkqG9WLV0wTSWr4K3snPE52VeAS After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the seminar.