Chemistry Department
Bruce D. Anderson 
Professor of Chemistry
Head of the Chemistry Department
Shankweiler 338
(484) 664-3266
Background
B.A., McDaniel College
Ph.D., University of Colorado
Research Interests:
Fluorescence Spectroscopy – Fluorescence and fluorescence quenching techniques, including resonance energy transfer, are used to investigate a variety of problems with biological or environmental applications. Current work is examining how soil pollutants such as PAH's and antibiotics bind to humic acid. Laser induced fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime measurements will be developed in the near future.
Laser Initiated Reactions – A Nd:YAG laser is used to irradiate a solution of graphite in alcohol and linear polyynes are produced. Research continues to investigate how to increase the yield of the polyynes and probe the mechanism of polyyne formation. Research involving other solvents, changing the laser power, irradiation time and solution concentration is underway.
Recent Student Publications and Presentations:
Bruce D. Anderson, Christopher M. Gordon*, “The Laser Synthesis of Linear Polyynes: the Particle in a Box Revisited,” J Chem Educ, 2008, 85, 1279-1281.
Samantha J. Brannick*, B.D. Anderson, “Synthesis of halogen capped polyynes by laser ablation of graphite,” 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, August 2009.
Jake T. Herb*, B.D. Anderson, “Fluorescence quenching of acridine orange by humic acid”, 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, August 2009.
Courses Taught:
CHM 100 Introductory Chemistry
CHM 103 General Chemistry I
CHM 321 Physical Chemistry I
CHM 322 Physical Chemistry II
CHM 420 Laser Chemistry