Chemistry News
June 2008 – Dr. Rose Clark, Dr. Charles Dameron, and Dr. Balazs Hargittai are part of a consortium of users on a LC/MS/MS instrument funded by the NSF Major Research Instumentation Program at Duquesne University ($574,500). Duquesne will be purchasing a Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometer that Saint Francis Chemistry faculty/students will be able to use to analyze larger organic and biomolecules.
May 2008 - The Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement grant submitted by Dr. Rose Clark (PI), Dr. Balaz Hargittai, Fr. Nathan Malavolti, Ph.D. and Dr. Edward Zovinka has been recommended for funding by the National Science Foundation ($125,000). The chemistry department will be purchasing two microwave synthesis instruments to improve on speed of synthesis and % yield, which will cut energy costs and solvent volume (green chemistry).
April 19th, 2008 - Dr. Clark was invited to present her research at the Duquesne University ACS meeting in Minature. . Ms. Kim Schrock (Jr. Chem major) also presented a poster and won a top poster prize of $75.
Fall 2007 - Chemistry Department Accumulates more than a Million in External Funding since 1996
Dr. Edward Zovinka recoginzed by the Carnegie Science Foundation for Excellence in Undergraduate Education
Dr. Pedro Muiño and Dr. Balazs Hargittai award NIH Research Grant
Fr. Nathan Malavolti and Dr. Clark awarded SSP Grant to Purchase FTIR
Dr. Zovinka awarded NSF Research Grant
Matt Harbart and Jennifer DeCoskey Hired at ChemImage
Matt Harbart and Jennifer DeCoskey will Intern at ChemImage
Department awarded NSF STEP grant for $500,000 over 5 years
Dr. Clark and Jelena Petrovic publish research in ACS journal
Dr. Zovinka Receives $6,000 Grant from SSP
Clark, Hargittai, Muiño, and Zovinka awarded a NSF-CCLI Grant
Dr. Clark recognized Nationally for Teaching by Iota Sigma Pi
Clark, Dillon, and Zovinka Involved in TEAMS Grant
Petrovic awarded a Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research Grant
Yeisley awarded Innovative Activities Grant from ACS
Chemistry Club recognized by ACS as Commendable Chapter
Dr. Clark Receives $6,000 Grant
Four Students present at the 57th Annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference in Ithaca, NY.
Petrovic Receives National Award for Women in Chemistry
Petrovic Accepted into NSF REU Program at the University of Pittsburgh
Jenn Ropp 1997 graduate hired as Assistant Professor of Chemistry Univ. of Minn.-Morris
O'Neill Accepted into PSU REU Program
Bopp Accepted into Montana State REU Program
Dr. Muiño Receives $5,000 Grant
Clark receives $9,982 Undergraduate Research Grant from SACP
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Matt Harbart and Jennifer DeCoskey will Intern at ChemImage
Matt Harbart and Jennifer DeCoskey have been accepted as Greater Johnstown Keystone Innovation Zone (GJKIZ) Interns at ChemImage, Inc in Johnstown. The GJKIZ internship program is focused on helping local companies explore new areas for growth. Both Matt and Jennifier will get the opportunity to work with advanced Raman Imaging Instrumentation. They will be completing their internships over the summer months.
Dr. Clark and Jelena Petrovic publish research in ACS journal
Impact of Surface Immobilization and Solution Ionic Strength on the Formal Potential of Immobilized Cytochrome c, Langmuir 2005, 21, 6308-6316.
Jelena Petrović, Rose A. Clark (Saint Francis University) and Hongjun Yue, David H. Waldeck (University of Pittsburgh)
Four different self-assembled monolayer (SAM) electrode systems were examined electrochemically in order to better understand surface charge effects on the redox thermodynamics of immobilized horse heart cytochrome c. Neutralization of protein surface charge upon adsorption on anionic COOH-terminated SAMs was found to cause substantial changes in the formal potential, as determined by cyclic voltammetry. The results provide insight into the importance of surface charge on the formal potential of cytochrome c. Rose Clark is an associate professor of chemistry at Saint Francis University and collaborates with Dave Waldeck a professor of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. Jelena Petrović worked on this project during her sophomore through senior year. The summer after her junior year she spent the summer working with Hongjun Yue during her REU at the University of Pittsburgh in Dr. Waldeck’s Lab. Jelena is currently working on her analytical Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The research was supported through a grant from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and National Science Foundation-REU grants.
Dr. Zovinka Receives $6,000 Grant
Saint Francis University associate chemistry professor, Dr. Edward Zovinka, received a $6,000 equipment grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) May 11, 2005 at the SSP Awards Night Dinner at Duquesne University.
The grant will be used by the department of chemistry to purchase a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer with fiber optic dipping probe.
Clark, Hargittai, Muino, and Zovinka Awarded NSF-CCLI grant
Dr. Clark (PI) along with Dr. Hargittai, Dr. Muino, and Dr. Zovinka (Co-PI's) were funded to purchase a Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry Instrument. The department will integrate the use of GC/MS across the newly revised curriculum at Saint Francis University. The grant was funded for $54,016 from the NSF.
Dr. Clark receives Iota Sigma Pi Award
Dr. Clark is the 2004 recipient of the Iota Sigma Pi Centennial Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award is given for excellence in teaching chemistry, biochemistry, or a chemistry-related field at an undergraduate institution that does not offer a graduate program in that field. Dr. Clark was nominated by Jelena Petrovic and Dr. Balaz Hargittai.
Clark, Dillon and Zovinka Involved in TEAMS Grant
Dr. Clark, Susan Dillon, and Dr. Zovinka are three of the eight faculty at Saint Francis University involved in Teaming Educators for Applied Math and Science Learning (TEAMS) a $510,000 state grant (awarded to Saint Francis University and the Intermediate Unit 8) to improve science education in rural areas. Each faculty member is teamed with two school districts and visits the schools to help implement science lessons developed collaboratively over the 2004 summer. The grant has been renewed for the 2005-2006 school year. (Total 1.5 million over three years).
Petrovic awarded Grant
Jelena Petrovic under the direction of Dr. Rose Clark wrote a Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Grant and was awarded $590 to support of the research project entitled "Effects of Solution Composition on Adsorbed Cytochrome c Electrochemistry." The Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research program has a highly competitive application process and only approximately 20% of applicants receive any level of funding. The research will be completed Spring 2004
Yeisley awarded Grant
Chris Yeisley under the direction of Dr. Edward Zovinka wrote a grant to the American Chemical society and was awarded $200 to conduct a Merit Badge College here at Saint Francis University. Chris along with the chemistry club will invite local scouts on campus to conduct experiments and learn about science so that they will be able to earn science related merit badges. The project will be completed Spring 2004.
Chemistry Club Recognized
The chemistry club in again recognized for outstanding efforts on campus and off campus by the American Chemical Society. The chemistry club received notification that the chapter was selected as a commendable chapter of the ACS student affiliates (a second place award). The chapter submits a yearly report in June that is reviewed by faculty across the U.S. and awards are given based on club activities. The award plaque will be presented at the Spring 2004 National ACS Meeting. The chemistry department is very proud of the activity of our chemistry club and applaud them for their achievements.
Dr. Clark Receives $6,000 Grant
Saint Francis University associate chemistry professor, Dr. Rose Clark, received a $6,000 equipment grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) May 21, 2003 at the SSP Awards Night Dinner at Duquesne University.
The grant will be used by the department of chemistry to purchase components to build a Capillary Electrophoresis System. Capillary Electrophoresis provides an excellent means for separation and analysis of biochemistry and forensics samples.
The SSP is an organization of local scientists and educators who volunteer their time to promote science education at all levels from elementary to college. Their mission is to contribute to science programs for small colleges and universities with enrollments of no more than 7,500 students. The maximum amount of the grant is $6,000, and the funding is to be used for the acquisition or upgrade of instruments, accessories and equipment related to spectroscopy.
Four Students present at the 57th Annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference in Ithaca, NY.
Dr. Rose Clark, Dr. Edward Zovinka, and ten students represented Saint Francis University’s undergraduate research efforts at the 57th Annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference held at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY on April 12th, 2003. SFU was 1 of 18 undergraduate institutions presenting at the conference. Five students attended (Nathan Soltis, Andrew Farabaugh, Kristy Wolfel, Haley Hawk, and Chris Yeisley) to observe presentations and 5 students presented their research projects. The four chemistry presenters were:
Joe Bopp (Sr. Chemistry), presented “Nanosecond Time-Gated Fluorescence Spectra of NATA and Tryptophan: Long Lived 450nm Emission from Oxidation Products”. Research conducted with Dr. Pedro Muiño and Dr. Patrik Callis (Montana State Univ.)
Ryan O’Neill (Jr. Chemistry) presented “The Synthesis and Characterization of a Model Heme P460 Complex”. Research conducted with Dr. Ed Zovinka and Dr. Richard Koerner (PSU).
Jelena Petrovic (Jr. Chemistry) presented “Effects of Solution Composition on Adsorbed and Covalently attached Cytochrome c Electrochemistry”. Research conducted with Dr. Rose Clark.
Jamie Regan (Jr. Chemistry) presented “Effects of Organic solvents on Adsorbed Cytochrome c Electrochemistry. Research conducted with Dr. Rose Clark
Petrovic receives the National Iota Sigma Pi Award
Saint Francis University junior chemistry major, Jelena Petrovic of Croatia, has received the Iota Sigma Pi, National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry, Gladys Anderson Emerson Scholarship for excellence in chemistry. Jelena was nominated for the scholarship by Dr. Rose Clark (a member of Iota Sigma Pi). The scholarship is for $2000 for her senior year. Hundreds of students are nominated nationwide. The society has three student awards, the winner of each is listed below:
Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Chemistry, Mary Rozenman, Columbia University
Gladys Anderson Emerson Scholarship, Jelena Petrovic, Saint Francis University
Anna Louise Hoffman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Research, Rachel Brewster, Georgia Institute of Technology
Petrovic Accepted into NSF REU Program at the University of Pittsburgh
Saint Francis University junior chemistry major, Jelena Petrovic of Croatia, has been accepted into the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program June 4 through August 10, 2003 at the University of Pittsburgh.
The program brings 12 students each year to Pitt for summer research. Students are reimbursed for the cost of travel to and from the University and receive a $4,000 stipend. Housing and most meals are provided.
Students participating in the program spend the summer working on independent research projects in the labs of their assigned faculty mentors.
Bopp Accepted Into NSF REU Program at Montana State University
Saint Francis University junior chemistry major, Joseph Bopp of Ebensburg, has been accepted into the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program June 4 through August 10 at Montana State University (MSU).
The program brings 10 students each year to MSU for summer research. Students are reimbursed for the cost of travel to and from the University and receive a $3,000 stipend. Housing and most meals are provided.
Students participating in the program spend the summer working on independent research projects in the labs of their assigned faculty mentors. Safety training and laboratory orientation is provided on the first day of the program, and a series of instrumentation workshops and a faculty-led seminar series are held weekly. Students also participate in a number of social events.
Joe Bopp will be working with Dr. Patrik Callis of the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry on research for a detailed quantum mechanical understanding of excited states of tryptophan and its application to modeling protein structure.
Joe Bopp is the son of Patricia and Gary Bopp of Ebensburg.
Dr. Muiño Receives $5,000 Grant
Saint Francis University assistant chemistry professor, Dr. Pedro L. Muiño, received a $5,000 equipment grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) May 16 2001 at the SSP Awards Night Dinner at Duquesne University.
The grant will be used by the department of chemistry to purchase a SPEX Fluoromax-3 which will enable students to conduct spectroscopy experiments more precisely and accurately.
The SSP is an organization of local scientists and educators who volunteer their time to promote science education at all levels from elementary to college. Their mission is to contribute to science programs for small colleges and universities with enrollments of no more than 7,500 students. The maximum amount of the grant is $5,000, and the funding is to be used for the acquisition or upgrade of instruments, accessories and equipment related to spectroscopy. Approximately 180 students will benefit from the new equipment at Saint Francis annually.
Clark receives $9,982 Undergraduate Research Grant from SACP
Dr. Rose Ann Clark, assistant professor of chemistry at Saint Francis University, Loretto, has received a $9,982 Undergraduate Analytical Research Program Grant from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP).
SACP awards a single grant each year to promote high-quality, innovative undergraduate research in the field of analytical chemistry and to promote training and development of undergraduate students in the field of analytical chemistry.
The criteria used by the SACP to select the award winner are scientific merit of the proposal, the impact of the proposal on the field of analytical chemistry, the impact of the proposal on the development of undergraduate students who are working towards a degree in chemistry and a demonstrated need for funding.
Clark’s proposed research topic is "Electrochemical Investigations of the Structural Stability of Proteins in Varying Microenvironments." The research will involve three undergraduate students in investigating the stability and efficiency of proteins under different solvent conditions.
Zovinka and Gryshuk present Research Results at a National ACS Meeting
Saint Francis College student Amy L. Gryshuk and chemistry professor Dr. Edward P. Zovinka will present a scientific paper on the "Metallation of dithiaporphyrins" at the 219th American Chemical Society National Meeting March 26 through 31, 2000 in San Francisco.
The presentation, which will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2000, will discuss the research that Gryshuk has done on "dithiaporphyrins" or potential anticancer drugs. Limited information about these drugs is available, and this research will help researchers learn more about the drugs to determine whether or not they are will be useful for cancer treatment. More than 18,000 people are expected to attend the meeting.
The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization and the largest scientific society in the world. Chartered by Congress, the ACS is a world leader in fostering chemical education and research. It’s membership of nearly 159,000 chemists and chemical engineers is international.
Zovinka and Sunseri present Research Results at a National ACS Meeting
Saint Francis College student Danielle R. Sunseri and chemistry professor Dr. Edward P. Zovinka will present a scientific paper on the "Metallation of thiaporphyrins and dithiaporphyrins" at the 220th American Chemical Society National Meeting Aug. 20 to 24, 2000 in Washington D.C.
The presentation, which will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, in Convention Center Exhibit Hall B will discuss research continued by Sunseri on "thiaporphyrins and dithiaporphyrins," or potential anti-cancer drugs, and their metal binding properties to determine if they have the desired electronic characteristics for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) used for cancer treatment. Limited information about these drugs is available, and this research will help researchers learn more about the drugs to determine whether or not they are will be useful for cancer treatment. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the meeting.
The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit, scientific and educational organization and the largest scientific society in the world with an international membership of 161,000 chemists and chemical engineers. Chartered by Congress, the ACS is a world leader in fostering chemical education and research.
Winters Participates In National Science Foundation REU Program
Saint Francis University junior chemistry student, Rayden Winters of Osceola Mills, has been invited to participate in the Summer 2001 National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) Program June 4 through Aug. 10 at Syracuse University.
Winters will participate as a Summer Research Fellow and will receive a summer scholarship of $3,000. Summer Fellows have access to the scientific instrumentation connected with their research projects and complete access to other University facilities. Winters’ project will be in the field of biochemistry.
The program will include a one-day orientation program, weekly short courses presented by faculty experts on various specialty topics, followed by individual faculty research presentations. The student participants will present their work during the last three weeks of the program.
The National Science Foundation makes possible a number of opportunities for undergraduates to join research projects each summer. This allows students to experience first-hand how basic research is carried out and to contribute consequentially.
Zovinka and Solomon receive Innovative Activities Grant
Daniel Solomon Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, a sophomore chemistry major, and Dr. Edward P. Zovinka, professor of chemistry, both of Saint Francis College, received a 2000-01 Innovative Activities Grant (IAG) from the American Chemical Society (ACS) Society Committee on Education.
Their project, "Radon: How Safe Is Your Child at College?", was among 18 selected to receive the grant. They will study radon levels in campus buildings. The College participates in ACS with a Student Affiliate Chapter, headed by Zovinka.
Since 1977, the IAG program has provided funds to many Student Affiliate American Chemical Society chapters for various research and community-oriented projects. To qualify, a chapter must be active and match the ACS grant with funds from its treasury or other sources.
In addition, Saint Francis College’s chapter of ACS received a commendable rating from the ACS Society Committee on Education based on their programs and activities as described in their annual reports. They will be honored April 1, 2001, at the Student Affiliates Chapter Awards Ceremony during the 221st ACS National Meeting in San Diego, California.
Bopp Accepted Into University of Oregon Chip Camp
Saint Francis University sophomore, Joseph Bopp of Ebensburg, has been accepted into the Chip Camp program June 17 through June 24 at the University of Oregon.
Chip Camp is a week-long, expense-paid introduction to the microelectronics industry for undergraduate students. It allows students in science to get hands-on exposure to the chemistry of the microelectronics industry and the career opportunities available.
Funded in part by the National Science Foundation (Division of Materials Research), Chip Camp program provides an opportunity for students to learn about the contributions chemistry and physics make to the semiconductor industry. Hands-on laboratory work is at the heart of the curriculum.
Students have the opportunity to fabricate their own light-emitting diodes while exploring the
chemistry of semiconductor materials, the physics behind semiconductor devices, and the chemistry of photolithography. Class time and career discussions supplement the labs, and tours of local chip-manufacturing companies illustrate the large-scale implementation of the chemical processes discussed.
Clark and Weymer present Research Results at a National ACS Meeting
The affects of protein linkage and the use of organic thin films on the protein electrochemistry will be presented at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, in Convention Center Exhibit Hall B during the 220th American Chemical Society National Meeting Aug. 20 to 24 in Washington D.C. by Saint Francis College student Susan Weymer and chemistry professor Dr. Rose Ann Clark.
Electrochemical investigations of proteins using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as surface modifiers enable researchers to explore the affects of different environments on protein structure. Protein structure is essential to function; therefore, small changes in the protein environment should be evident in the electrochemical response. Previous research has focused on Cytochrome c (cyt c), a common aqueous redox protein, on SAM modified gold electrodes. Cyt c interacts favorably with carboxylic acid terminated SAMs and well-behaved voltammetry is observed. To further investigate perturbations in protein structure by changes in electrochemical response, research is being conducted with cyt c under thin organic films. Cyt c is first covalently attached to a carboxylic acid terminated SAM and then a think film of organic solvent is placed directly on the Cytc/SAM surface.
The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit, scientific and educational organization and the largest scientific society in the world with an international membership of 161,000 chemists and chemical engineers. Chartered by Congress, the ACS is a world leader in fostering chemical education and research.
Warner Accepted Into NSF REU Program at Montana State University
Saint Francis University junior chemistry/engineering student, Derek Warner of Huntingdon, has been accepted into the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program June 4 through August 10 at Montana State University (MSU).
The program brings 10 students each year to MSU for summer research. Students are reimbursed for the cost of travel to and from the University and receive a $3,000 stipend. Housing and most meals are provided.
Students participating in the program spend the summer working on independent research projects in the labs of their assigned faculty mentors. Safety training and laboratory orientation is provided on the first day of the program, and a series of instrumentation workshops and a faculty-led seminar series are held weekly. Students also participate in a number of social events.
Warner will be working with Dr. Patrik Callis of the department of chemistry and biochemistry on research for a detailed quantum mechanical understanding of excited states of aromatic molecules.
Warner is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Warner of Huntingdon.