Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry / Academic
- Office:
- IDEA Center 316
- Mailbox:
- 61652
- Phone:
- 903.813.2362
Education:
B.A., Illinois Wesleyan University
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Endowed Professorship:
The Michael A. Imhoff Endowed Professorship in Chemistry
Faculty Bio:
Back in Illinois where I grew up, I attended a small Liberal Arts College just like Austin College for my undergraduate education. While at college I found the interactions with the professors to be a wonderful experience not only in classroom but also doing research. I graduated with a Chemistry major, a Physics minor, and a desire to become a college professor. I went on to the University of Pittsburgh where I studied organic chemistry, focusing on molecular recognition as it pertains to medicinal chemistry (drug discovery) and materials science. I graduated with my Ph.D. in 1998, then worked at Yale University for about two years synthesizing new antibiotics. I joined the Chemistry Department of Austin College in 2000 and have been an active member of the faculty ever since.
Recent Courses:
I have taught:
- General Chemistry (Chem 111 and 112)
- Organic Chemistry (Chem 221 and 222)
- Advanced Organic Chemistry (Chem 421)
- Drugs and Society (Chem 101 partnered with Pysc 214, Psychopharmacology)
Research Interests:
I research the structure-function relationship as it pertains to organogelation. I work with all level of students on the synthesis and characterization of molecules that assemble into large aggregates that in turn immobilize organic liquids. This has application in the transportation of gasoline and other organic solvents as well as the recovery of oil from spills. The my group is continuing to investigate the effect of the number and position of alkyl tails on bisurea molecules. To date most derivatives gel toluene and octane at or below 1 wt/wt%.