The semester is almost over ...

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has long been known for how well its faculty members and staff get along, but our students are just as happy and friendly. A group of upper-level students brought cupcakes, cookies, and muffins to share with the faculty and staff this morning. They are pictured here in the conference room, NS 060, which is a common hangout and study room for our students. Good luck on your final exams next week! And thanks for the treats!

2022 Undergraduate Research Conference

Pictured above are the chemistry and biochemistry students who presented at this spring's Undergraduate Research Conference along with chemistry professor Dr. Grace Muna. It was a huge crowd and a very impressive set of presentations. Catherine Duselis and Steven Frye were very brave and opted for an oral presentation instead of a poster! Zeb Walizer also stepped out of his comfort zone by working on a biology project under Biology Professor Wilkes' guidance. It is a great way to the end the semester by seeing the results of our researchers' hard work. Thanks to everyone who participated whether by presenting or supporting our students.

BIOCHEMISTRY

Catherine Duselis · Steven Frye · (Rizk)
Oral presentation: Analysis of Dynamic Viral Tubulin Protein PhuZ and the Effect Certain Point Mutations have on Polymerization

Natalie Fox · Jessica Weaver · (Rizk)
Poster presentation: PhnD 177ND: Phosphonate Binding Protein Mutant

CHEMISTRY

Sabrah Alajmi · (Clear)
Poster presentation: Phosphate Removal from Water using Cross-linked Polymer Networks

Hasan Alsaymary · (Clear)
Poster presentation: Studying the association of membrane permeable fluorescent probes with anionic lipids

Naseem Alfadhl · Nick Thurin · Abigail Nolan · Elizabeth Pask ·  (Muna)
Poster presentation: A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Project: A Correlation Study of Lead Levels in Contaminated Soil Samples with Source, Home Location and Age.

Lucas Robinson · (Muna)
Poster presentation: Investigating the Electroanalytical Performance of Bismuth-Antimony Film on Glassy Carbon Electrode in Detecting Lead and Cadmium

Emily Barrera · (Muna)
Poster presentation: Electroanalytical Performance of Antimony Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode in Detecting Lead and Cadmium

BIOLOGY

Lina Marchi · Zeb Walizer · (Wilkes)
Poster presentation: Survey of Dynein-2 Components in Ciliated Protists

Muna and Rizk receive teaching awards

Congratulations to both Professors Grace Muna and Shahir Rizk who were just awarded Trustee's Teaching Awards for outstanding and innovative work in education. Muna is our analytical chemist responsible for our advanced coursework in analytical chemistry and chemical instrumentation. She also contributes heavily to the general chemistry program through lecture and laboratories. Muna recently published an article in the Journal of Chemical Education about incorporating mini research projects in advanced laboratory courses.  Rizk also incorporates research into his advanced laboratory course for biochemistry majors. He is responsible for that course and two advanced biochemistry lectures, but also contributes to our service courses for the health science majors. Muna and Rizk are outstanding teachers and a great asset to our department in many ways, but particularly in that they mentor several students each year in research which give our students a competitive edge when applying for jobs and graduate school.