At Gannon University, undergraduate research plays a central role in the learning experience. Chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to participate in at least two semesters of independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. At Gannon,
research conducted by faculty members often results in publications with students as co-authors. Every year, our undergraduate students present the results of their original work at conferences on the local and national levels.
Faculty Research Groups
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is committed to mentoring undergraduate research and to offering meaningful collaborative research experiences that prepare students for the rigors of graduate school or a career in industry. The chemistry
faculty maintain active research groups that regularly engage undergraduate students. Students who are interested in pursuing undergraduate research should meet one-on-one with faculty members to indicate their interest and to inquire about open positions.
The faculty and student can then develop a research project and timeline together.
STUDENT-FACULTY RESEARCH OUTCOMES
Gannon University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry students-faculty research efforts result in frequent presentations and attendance at local, regional, and national conferences as well as publications. The following are recent student-faculty
research accomplishments (student names are bolded):
- Queiroz, M.; Chikunov, S.; Nogaj, L. J. "Mapping Nanoplastic Pollution in Presque Isle Bay". Presented at Celebrate Gannon, Erie, PA, April 21, 2023.
- Otulakowski, O.R.; Forsha, S.; Chitester, B.J.; Tallmadge, W. Analysis of Minor Antioxidants in Mulberry Fruit (Moras alba). Presented at the 265th National Meeting and Exposition, Indianapolis, IN, March
2023.
- Shepard, H.E.; Thomas, J.M.; Williams, D.R.; Krise, K.M. Developing a glucose monitoring laboratory exercise for an experimental chemistry course for nursing majors. Presented at the 265th American
Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition, Indianapolis, IN, March 2023.
- Lathrop, J.; Williams, D.R.; Betush, R.J. Supramolecular Gel Particle Delivery. Presented at the 2022 36th National Conference on Undergraduate Research, April 6, 2022.
- Otulakowski, O.R.: Lordo, S.N.; Brak, H.H.: Krise, K.M.; Chitester, B.J. Potential antimicrobial properties of green synthesized copper nanoparticles. Presented at the 264th National Meeting and Exposition,
Chicago, IL, August 2022.
- Harrier, M.A.; Studvick, C.M.; Driscoll, B.M.; Krise, K.M. Using electric conductivity measurements to determine concentration of electrolytic contaminants in commercial water-soluble polymers. Presented
at the 35th Annual National Conference for Undergraduate Research, April 14, 2021.
- Babitski, Z.; Bohrer, L.; Saber, C.A. Development and Implementation of a Pedagogical Case Study on Tasting Under the Influence of Miracle Berry Fruit Tablets. Presented at the 33rd Annual National Conference for
Undergraduate Research, University of Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA, April 12, 2019,
- Morgan, I.T., Cross, V.M., Chitester, B.J., Krise, K.M., Tallmadge, W. “Analysis of lead in spices obtained from bulk food stores.” Proceedings
of the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research 2019: 124-128 (2019).
- Harrier, M.A.;
Fledderman, D.J.; Heerboth, M.S. “Speciation of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids in Commercially Available Black Salve Products," Proceedings
of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research 2019, 378-382 (2019).
Safety
Safety and proper laboratory technique are taught and emphasized continually throughout our program. Before working in the laboratory, all students participate in safety training when taking a laboratory course or conducting research in the Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Our faculty and staff maintain their training by completing an annual safety program.