Chemistry Department
Faculty Research Programs
Chemistry department faculty engage in a variety of research efforts and routinely involve Muhlenberg students in their projects. Research in the Chemistry department is done with the intent to publish interesting results and observations to the scientific community. These publications frequently have Muhlenberg student co-authors.
Analytical Chemistry
Faculty: Shive,
Ingersoll
Analytical Chemistry
is concerned with making
measurements! Analytical chemists want to
find the best new ways to increase accuracy,
selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility
in detection. Analytical chemistry includes
bioanalysis, electrochemistry, mass spectrometry, microscale
systems, environmental analysis, separations, and
spectroscopy.
Biochemistry
Faculty: Colabroy, Hark (Biology)
Biochemistry
is where chemistry, molecular and
cell biology meet. Biochemists seeks to
understand the mechanisms behind biological
phenomena. Biochemistry considers the
structure, function, and regulation of biologically active
molecules; gene structure and expression; biochemical
mechanisms; protein biosynthesis; protein folding;
and so much more!
Environmental Chemistry
Faculty: Kelsey,
Ingersoll
Environmental
chemistry examines
the chemistry of soil, air, and water, the interactions and
cycles of elements between them, and the pollutants that can
adversely affect these important resources.
An environmental chemist could track the movement of
pollutants through soil and seek to understand the effects
of their chemistry on the environment.
Inorganic Chemistry
Faculty: Keane,
Smith,
Russell
Inorganic
chemistry is the study of metal based compounds, their
structures and reactions. Metal based compounds are often
catalysts and can be found in bioinorganic chemistry
and organometallic chemistry.
Organic Chemistry
Faculty: Baar,
Russell,
Keane
Organic chemistry is concerned with the structure, function
and reactions of carbon based compounds. Organic chemists
may study new reactions of organic molecules or perhaps take
on the role of architect and assemble a compound using a
series of consecutive chemical reactions.
Physical Chemistry
Faculty: Anderson
Physical chemistry is concerned with the study of molecules
at their most fundamental level. Physical chemists think
about dynamics, spectroscopy,
molecular structure, bonding, quantum chemistry,
and the structure and properties
of surfaces and interfaces. Physical
chemists are often found working with lasers...