EDITOR’S NOTE:
Editor’s note:
There is a great feeling of anticipation as the first phase of the new Science Building
takes shape outside our windows on the north side of Moody. The new construction
will create a biochemistry/molecular biology research and teaching lab space. This
area epitomizes the over-arching vision for the science building, to build the
opportunities for interaction between different disciplines. To this end, the
biochemistry/molecular biology research labs involve shared spaces and equipment
between chemists and biologists. This theme is carried to the teaching labs, with the
first year biology and chemistry labs next to each other, with students moving
seamlessly between chemistry and biology. The new space will have research labs
for three chemists with a seminar room built with the utilities to allow it to be
converted into a research lab if the faculty size increases. There will be a new
organic chemistry teaching lab, and space for our two NMR spectrometers, a new
500 MHz NMR spectrometer acquired with Major Research Instrumentation
funding from the National Science Foundation, and a 300 MHz NMR spectrometer,
also funding in part with funding from NSF and from the Dreyfus Foundation. The
second NMR spectrometer serves dual duty, providing access to NMR data for the
two-year colleges in San Antonio, as well as to Trinity students and researchers.
When the new building is finished in December 2011, Moody will be demolished
and replaced with a new building that will house the remaining chemistry research
and teaching labs, and the departments of Engineering Science and Computer
Science. Again the interdisciplinary focus is clear, with several chemistry and
engineering science research labs in close proximity. The entire complex, to be
called the Center for Science and Innovation, will contain a design space that is
intended for use by the entire Trinity community, to serve as a type of incubator that
will take advantage of our size to encourage the kinds of interactions between
diverse departments that would be much more difficult at a larger institution.
You can follow this link to more information about the Center for Science and
Innovation: http://web.trinity.edu/x7162.xml
Don't forget to use the link to the science cam, a live view of the construction from a
camera on the roof of Moody.
We are planning a celebration during alumni weekend this year to say good bye to
Moody, and another in 2014 to welcome the new building. Stay posted for more
information. To keep in touch with other alums, look for the facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_161512913892741&ap
=1, or Google facebook chemistry department alumni.
Nancy Mills
1
2010
ANNUAL REPORT
.........................
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
Contents
Table of Contents
2
Report from the Chair/Sr. picture
3
2010 Senior Graduates in Chemistry
4
5
2010 Student Research Activities and
Groups
2
26th Summer Research Symposium
15
Student Research Presentations
16
Chemistry Department Awards
18
Chemistry Club
21
Reports from the Faculty and Staff
23
Grants for Education and Research
And Faculty Research Grants
36
Faculty Publications
39
Faculty Presentations/Seminars
41
Seminar Series
44
Major Equipment
46
Board of Advisors
48
Alumnet
49
Acknowledgments
49
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
As I look out of my office window, I see the major accomplishment of 2010 – the
first phase of the Center for Sciences and Innovation is under construction! This
phase, which will be completed in December 2011, will house much of chemistry
and biology. When you enter the building coming from the library, you will pass
through a beautiful 3 story atrium and straight ahead of you will be the general
chemistry and introductory biology labs side by side. This is a symbol of the
integration of the sciences that marks the philosophy of the new center. Our students
will be trained for sciences in the 21st century, where interdisciplinarity is essential.
On the next floor up you will find the biochemistry and molecular biology suite,
encompassing a teaching laboratory that will be shared by chemistry and biology
along with a number of research labs. On the top floor will be the state-of-the-art
organic teaching lab with great sight lines, a magnificent large lecture hall
overlooking the trees and fountains in front of Chapman, and chemistry research
labs.
Planning is currently underway for the next phase of the project which includes
renovating Cowles and demolishing Moody and replacing it with a new structure.
This project should begin early in 2012. So exciting changes are underway!
We welcomed Professor Joseph Lambert to the department in October. Joe retired
from a very successful career as a physical organic chemist at Northwestern
University and will teach occasionally and mentor students in the summer. We are
very excited to have him here. For more information see p. 24.
The Department is grateful for the many gifts from our alumni that continue to
allow us to deliver an outstanding education to our students.
We want to welcome everyone to visit and see the new building. Look for a grand
opening celebration early in 2012.
Steven Bachrach
3
2010 CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY/
BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY MAJORS
Brown
Nathan
BS.BICM/MB
Applying to Med School
Bushe
Bryce
BS.BICM/MB
Chinai
Jordan
BS.BICM
Albert Einstein College of
Medicine's Medical Scientist
Training Program
Eisenheimer
Kaitlyn
BS.BICM/MB
Gann
Lauren
BS.CHEM
Applying Med School
Handley
Lindsey
BS.CHEM
UC San Diego, PhD, Biochem
Columbia University MS,
Hartshorn
Heather
BA.CHEM
Historic Preservation
Khalid
Mohammed
BS.BICM/MB
UT Houston, med school
Mullings
Graham
BS.CHEM
SGS, research chemist
Scripps Research Institute,
Rainbolt
Thomas
BS.BICM/MB
PhD, Biochem
Schardon
Christopher
BS.BICM
Research at Trinity,
Grad school 2011
Scott
Erica
BS.BICM/MB
Smith
Derek
BS.CHEM
Texas Tech, med school
Shaw
Porsha
BS.BICM
Duke, PhD, Biochemistry
Stück
David
BS.CHEM
UC Berkeley, PhD, Chemistry
Tielleman
Thomas
BS.BICM/MB
UT Southwestern, med school
Tresca
Blakely
BS.BICM
Grad School in 2011
Whitney
Emily
BS.BICM
U of Georgia Pharmacy School
Wilbanks
Cecily
BS.BICM
RPI, grad school
Wilkes
John
BS.BICM/MB
LSU, med school
1st row:Lauren Gann, Lindsay Handley, Porsha Shaw, Cecily Wilbanks, Kaitlyn Eisenheimer,
Emily Whitney, Chris Shardon
2nd row:Derek Smith, Jordan Chinai, John Wilkes, Blake Tresca, Kelly Rainbolt, Tom
Tiellerman, David Stück, Bryce Bushe, Graham Mullings
4
STUDENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Bachrach Research Group
Michael Cammarata, Maduka Ogba, Dr. Steven Bachrach, David Shope
Michael Cammarata (2011) studied the curcurbit[8]uril-methyl violagen-tyrosine
complex with a variety of density functionals. He plans to pursue a doctorate in
chemistry.
Maduka Ogba (2011) examined the Diels-Alder reactions of 3-vinyl-1,3-butadiene,
the simplest dendralene, with DFT. He plans to pursue his doctorate in
bio/cheminformatics.
David Shope looked at the microsolvation of aspartic acid with DFT. David plans to
attend graduate school after graduation in Dec. 2011.
5
Bushey Research Group
Zoe LaPier, Michael Dzierlenga, Dr. Michelle Bushey, Christopher Schardon
Chance Bauman, a 2010 graduate of the John Jay High School of Science and
Mathematics joined the lab for the summer while supported by Project SEED. He
worked on the identification of flavonoids in plant seedling extracts. In August he
headed to Texas A&M.
Michael Dzierlenga (2011) joined the lab in the summer and was supported by the
Departmental Welch grant. He worked on measuring diffusion coefficients of
analytes on porous polymer monoliths. Michael is applying to chemistry graduate
programs.
Zoe LaPier (2011) continued her work on measuring diffusion coefficients of
analytes on porous polymer monoliths in the spring and summer. During the
summer she was supported by the Departmental Welch grant. She is currently
applying to Teach for America.
Trisha Patel (2013) joined the lab in the fall semester. She spent the semester
learning the basics of the porous polymer monolith project.
Si Ying Li-Gonzalez (2013) joined the lab in the fall semester. She spent the
semester learning the basics of the porous polymer monolith project.
Christopher Schardon (2010) worked in the lab in the spring and summer on the
identification of compounds that change when cucumber and Arabidopsis seedlings
are exposed to UV light. He received HHMI support in the summer. He graduated
in Dec. and is currently applying to biochemistry graduate departments.
6
Chandler/Pursell Research Group
Dr. Christopher Pursell, Tim Ward, Kendall Bailey, PJ Pritzker, Dr. Bert
Chandler
Tim Ward (2012, BS Chemistry) started working with Drs. Pursell and Chandler at
the beginning of the year, studying CO adsorption on Au nanoparticle catalysts. In
between world cup matches, he continued his work over the summer and fall,
extending it to some Pd-Au catalysts prepared by our collaborators in Paris.
PJ Pritzker (2012, Math and Chemistry) worked on methods for preparing high
surface area transition metal oxide supports, as well as preparing Au catalysts on
these new supports. He has also been studying CO oxidation over Pd and Pd-Mo
catalysts prepared by our collaborators in Austin.
Kendall Bailey (2013, Computer Science) performed detailed CO oxidation
kinetics studies of several Au catalysts, working out activation conditions as she
progressed. Importantly, she cultured-up the lab by introducing us to a variety of
east-asian pop music.
Clark Moehlenbrock (2012, Chemistry) joined the group in the fall and began
working on amide synthesis reactions. Playing on the men’s club team, he is
picking up the volleyball torch from his advisor.
7
Hollenbeck Research Group
Daren Danner, Colin Wiley, Gus Wilson, Rachel Langren, Dr. Hollenbeck,
Danielle Roberts
Long-time Hollenbeck lab member, Thomas Kelly Rainbolt (’10), graduated in
May and moved to San Diego where he started graduate school in Chemical
Biology at Scripps. Derek Danner (’12) picked up the synthesis of mannose
derivatives where Kelly left off. Derek is planning to apply to medical school this
spring.
Rachel Landgren (’11) spent her third summer in the lab working on biochemical
assays to monitor the binding of concanavalin A to glycosylated ankyrin repeat
proteins. Rachel is planning to apply to medical school.
Both Heena Pranav (’10) and Danielle Roberts (’12) joined the lab in 2010 and
helped optimize the purification conditions for designed ankyrin repeat proteins.
Heena is currently a research technician at UT Southwestern. Both she and Dani
plan to apply to medical school.
Colin Wiley (’11) worked with tryptophan-containing ankyrin repeat proteins and
characterized their interaction with MV•Q8. He is planning to apply to medical
school.
Gus Wilson (’12) began work on a new project to investigate the flexibility of
different repeats within the ankyrin repeat domain. He also plans to apply to
medical school.
8
Hunsicker-Wang Research Group
Nick Karagas, Cristina Hamme, Dr. Laura Hunsicker-Wang,, Porsha Shaw,
Anika Schmander, Lindsey Handley, Abhishek Chhetri
Lindsey Handley (’10) worked on the CuA protein from T. thermophilus, which is
the target of the Sco protein from Thermus thermophilus, TtSco . Lindsey and
Cristina Hamme, have shown that TtSco will attack CuA protein and form a mixeddisulfide intermediate. They identified that the TtSco C49S reacts the fastest and to
the greatest extent with TtCuA C153S. Lindsey is attending graduate school at the
University of California at San Diego.
Porsha Shaw (’10) worked on studying the metal-binding properties of TtSco . She
characterized the apo- and metal-bound forms of the protein using UV-Vis, CD, and
EXAFS. She completed a thesis in the 2009-2010 year that encompassed her 3+
years of work. Porsha is attending graduate school at Duke.
Kaitlin Elsenheimer (’10) worked on the chemical modification of the Rieske
protein using diethylpyrocarbonate. Her work led to her being an author on our
second mamuscript that was published in Biochemistry in summer 2010. Kaitlin is
working in the biomedical industry and she ultimately plans on attending medical
school.
Emily Whitney (’10) has produced the L135E mutant of the Rieske protein, which
will probe the effect of adding a negative charge adjacent to the cluster. She
characterized the mutant using pH-dependent UV-Vis and circular dichrosim and
EPR. She also crystallized the protein. Emily is attending pharmacy school at the
University of Georgia.
Cristina Hamme (’11) has been working on demonstrating that TtSco acts to
reduce the disulfide bond of TtCuA through trapping the mixed-disulfide
9
intermediate formed during the proposed mechanism of disulfide bond reduction.
She and Lindsey Handley have shown that TtSco will attack CuA protein and form a
mixed-disulfide intermediate. She has also worked to understand which of the Sco
cysteines is more reactive. She has also worked on probing the metal binding
properties of TtSco and shown that it binds Cu2+ , Cd2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ with relative
affinities of Cu2+ > Cd2+> Co2+ ~ Ni2+. She is completing an honors thesis this year.
Cristina plans on attending medical school.
Anika Schwander (’11) has continued her work on the Rieske protein. Anika has
produced the L135R mutant of the Rieske protein, which is designed to raise the
potential of the protein by adding a positive charge adjacent to the cluster. She has
characterized the protein using pH-dependent UV-Visible and circular dichroism
spectrscopies. She has also reacted the protein with diethyl pyrocarbonate, which
only forms an adduct with a deprotonated histidine. She showed that this mutant
behaves largely like the wild type protein. In addition, she has worked to
characterize a 3 cysteine, 1 histidine MitoNEET-like mutant of our protein in order
to probe the role of the protein scaffold in the stability of the [2Fe-2S] cluster.
Anika plans on attending graduate school.
Abhishek Chhetri (’12) has been working on the crystallography aspects of the
Rieske project. He has been working on the refinement of L135A, L135E and
Y158F crystal data. In addition, he has worked on the expression and purification
of the G156S and G156T mutants of the protein. These mutants are designed to
raise the potential of the clusters by adding an OH-S* hydrogen bond to the cluster.
Abihishek plans on attending graduate school.
Rishi Goswamy (’12) joined the lab last year and has been working on the role of
the (NH4)2SO4 precipitation in the purification of the Rieske protein. He is
establishing if the increase in yields obtained by removing the purification step are
offset by changes in long-term stability of the protein.
Nick Karagas (’13) joined the lab in the summer. He has been performing the
chemical modification of the Rieske protein with DEPC. Nick worked to establish
the differences in the reaction of DEPC with L135E and Y158F as compared to wild
type and L135R. He showed the L135E has a markedly different reaction than any
of the others with a considerably slower reduction of the cluster. Nick plans on
attending graduate school.
Nikita Mukhitov (’13) joined the lab in fall 2010. He is working on the CuA
protein from Thermus thermophilus. He has learned how to purify it and the C149S
and C153S mutants. He will be learning how to react the proteins with the Sco
mutants. He will also be probing the metal binding properties of these mutants.
Nick plans on attending graduate school.
10
Kelly-Zion/Pursell Research Group
Sawan Vaidya, Tim Sowers, Jaskirat Batra and Daoqi Wang
Dr. Chris Pursell and Dr. Peter Kelly-Zion
Tim Sowers (2011, BS Engineering Science) and Daoqi Wang (2011, BS
Engineering Science) worked together to develop an experimental technique to
measure the concentration distribution of vapor above an evaporating liquid film.
The technique uses computer tomography to deconvolute absorbance measurements
taken with an FTIR.
Jaskirat Batra (2012, BS Engineering Science) headed an investigation of the
effects of the size of a sessile drop or film on its evaporation rate. The theoretical
analysis of the evaporation of a small drop resting on a solid substrate in a quiescent
environment has the non-intuitive result that the evaporation rate is proportional to
the radius of the drop’s contact line, and not the surface area of the drop. Jaskirat
investigated the range of applicability of this result, as well as how natural
convection of the vapors may influence the evaporation rate.
Sawan Vaidya (2010, BS Engineering Science) developed computer code to
automate the analysis of shadowgraph videos of evaporating films. His code
computes the film volume, surface area, thickness, and contact angle for each image
frame in the video. The evaporation rate is computed from the change in volume
from one image to the next.
11
Mills Research Group
Drew Metzger, Remu Navaz Gangji, Cliff Woodford, Dr. Nancy Mills, Blair
Shackleton, Isaac Zoch, Margaret Hilton, Vicky Cheng, Dr. Sean McClintock,
Taylor Hoyt, Blake Tresca
Blair Shackleton ('11) and Isaac Zoch ('12) worked on the synthesis of phenyl
substituted bis-indenylidene dication precursors with phenyl spacers. In an amazing
tour de force they were actually able to show spectra of dications for the
undergraduate research symposium at the end of the summer. Isaac continued his
research during the fall. We are particularly excited about this chemistry because Dr.
Sean McClintock has discovered a superacid system for making the dications that
gives very clean spectra, so we anticipate conversion of their precursors into
dications before the summer research season. Blair is planning on graduate school
in biomedical sciences when she graduates; Isaac is hoping to go to medical school.
Taylor Hoyt ('12) led the team of Drew Metzger ('13) and Remu Navaz Gangji ('13)
on our first venture into Suzuki coupling reactions. They were working on the
preparation of bis-indenylidene dication precursors, but unlike Blair and Isaac, they
were attaching the spacer in a different place. The advancements allowed by their
very careful work will set the stage for our chemistry for several years. Taylor will
work after graduation and then probably go to graduate school; Drew is thinking of
graduate school and Remu of medical school.
Blake Tresca ('10) finished his research on the reduction of substituted benzylidene
dibenzocycloheptatrienes. We were hoping that the reduction would give
antiaromatic dianions; instead the products were aromatic tetraanions. The dianions
12
were invisible in the NMR spectra of the reaction mixture, suggesting that they were
particularly antiaromatic, with a very small HOMO/LUMO gap. The research has
been submitted to the Journal of Organic Chemistry. After his December graduate,
Blake is doing an internship in the chemical industry and planning on graduate
school in chemistry.
Margaret Hilton ('12) and Vicky Cheng ('13) followed on the steps of Blake's
chemistry with the synthesis of precursors to antiaromatic dianions that contain one
fewer benzannulated rings than did Blake's or a different arrangement of two
benzene rings. We are anticipating that this difference in benzannulation might
allow us to form antiaromatic dianions visible by NMR spectroscopy. Margaret is
planning on graduate school in chemistry; Vicky, who has continued her research
for both semesters of the academic year, is also considering graduate school.
Finishing up the dianion group, Cliff Woodford ('11) attempted the formation of an
antiaromatic dianion through a photochemical deprotonation of the heterocyclic
dixanthane species. He obtained instead the tetraanion from deprotonation next to
the two oxygens of the dixanthane. This paper, along with the report of the dianion
of dixanthylene by reduction with sodium by Mary Black (Catawba College, '09) is
under (minor) revision for the Journal of Organic Chemistry.
13
Urbach Research Group
Erik Skoglund, Faizan Zubair, Dr. Vijay Ramalingam, Dr. Adam Urbach
Marlies Hager
Peggy Guo (2012) completed the initial characterization of a new fluorescencebased chemical sensor this spring. The paper was published this fall in Chem. Eur.
J. Peggy is part of the McNair program and plans to pursue an MD upon graduation.
Marlies Hager (2011) continued working this spring and summer on developing
methodology for characterizing extremely stable DNA complexes. Marlies plans to
pursue a PhD in chemistry.
Erik Skoglund (2011) worked in the spring and summer to characterize the
stability of a modified model collagen complex. Erik plans to pursue advanced
studies in pharmacy.
Faizan Zubair (2011) worked in the summer to characterize a series of fluorescent
compounds in complex with cucurbit[n]urils. Faizan plans to go to graduate school
in chemical engineering.
14
2010 SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS IN CHEMISTRY
1st row: Dr. Adam Urbach, Dr. Bert Chandler, Dr. Nancy Mills, Vicky Cheng,
Kendall Bailey, Drew Metzger, Remu Navaz Gangji, Gus Wilson
2nd row: Taylor Hoyt, Dr. Michelle Bushey, Dr. Laura Hunsicker-Wang, Tim Ward,
Cliff Woodford, Blair Shackleton, Chris Schardon, Zoe LaPier, Daren Danner
3rd row: Blake Tresca, Michael Dzerlenga, Dr. Sean McClintock, Anika Schwander,
Abhishek Chhetri, Porsha Shaw, Isaac Zoch, Margret Hilton, Nick Karagas, PJ
Pritzker, David Shope, Michael Cammarata, Faizan Zubair, Danielle Roberts, Dr.
Chris Pursell.
Last Row: Mariles Hager, Erik Skoglund, Tim Sowers, Daoqi Wang, Dr. Vijay
Ramalingam, Dr. Shane Kendall, Sawan Vaidya, Maduka Ogba, Dr. Steven
Bachrach, Dr. Peter Kelly-Zion, Dr. Jessica Hollenbeck,
15
STUDENT RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS, Undergraduates indicated by
asterisks
Pittcon 2010 Orlando, Feb. 28- Mar. 5, 2010
Michael B. Cammarata*, Jonathan M. King, Michelle M. Bushey, “Exploring the
Phosphorylation Sites of the ZU-5 Domain of the Tight Junction Protein ZO-1
Through Capillary Electrophoresis”
239th National American Chemical Society Meeting, San Francisco, CA,
March 21-25, 2010
David Stuck* and Steven M. Bachrach, “Theoretical studies of
[n]cycloparaphenylene,”
Michael Dzierlenga* and Steven M. Bachrach, “Microsolvation of Uracil,”
Cecily C. Wilbanks* and Steven M. Bachrach, “Superbases: Substituted Pyridines
and Quinuclidines,”
Kaitlin N. Elsenheimer*, Mary E. Konkle, and Laura M. Hunsicker-Wang,
“Chemical Modification of the Rieske Protein Using Diethyl Pyrocarbonate
(DEPC)”
Lindsey Handley*, Cristina Hamme*, and Laura M. Hunsicker-Wang, “Purification
of TtCuA and the Characterization of Protein Interactions between TtCuA and TtSco”
Porsha Shaw* and Laura M. Hunsicker-Wang, “Metal Binding Characterization of
TtSco”
Emily Whitney* and Laura M. Hunsicker-Wang, “L135E Mutation to the Rieske
Protein of Thermus thermophilus”
Blakely Tresca* and Nancy Mills, “Attempted preparation of antiaromatic dianions
from reduction of 5-benzylidene-5H-dibenzo[4.5]cycloheptene: Unexpected
overreduction to the tetraanion”
Nicholas D. Hargreaves*, Jordan M. Chinai, and Adam R. Urbach, "Crystal
Structure of an Insulin•Cucurbit[7]uril Complex"
Marlies V. Hager*, Vijayakumar Ramalingam, and Adam R. Urbach, "Finding an
Optimal Platform for Studying Oligovalent Binding"
Bi Y. Guo*, Jacob W. Reynolds*, and Adam R. Urbach, "Co-Hosts for Peptide
Recognition by Cucurbit[8]uril"
239th National American Chemical Society Meeting, Boston, MA, Aug. 22-26,
2010.
Christopher L. Schardon*, Kyle Meinhardt, James R. Shinkle, Michelle M. Bushey,
“Probing UV-signaling pathways in plants: Identification of UV Absorbing Species
in Arabidopsis Thaliana and Cucumber Seedlings"
16
2010 CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Achievement in Organic Chemistry
Jake Reynolds
American Institute of Chemists Award
Christopher Schardon
Award for Academic Excellence and Research in Chemistry
Lindsay Handley and Jordan Chinai
CRC Freshman Achievement Award
Patricia Lenihan, and Andrew Metzger
John A. Burke Award in Inorganic Chemistry
Jake Reynolds
Junior Achievement Award
Michael Dzierlenga and Marlies Hager
McGavock Award for Outstanding Research
David Stück
McGavock Poster Award
Christopher Schardon
2010 McGavock Scholarship
Margret Hilton
Merck Senior Achievement Award
Emily Whitney
Outstanding Student Assistant Award
Brant Konetchy
Senior Service Award
David Stück and Jordan Chinai
Senior Achievement Award in Research
Porsha Shaw and Derek Smith
Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry
Marlies Hager
2010 McGavock
Award Winner
Ina Beth McGavock
Scholarship Recipient
William Crews McGavock
Scholarship Recipient
David Stück
Margaret Hilton 10-12
Marlies Hager 09-11
17
CHEMISTRY CLUB
Chemistry Club Officers 2010-11
Colin Wiley, standing in for Vicky Cheng, Marlies Hager, Garry Winkler
Leigh Anna Logsdon, Florisa Lubrin, Michael Rodriguez, Yemi Idowu, Lauren Holguin, Cliff Woodford
President: Marlies Hager
Secretary: Florisa Lubrin
Webmaster: Vicky Cheng
VP Outreach: Leigh Anna Logsdon
VP on Campus Events: Cliff Woodford
VP Socials: Michael Rodriguez
VP Green Chemistry: Lauren Holguin
Treasure: Garry Winkler
Mentoring: Yemi Idowu
This year, the chemistry club remained focused on serving both the Trinity and San
Antonio communities. The battery recycling program on campus, as well as
demonstrations at the Children’s Museum and Trinity Science Academy to help get
kids excited about science as a young age, were among our main focuses this year.
We also celebrated Mole Day by selling "Trinity Element" t-shirts and had a great
on-campus Mole Day demonstration that was attended by well over 100 students!
In April, we will be honoring Marie Curie at our annual spring Scientist Day
demonstration. Finally, we are trying to provide a series of lectures regarding
alternate careers in chemistry, and toward that end, we hosted Trinity professor
Jeffrey Nordine for a lecture on teaching science in grades K-12.
18
REPORT FROM THE FACULTY AND STAFF
Steven Bachrach
In the spring semester I taught CHEM 1300, our introduction
to chemistry course. This was an interesting experience,
teaching a class to students with poor backgrounds in
chemistry. In the fall I was on leave. I visit five different
universities (Georgia, Virginia Commonwealth, North Texas,
Texas Tech, and Texas A&M) each for about a week. I
initiated collaborations with Fritz Schaefer at Georgia and Bill
Hase at Texas Tech. I learned to do some molecular dynamics
with Dan Singleton and had great conversation with all my hosts. It was nice to get
away from administrative duties for the semester, and Bert Chandler admirably
covered those duties during my absence.
Carmen maintained her executive platinum status on American Airlines thanks to a
very busy schedule that included a trip to Barcelona. Dustin will graduate from Rice
in May 2011 and then begin a career at Microsoft. Carmen and I vacationed with
Dustin in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in August – a truly wonderful location.
Over winter break, Carmen and I spent a few days in Santa Fe. I hear from former
students every so often – including some impending nuptials. I would love to hear
from any of you!
Michelle Bushey
In the spring semester I was on academic leave. It was
wonderful.
In the fall I taught Analytical Chemistry, CHEM 3432, and
Chemistry for the Studio Artist, CHEM 2305. Both classes
saw some changes. The recently funded NSF-CCLI grant
allowed us to purchase a handheld XRF and ICP-OES.
Purchase and training on the XRF happened at the end of the
spring semester and the installation and training on the ICP occurred near the start
of the fall semester. The ICP was used in place of the atomic absorption
spectophotometer for the soil analysis lab in 3432. The XRF was used in 3432 to
analyze a variety of samples, some student supplied, and a some at the San Antonio
Museum of Art. The CHEM 2305 students used the XRF at the McNay museum to
examine several paintings from different time periods and they also used it a local
conservator’s studio to examing a 17th centuryTibetan Thangka. These two
instruments are being integrated into several classes in Chemistry, Geosciences, and
Biology. Stay tuned.
I attended Pittcon again, this time in Orlando. I also attended the CUR business
meeting and conference in Ogden Utah in June. Kate Ritson traveled to the meeting
19
too and together we presented a poster on the combination of chemistry and art.
Much fun.
Academic leave in the spring minimized my service activities but they picked up
again in the fall. They included serving on the Advising and Registration committee,
and an administrator review committee. I continue to coordinate the FAST Grant
program. The ‘Instrumentation Topics for the Teaching Laboratory’ column,
published in the Journal of Chemical Education, had a strong first year with 10
articles published. Fingers are crossed that the first six months of 2011 are spoken
for.
Research activities included work on the collaborative project with Jim Shinkle on
the identification of flavonoids and sinapates in cucumber and Arabidopsis. Work
on the diffusion of analytes on porous polymer monoliths used in capillary
electrochromatography was stepped up and will be supported by the Petroleum
Research Fund beginning in March of 2011. This will become the major focus of
the lab for the next few years.
Erin is in the midst of applying to colleges; Sean is in the middle of his first year of
high school and anxiously awaiting the spring baseball tryouts. Dennis is still in the
Biology department but now, until the building is gutted, has a window in his office.
Lucy and Trixie actually play with each other sometimes – until someone goes to
far. Watching the cross-species interactions is quite interesting. Better pots are
thrown now, and occasionally sold. Summer vacation was on the west coast,
visiting San Francisco, Oregon, and Portland.
Bert Chandler
2010 passed way, way too quickly. It started with the end of
an era. I taught Inorganic Chemistry to the sophomores for
the 9th and last time (since we’ve moved Biochemistry into the
4th semester, Inorganic will not be taught to Juniors … with a
PChem prerequisite). The class went well, but I’m looking
forward to the much smaller classes and experimenting with
different things in both the course and lab in the future.
The fall brought a new challenge as Dr. Bachrach went on
sabbatical and left me in charge of the shop. As you might expect, I worked to find
the right balance between ruling with an iron fist and gently employing personal
inducements in my role as benevolent dictator. My success in doing so can
probably be gauged by the fact that I am no longer Chair, and that Steve has been
left to pick up the pieces. The rumor floating around Northrup Hall is that Steve
returned with a signed letter claiming that if should ever become incapacitated and
no longer able to fulfill the duties of his office, his powers should be transferred to,
in order: Nancy Mills, Michelle Bushey, Chris Pursell, Adam Urbach, Laura
Hunsicker-Wang, Jessica Hollenbeck, Gloria Castoreno, Noel Burns, Terry
20
Gonzalez, Johnny the Janitor, Sarah Palin, and Bert Chandler. I remain unsure as to
how I should feel about this.
In all seriousness, I very much appreciate the support that everyone in the
department showed during the dark time last Fall, especially Steve who was always
willing to answer my questions while he was on leave.
I was somehow able to do a little traveling this year, and was especially successful
in pairing work travel for meetings/conferences with visits to friends (i.e. was able
to stick a grant or the department with the airfare bill). Unfortunately, I was also
stuck in DC at my parents’ house with no electricity or heat for 3 days, when 31” of
snow was dropped the day after an NSF panel. Dutiful son that I am (who also
needed to get to the airport), I shoveled the driveway (4 times in 24 hours, actually)
and reminded myself of why I live in Texas.
I somehow managed to be chosen for a week-long “Green Chemistry Tour” of
Germany, sponsored by the German government – my far my largest success in
pairing work travel with fun. The Germans kept us scheduled from 8am – 10 pm
pretty much every day, but they were wonderfully gracious hosts and they paid for
everything but the flight over. We visited several research centers and Universities
within ca. 100 miles of Frankfurt, and met with dozens of people from academia,
industry, and their funding agencies. It really was a great experience, I learned a ton,
and am looking forward to going back!
I heard from a number of former group members this year, including Christina
Crump, Natalie Hoover, Lindsey Beakley, Bethany Auten, Brittany Scruggs, Suzi
Kilgore, Rachel Korkosz, Graham Mullings, and Heather Hartshorn. It’s always
great to hear from students who have managed to make something of themselves in
spite of my best efforts, and I’m proud of all of your accomplishments. If I don’t
have your name listed, let me know about it and I’ll fix it for next year. Shameless
ploy for email? Probably so, but I would love to hear how everyone is doing.
21
Jessica Hollenbeck
If I had a dollar for every time my six-year old son said
“That’s boring!”, I’d be rich. If I had a quarter for every time
my almost two-year old daughter said “No!”, I’d be even
richer, but if I had a nickel for every time I walked back and
forth between my research laboratory in CLS and my office in
MEB in 2010, I could retire today! And while it’s true that the
number of times I walked back and forth may not be
significantly different from years past, the distance more than
doubled in 2010 due to the start of construction of the new
science facility. Needless to say, I’m very excited about moving into the new
building in December.
2010 started with a busy semester. I taught Biochemistry I for the first time in three
years to 42 students! It was a lot of fun, but also, a lot of grading. That trend
continued in the Fall, when I taught the second-semester of Organic Chemistry to 44
students. In the Fall, I also taught Biochem Lab… a course that has evolved quite a
bit since I arrived at Trinity in 2006. This year I added three new experiments
including one that monitored the thermal denaturation of designed ankyrin repeat
proteins as a function of pH and ionic strength.
My research group continued to explore the potential for ankyrin repeat proteins to
act as multivalent ligand scaffolds. There were six of us in the lab over the summer:
Rachel Landgren returned for a third year; Colin Wiley for his second, and three
new students, Derek Danner, Danielle Roberts, and Gus Wilson joined the group.
Our group picture shows the six of us standing in the cold room adjacent to my lab
in CLS. In Colin’s opinion, the cold room was a blessing. I often found him cooling
off in there after walking to lab from lower campus in the brutal heat and humidity
we endured in June and July. I think Rachel, Dani, and Gus would disagree. Each of
them lost significant amounts of protein when the thermostat inside the cold room
failed on two separate occasions… once in June and once in July. Hopefully, the
cold room in the new building will be more reliable. In the meantime, we’re doing
dialysis of precious samples in the deli case in the lab next door. Unfortunately, the
deli case isn’t big enough for Colin…
Laura Hunsicker-Wang
In Spring 2010, I taught one section of CHEM 3221 (Inorganic
Lab) and a new special topics class “Structural Biology”, team
taught with Adam Urbach. I really enjoyed teaching this new
class, as it was the first special topics class that I have taught.
In fall 2010, I taught two sections of CHEM 1118 (general
chemistry lab) and one section of CHEM 1318 (general
chemistry). I enjoyed teaching these new, enthusiastic students
in chemistry.
22
In terms of research, we published our second paper this year. It was a report on the
reaction of diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) with both the wild type Rieske protein
and a mutant that removed all but the ligating histidines in the protein. We showed
that the DEPC will form an adduct on the ligating histidine 154 and lysines in the
large domain. Along with modification, the protein also becomes reduced,
presumably due to the change in the potential upon modification. It was published
in the summer in Biochemistry.
The Sco project has also progressed nicely. We have shown that the Thermus
thermophilus Sco protein will bind Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, and Co2+. We have also done
competition experiments to show the relative affinities of these metals. In addition,
we have been probing the disulfide bond reduction activity of Sco by reacting
mutants of both Sco and CuA that remove a cysteine. We have shown that the Sco
C49S and CuA C153S mutants will react to form a mixed disulfide intermediate,
which is very good evidence for the disulfide bond reduction activity of Sco. We
aim to write up the results of the work this year.
On a personal note, my daughter, Lilian, will be 4 this year. She is just the light of
my world and so smart and funny. She is easily the funniest person I know. My
husband is wonderful and we are very happy, having celebrated our 10th wedding
anniversary this year. He continues to work at USAA as a financial advisor and has
been promoted into the wealth management division.
Joseph B. Lambert
I arrived at Trinity in the middle of the fall semester, having
retired after 45 years on the faculty of Northwestern
University in Evanston, Illinois. This is very familiar territory
to me, as I grew up in San Antonio and went to Alamo
Heights High School, very close to Trinity. Although I will
not be teaching courses, I will give occasional lectures and am
starting a research group. My overall areas of research are
physical organic and archaeological chemistry, with specialization in organosilicon
chemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. I will begin research at
Trinity with studies of ancient amber, an organic material used for jewelry and
derived from fossilized plant resins. The research is heavy on NMR with overtones
of botanical gardens and museums.
Nancy Mills
It was a very interesting, busy, and challenging year. The
changes in our curriculum, particularly the implementation of an
introductory chemistry course for students with weaker
chemistry background resulted in a bumper crop of students for
the first semester of organic chemistry, ~130 students, and I was
fortunate to be able to teach all of them, luckily in two sections
of the course. I continued to teach my Chemistry of Crime course
for non-science majors. I created a number of active learning
modules (POGIL, Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) to
23
help make the learning of chemistry a bit less traumatic for these students who have
avoided a science course at Trinity for nearly four year. Every year at least one
student complains on the course evaluation that there is too much chemistry in the
course! It is great fun and the students write wonderful term papers.
The summer research group was amazing, as always. It seemed to be the most
productive, as evidenced by two papers submitted from the summer's work. I had a
great group of 9 undergraduates who were superbly mentored by Dr. Sean
McClintock. I had met Dr. McClintock while I was on leave at the University of
Oregon and I was absolutely delighted when he decided to do a post doc with me.
His assistance was invaluable during the installation of our new 500 MHz NMR
spectrometer, with funding from the Major Research Instrumentation program of
the National Science Foundation, and some help from stimulus funds. We were able
to join my family for a trip to West Virginia where my niece Sara is a climbing
guide. She is so good that I actually did a multi-pitch climb, as well as some pretty
exciting rafting. The culmination of the summer was a weeklong backpack in
southern Colorado with some college friends. We have discovered ultra-light
backpacking, and now sleep in hammocks rather than tents. Not sleeping on the
group has really enhanced my enjoyment of the out-of-doors. The daily rain got a
little old, but all in all, it was a wonderful trip.
The fall was much, much busier than I had envisioned. I was elected to the
Commission on Promotion and Tenure because I realized if I didn't serve my threeyear term, I might run out of the opportunity to do so. However, when I agreed to
stand for election, I didn't realize that I would also be asked to serve as one of the
chairs of the newly constituted Strategic Planning Committee, along with the Chair
of the Board of Trustees and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. I gave myself
a crash course in strategic planning by reading as widely as I could. The chance to
help shape the course of the university for the next decade was really exciting, as
was the opportunity to engage in conversations with folks from all areas of campus.
I will continue to serve as chair of the committee probably for another year or so. It
is a really exciting time to be at Trinity. With all of this activity, I must have
panicked about research because I submitted two papers in September, that were
published by the end of the year and wrote two more in the fall, as detailed in the
report of my students activities. It was really fun to see all the research come
together.
On other fronts, I am serving my last year on the Committee on Professional
Training of the American Chemical Society, for a decade of service, and will serve
on the Advisory Board of the Petroleum Research Fund of the ACS, starting in May.
PRF is the primary granting agency of the ACS and I am looking forward to
learning a lot.
My daughter Carrie and her husband Thomas (her grade school boyfriend) live in St.
Louis where she works for a biotech start-up company and Thomas is involved in a
cloud computing group, which was recently purchased by Rackspace, headquartered
in San Antonio. Will is a senior at Grinnell College and his major in political
science is as close to science as he wanted to get. My husband Mark took a position
24
as a physician for refugees who are required to get medical examinations shortly
after they enter the country. The stories of some of these folks are truly amazing.
Chris Pursell
Once again, I am at a lost trying to remember what happened
last year. During the spring semester, I taught physical
chemistry lecture (quantum and spectroscopy) and the
physical chemistry laboratory. All went well and we even
learned some chemistry! During the summer I helped
supervise research students on the two joint projects I have
been pursuing for the last few years. Working with Professor
Chandler, we have been studying the chemical and physical
properties of supported gold nanoparticle catalysts. In my lab we have focused on
quantifying the adsorption of CO using infrared spectroscopy. In particular, we
have been developing a Temkin model for determining the thermodynamics
(enthalpy and entropy) for the adsorption process. Working with Professor KellyZion (engineering science), we have continued to examine the evaporation of thin
hydrocarbon films, testing the influence of geometry, and trying to discern the
importance of gas-phase diffusion and buoyancy-induced convection.
For the fall semester, I have been on academic sabbatical, performing research at
the University of Torino. This has involved a collaborative project with Professor
Boccuzzi and her research group. The research area again concerns gold
nanoparticle catalysts and measuring their physical and chemical properties. Much
of the advancements regarding the Temkin model has been accomplished while in
Italy. I have also made additional contacts with Professor Della Pina (University of
Milano) and Professor Pinna (University of Venezia). I am hopeful that these
contacts will also lead to fruitful collaborations in the future.
On the more personal side, we have really enjoyed our time in Italy. It is a fantastic
place with many beautiful cities. Over the Christmas – New Year’s break, we
visited Roma and Firenza with our older kids (Janet (25) and Timothy (22)), along
with Timothy’s new wife (Kristine). It was a great family holiday. We (Kathy,
Jacob (16) and I) have been trying to learn some Italian, but it has been slow going.
We are able to get around and communicate enough to get by. I would love the
time to really study the language, but there are only so many hours in each day!
While in Italy, we have also made many good friends at the English-speaking
International Church of Torino. The church is half African and half everything else.
We have really enjoyed the church family and being a part of this very unique
Christian church.
I will finish the Italian sabbatical report in the next Annual Report. So, stay tuned!
25
Adam Urbach
The balancing act that is life continues to challenge, motivate,
occasionally excite and disappoint, mostly satisfy, and
generally move along day-by-day. My teaching duties were
routine in the fall with organic lecture and lab, and new and
unusual in the spring with a newly developed Advanced
Interdisciplinary Topics course (Structural Biology) offered in
a great collaboration with Laura Hunsicker-Wang, and a
newly developed Advanced Analytical Methods class taught
to a lively and engaged group of seniors while Michelle
Bushey was on academic leave. My research program,
funded by NSF, Welch, and Dreyfus grants, continues to explore the interactions of
synthetic organic compounds with biomolecular targets, including peptides, proteins,
and DNA. The increasing complexity in biomolecular targets, designed molecules,
and assays provides a welcomed challenge that should yield greater insight into
biomolecular recognition and, ultimately, useful devices for sensing and separations.
Participating in numerous scientific meetings and university visits this year I was
inspired and invigorated by the creative and rigorous work that is moving forward
the fields of physical-organic, bio-organic, supramolecular, nano, and materials
chemistry. I look forward to my imminent academic leave in David Tirrell's group
at Caltech. This year I completed six years as faculty advisor to our ACS Student
Affiliates chapter and left the organization in the capable hands of Jessica
Hollenbeck, I enjoyed organizing the 2010-11 department seminar program, and I
began training in the very interesting role of Faculty Advisor to the University
Honor Council. My family also looks forward to the move to California. Sebastian
is 4 and enjoying Montessori school, soccer, and frequent camping trips in the
Texas hill country. It's fun to balance.
Marilyn Wooten
It is with pleasure that I continued my teaching
activities with the Chemistry Department. In the
spring During the Spring 2010, teaching two
sections of Organic Chemistry 1 lab (CHEM
2119) and Basic Chemistry 1300 (CHEM 1300)
was a worthwhile challenge as I finished writing
my dissertation. In the Fall, I taught two sections
of the General Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM
1118). Training on the new Varian ICP-OE (Inductively coupled Plasma Optical
Emission Spectroscopy) and the X-ray fluorescence analyzer was accomplished so
that these exciting techniques may be included in the first year chemistry laboratory
experience. In fact, with Noel Burns’ help we incorporated the new ICP-OES during
the laboratory course for CHEM 1118. Teaching General Chemistry (CHEM 1318)
was much more comfortable this time around as my dissertation was completed. I
learned more about teaching in working with Dr. Hunsicker-Wang and Dr. Kuhler.
I had fun managing the chemistry department’s role in working with seventh
graders for the Trinity Science Academy, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute
26
funded program that facilitates the exposure of students, from under-resourced
school districts, to science in a university environment. The middle school students
came each Friday for a month and participated in hands on scientific activities that
connected the scientific method with everyday products. In the process, students
found out that claims made by the companies that manufacture these products were
not always what they seemed. We even tweaked the sunscreen experiment to better
measure how well each sunscreen performed.
In addition to teaching, I graduated, earning my Ph. D. form University of Texas at
San Antonio, in Spring 2010 and published two papers with Dr. Gorski, my advisor.
It’s been a wonderful change to finally finish. We are still working on a couple
more papers. I also taught part-time in the summer at UTSA. On a personal level, I
enjoy mountain biking and took up road biking over the summer. I have 3 sons (Joe,
Ben, and Bill), a husband, and a dog who keep me quite busy away from Trinity.
PART-TIME FACUTY AND POST DOCTORAL ASSOCIATES
Dr. Mary Konkle finished her time at Trinity in May
2010. She is now a tenure-track faculty member in the
chemistry department at Eastern Illinois University. In her
work at Trinity, Mary developed methods to chemically
modify the Rieske protein. She modified the protein with
diethylpyrocarbonate, which specifically reacts with
deprotonated histidines. We used this
reaction to probe the reactivity of histidine ligands of the
[2Fe-2S] cluster. Her work resulted in a publication in
Biochemistry in July 2010.
Dr. Frank Walmsley continued his long-term association with the
department by teaching a section of CHEM 2119 in the Spring. He
continues to review for the Journal of Chemical Education and is
continuing work on this series of Resources for Chemistry
Teachers.
Dr. Radhika Nair worked on nanoparticle and catalyst
synthesis in Dr. Chandler's lab.
27
Dr. Shane Kendell joined the Chandler group from the
University of New South Whales, Australia . He worked on
understanding halide poisoning of
Au/TiO2 catalysts
Dr. Sean McClintock joined the Mills group in January
2010 and has rapidly made himself indispensible. He
received his PhD from the University of Oregon, working in
the group of Dr. Michael Haley, which was also the group in
which Dr. Mills spent her sabbatical in 2008-09. Dr.
McClintock was responsible for introducing the Mills group
to the world of coupling reactions which has revolutionized
our approach to the synthesis of precursors to antiaromatic
dications. He developed a new superacid which promises to be much more effective
than the most commonly used superacid, Magic Acid. His work has resulted in one
paper in print and another submitted at this writing. He was the point person on the
installation of the new 500 MHz NMR spectrometer in spring 2010 and wrote
instruction sheets for the use of it and the new software for our 300 MHz NMR
spectrometer. He is planning on a career at an undergraduate institution and at this
writing, has one job offer in hand. We will miss him tremendously.
Dr. Vijay Ramalingam Dr. Vijayakumar Ramalingam
joined Dr. Urbach's research group upon finishing his PhD
at City University of New York. Dr. Ramalingam taught
General Chemistry Laboratory in the spring and is
working with Dr. Urbach on novel supramolecular
constructs for the purpose of protein separations, and on
the synthesis of DNA-binding small molecules
28
EMERITUS FACULTY
Bill Kurtin (and Sandra Kurtin)
Dr. Bill Kurtin fully retired in 2006. In
2007, after doing some consulting on the
chemistry of essential oils for a friend
who is an aromatherapist, he developed a
presentation on the biochemistry of
olfaction. He now gives guest lectures on
the subject in a class titled Brain and
Behavior each fall and spring at the
University of the Incarnate Word. He
continues to take a class studying the
Czech language, and he was able to use
the language when he and wife Sandra
spent a month in the Czech Republic and
Poland in summer 2010. On the less academic side, he continues his interest in
music activities, joining the University Presbyterian Church choir, and leading the
Medina Mud Band, which still plays several events each year. He and Sandra have
spent much time since retirement making improvements to the land and buildings
on their property in Junction, TX. They also enjoy spending time with their children
and grandchildren, the latter now numbering 6, with one more on the way. In 2008
they moved back to San Antonio from Bulverde. They miss the large vegetable
garden they had, but do not miss mowing the big yard.
Ben Plummer
Ben and Gail Plummer are still active in retirement. When time permits, they drive
to Austin to watch their twin 10-year-old grandsons, Alex and John, play little
league baseball. And they try to keep up with their 14 year old Grandson, Adam,
who is very busy in a magnet high school and cross-country racing. They continue
to travel overseas and enjoy touring with a friend who coordinates small group tours.
This spring they traveled with their son Scott, the veterinarian neurosurgeon, to
South Africa and Zimbabwe. The beauty and climate of Capetown were a surprise.
Krueger National Park offered opportunity for overnight tented camping and close
viewing of elephants, zebras, giraffe, lion, cheetah, leopard, hippos, and rhinos from
the safety of a Land Rover. On March 26 they hosted their 50-year wedding
anniversary dinner party at Ben’s Golf Club for 55 people that included family and
friends. Ben presented a brief slide show with appropriate audio music. Scott, Doug,
Suzanne, and Jeffrey presented a brief drama about their lives with their parents.
Ben and Gail are eagerly anticipating a cruise up the Rhine River from Vienna to
Amsterdam in June. They join two other couples they met when Ben was a grant
officer at the National Science Foundation in 1994-95. An Ohio State couple, close
friends from grad school days, will also join the cruise. Ben and John Burke
regularly play golf at Olympia Hills Golf course where both have a year round
membership. Gail and Ben share season tickets to Spurs games and anticipate
attending some playoff games this April. They enjoy their new house and
swimming pool and look forward to a bountiful crop from their backyard garden.
29
Ben would enjoy receiving emails from former students to learn about their current
activities. bplummer1@satx.rr.com.
Gail and Ben Riding Camels on their Egyptian Tour March 2006
30
CHEMISTRY STAFF
Noel Burns
Lab/Stockroom Manager
This year has been busy continuing to make the
Chemistry Labs and Stockroom more productive
than ever. The First Year and Sophomore courses
this year were very smooth running with
integration of new technology such as our new
Varian ICP/OES. I have also been participating in the new building design process,
assisting in the stockrooms and teaching lab areas. As we transition into the new
building (Winter 2011), we are already planning emphasis of cross-departmental
cooperation and consolidation of some stockroom storage areas and functions. We
see this as a way to increase efficiency, reducing stock redundancies, lower
expenses for the university. We are also excited about working more closely with
other departments on research projects as well as teaching experiences. We are also
coming out of a successful EPA Audit with confirmation that we are running quality
labs and safe protocols, despite the Moody Engineering Building nearing the end of
its usage. I have also maintained my participation in the National Association of
Scientific Material Manager. This organization has been a great resource for me to
lower costs, gather information, and get additional training to benefit the Chemistry
Dept. Overall, this has been a great year for me and the department, and I am
excited to see where we are next year.
Gloria Castoreno continues to be the department secretary
along with Terry. In 2010 has been watching all the
construction next to the building MEB. SLH was torn
down in Aug. 2010. Construction between buildings MEB
and CLS has gone from a big hole to skeleton buildings.
Home life is great, will travel any chance she gets. Taking
on 2 new endeavors, church treasurer 3 year position and
putting together a women church retreat for spring 11.
Teresa Gonzalez is the secretary for the department.
She is blessed with two adorable children ages 8
(daughter) and 9 (son). Ms. Gonzalez is selling her
Caravan and downsizing to a compact car. She’s
grateful for the opportunity to be a
member of the Trinity family.
31
GRANTS FOR EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Welch Department Research Grant, 2009-2012, $150,000, Steven Bachrach, PI.
“MRI: Acquisition of a Circular Dichroism Spectropolarimeter with Stopped-Flow
Detection for Undergraduate Research” funded at $108,620 by the National Science
Foundatdion, PI, Adam Urbach; Co-PIs, Bert Chandler, Frank Healy, Jessica
Hollenbeck, Laura Hunsicker-Wang, 8/1/2007-7/31/2010
"MRI-R2: Acquisition of a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer by Trinity University",
funded at $498,500 by the National Science Foundation-Major Research
Instrumentation program, Nancy Mills, PI, Co-PIs Jessica Hollenbeck, Laura
Hunsicker-Wang, and Adam Urbach, 1/1/10-3/31/11
National Science Foundation, CCLI, DUE-0942940. "Breadth and Depth in
Elemental Analysis". CoPIs Benjamin Surpless and Candace Coyle. $200,000
(5/1/2010- 4/30/2013).
National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics (S-STEM), DUE-0806471. "Financial Aid for Science and
Technology Students. (Fast Student Grant Program)" PI, Michelle Bushey, CoPIs
Wilson Terrell, Dennis Ugolini; $600,000. 7/15/2008- 2/15/2013.
FACULTY RESEARCH GRANTS
Steven Bachrach
Trinity University Academic Leave, "Methods of Quantum Chemical
Computations", Steve Bachrach, Fall, 2010
Michelle Bushey
Petroleum Research Fund, "Fundamental Studies of Diffusion and Retention on
Porous Polymer Monolith Stationary Phases used in Capillary
Electrochromatography". $65,000 (3/1/2011- 8/31/2014)Trinity University
Academic Leave, “Developing and Adapting Analytical Tools for the Analysis of
Biological Samples of Interest.” Michelle Bushey, Spring 2010.
Bert Chandler
National Science Foundation CAREER Award “Chemical and Catalytic
Characterization of Dendrimer Templated Bimetallic Nanoparticles” ($415,000)
Award Period: 6/05-5/10.
Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award
($60,000) Award Period: 1/08-12/12.
32
National Science Foundation “RUI: Preparation and Characterization of Dendrimer
Templated Au-M Nanoparticles and Catalysts” ($ 280,000) Award Period: 9/108/13.
Jessica Hollenbeck
Camille & Henry Dreyfus Faculty Start-up Award. “Losing the Groove: Toward a
Linear Scaffold of Ankyrin Repeats”. 2006-2011, $30,000.
Research Corporation Cottrell College Science Award. “Designed Ankyrin Repeats
as Scaffolds for Multivalent Recognition”. 2009-2011, $40,000.
Laura Hunsicker-Wang
Research Corporations: “Copper Chaperones from Thermus thermophilus:
Structural and Functional Studies of TtSco”, $37,052, (2009-2010).
Nancy Mills
National Science Foundation –Research at Undergraduate Institutions
"Antiaromatic Hydrocarbon Dications and Hydrocarbon/Heterocylic Dianions: The
Relationship Delocalization and Antiaromaticity," $249,784 (2010-2013)
National Science Foundation –Research at Undergraduate Institutions, CHE0553589, “The Role of Bond Localization in Antiaromaticity:
Aromaticity/Antiaromaticity Continuum for Indenyl Systems”, $207,600 (20062010).
Welch Foundation, “Understanding Aromaticity through the Prism of
Antiaromaticity; Antiaromatic Dianions and Dications”, $150,000 (2007-2011)
Chris Pursell
Petroleum Research Fund – Type B Grant: “Experimental Study of Transport
Phenomena of Evaporating Fuel Films”, $65,000, with Peter L. Kelly-Zion (20092012).
Adam Urbach
Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award, "Rigid Receptors for Multivalent Peptide
Recognition" $60,000, (2009-2014)
Welch Foundation, “Repeat DNA as a Multivalent Receptor” $150,000, (2009-2012)
National Science Foundation, “CAREER: Synthetic Co-Hosts for SequenceSpecific Recognition and Labeling of Peptides in Aqueous Solution” $594,000,
2008-2012)
33
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS
“Using the Pyridine and Quinuclidine Scaffolds for Superbases: A DFT Study,"
Steven M. Bachrach and Cecily C. Wilbanks,* Journal of Organic Chemistry 2010,
75, 2651–2660, DOI: 10.1021/jo100295s.
“Computational Organic Chemistry,” Steven M. Bachrach, Annual Reports of the
Progress in Chemistry, Section B: Organic Chemistry, 2010, 106, 407-427.
“DFT Study of Cycloparaphenylenes and Heteroatom-Substituted Nanohoops,”
Steven M. Bachrach and David Stück,* Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2010, 75,
6595–6604.
“Peak parking determination of the obstruction factor in lauryl acrylate monolithic
CEC columns”, Gwen J. Anderson, Zoe LaPier*, Michael B. Cammarata*, Tae Sun
Cullum*, and Michelle M. Bushey, Electrophoresis, 2010, 31, 1583-1585.
“Introduction to a New Column: Instrumentation Topics for the Teaching
Laboratory”, Michelle M. Bushey, Journal of Chemical Education, 2010, 87, 8-9.
“Improving Oxygen Activation Over Supported Au Catalysts Through the Controlled
Preparation of Bimetallic Ni-Au Nanoparticles”, Bert Chandler, C. Long, John
Gilbertson, G. Vijayaraghavan, Keith Stevenson, Chris Pursell, Journal of Physical
Chemistry C, 2010 114, 11498-11508.
“Ultrafast Optical Study of Small Gold Monolayer Protected Clusters: A Closer
Look at Emission” Sung Hei Yau, Oleg Varnavski, John D. Gilbertson, Bert D.
Chandler, Guda Ramakrishna,|and Theodore Goodson III, The Journal of Physical
Chemistry C, 2010, 114, 15979-15985.
“Chemical Modification of the Rieske Protein from Thermus thermophilus Using
Diethyl Pyrocarbonate Modifies Ligating Histidine 154 and Reduces the [2Fe-2S]
Cluster” Mary E. Konkle, Kaitlin E. Elsenheimer *, K. Hakala, Jenny C.
Robicheaux *, Susan T. Weintraub, Laura M. Hunsicker-Wang, Biochemistry 2010,
49, 7272-7281.
"Dications of 3-Phenyl-indenylidene dibenzo[a.d]cycloheptene: The role of charge
in the antiaromaticity of cationic systems", Nancy S. Mills, Francine E. Cheng*;
Joseph M. Baylan*, Cornelia Tirla, Jennifer L. Hartmann*, Kiran C. Patel*, Bart J.
Dahl, and Sean P. McClintock, Journal of Organic Chemistry, ASAP, 2010; J.
Org. Chem. 2011, 76, 645-653.
"Dications of benzylidenefluorene and diphenylmethylidene fluorene: The
relationship between magnetic and energetic measures of antiaromaticity",
Catherine Do*, Julianne Hatfield*, Shirali Patel*, D.Vasudevan, Cornelia Tirla, and
Nancy S. Mills, Journal of Organic Chemistry, ASAP, 2010; J. Org. Chem. 2011,
76, 181-187.
34
" Access to NMR spectroscopy for Two-Year College Students: the NMR Site at
Trinity University", Nancy S. Mills and Michael Shanklin, , Journal of Chemical
Education, in press, 2010.
“Benzobis(imidazolium)-Cucurbit[8]uril Complexes for Binding and Sensing
Aromatic Compounds in Aqueous Solution” Frank Biedermann, Urs Rauwald,
Monika Cziferszky, Kyle A. Williams, Lauren D. Gann*, Bi Y. Guo*, Adam R.
Urbach, Christopher W. Bielawski, and Oren A. Scherman, Chemistry A European
Journal, 2010, 16, 13716-13722.
“Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy in the Undergraduate Curriculum” Adam R.
Urbach, Journal of Chemical Education, 2010, 87, 891-893.
"Solid-Phase Synthesis of Peptide-Viologen Conjugates" Joseph J. Reczek, Elisa
Rebolini, and Adam R. Urbach, Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2010, 75, 21112114.
“Amperometric Determination of Glucose at Conventional vs. Nanostructured Gold
Electrodes in Neutral Solutions” Marilyn Wooten, Jun Ho Shim, and Waldemar
Gorski, Electroanalysis 2010, 22, 1275-1277.
“Facilitation of NADH Electrooxidation at Treated Carbon Nanotubes” Marilyn
Wooten and Waldemar Gorski Analytical Chemistry 2010 82, 1299-1304.
35
FACULTY PRESENTATIONS AT UNIVERSITIES AND AT SCIENTIFIC
MEETINGS
Steven Bachrach
Seminars at University of Georgia and Texas Tech
Michelle Bushey
Seminar at Southwestern University
“Grant Proposal Development in the Sciences”, Associated Colleges of the South
Virtual Workshop, Oct. 29, 2010.
M.M. Bushey, J.R. Shinkle, Christopher Schardon*, Kyle Meinhardt*,
Identification of UV Absorbing Species in Arabidopsis Thaliana and Cucumis
Sativus Seedlings, Pittcon 2010, Orlando, Feb. 28- Mar. 5, 2010.
M.M. Bushey, K. Ritson, Unusual Partners Open Interesting Opportunities:
Blending Chemistry and Art, CUR 2010, Ogden, UT June 19-22, 2010.
M.R. Brodl, M.M. Bushey, C.W. Scholz, D.R. Smith, Undergraduate Research at
Trinity University: Where we have been, Where we are, Where we are going, CUR
2010, Ogden, UT, June 19-22, 2010.
Bert Chandler
“Heterogeneous Catalysts from Au and Au-M Nanoparticles: Preparation,
Characterization, and Michaelis-Menten Kinetics of Low-Temparature CO
Oxidation” Iowa State Univ., October 14, 2010.
Chandler, BD; Pursell, CJ; Gilbertson, JD; Long, CG; Hartshorn, H; Korkosz, RJ;
“Old Tricks for New Dogs: Kinetics & Thermodynamics Studies of CO Oxidation
over Au and Ni-Au Catalysts” Poster Presentation at the Gordon Research
Conference on Catalysis. New London, NH, June 2010.
Chandler, BD; Pursell, CJ; Gilbertson, JD; Long, CG; Hartshorn, H; Korkosz, RJ;
“Old Tricks for New Dogs: Kinetics & Thermodynamics Studies of CO Oxidation
over Au and Ni-Au Catalysts” Poster Presentation at the Gordon Research
Conference on Catalysis. Biddeford, ME, June 2010.
Laura Hunsicker-Wang
“Probing the Factors that Govern the pH-dependent Reduction Potential in the
Rieske Protein from Thermus thermophilus” (Poster Presentation) Gordon
Conference - Metals in Biology, Ventura, CA Jan 2010
Nancy Mills
"Fostering excellence in the first two years: Leveraging ACS resources to address
transferable skills", Nancy Mills, Kristine Smetana, 66th Southwest/Southeastern
Regional American Chemical Society Meeting, New Orleans, December 3, 2010
36
Adam Urbach
"Cucurbit[n]uril-Based Sensing of Peptides and Proteins" 5th International
Symposium on Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry (ISMSC), Nara, Japan,
June 9, 2010
"Molecular Recognition of Peptides by Self-Assembled Synthetic Receptors" RISE
Area Conference: Frontiers in Chemical Biology, San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 24,
2010
"Understanding Oligovalency" National Science Foundation Workshop on Physical
Organic Chemistry, Austin, TX, Jan 9, 2010
Seminars at: University of Miami, Texas Tech University, New York University,
Georgetown University, and University of Maryland.
37
DEPARTMENTAL SEMINARS
Jan 21 – Summer Research Opportunities in Chemistry
Feb 4 – Dr. Brian Bahnson (University of Delaware)
“Exploring the Physiological Function and a Potential Bioscavenger Role
of Phospholipase A2 Enzymes”
Feb 11—Lauren Webb (UT Austin)
“Measuring Electrostatic Fields in Proteins”
Feb 18 – John Kozarich (Activx)
“From Enzyme Chemistry to Proteomic Chemistry”
Feb 25 – Vijay Ramalingam (Trinity University)
“Design and Synthesis of Squaramide-Based Molecular Machines”
Mar 11 – Joachim Weber (Texas Tech University)
“ATJP Synthase-The World’s Smallest Known Rotary Motor”
Mar 25 – Youngha Ryu (Texas Christian University)
“Unnatural Protein Engineering; Biochemical and ”
Apr 2 – Dr. Brent Sumerlin (Southern Methodist University)
“New Stimuli-Responsive Macromolecules – Polymer-Protein
Bioconjugates and ‘Sweet Tooth’ Micelles”
Apr 23 – Dr. Kevin Chambliss (Baylor University)
“Improved Analytical Methods for Monitoring Process Intermediates in
Biomass-to-Ethanol Conversion”
Sept. 16- Christy Landes (Rice University)
“Single Molecule Biophysical Chemistry (What the heck is that?”
Sept. 23- John Sibert (UT Dallas)
“Redox-Active ‘Wurster-Type’ Receptors for Cation, Anions, and
Complete Salts”
Sept. 30- Melanie Sanford (U. Michigan)
“C-H Bond Functionalization in Organic Synthesis”
Oct. 7- Sergei Dzyuba (TCU)
“Bioorganic Studies on Amyloids – Implications for Neurodegenerative
Diseases”
38
Oct. 14- Michael Mayer (Texas Tech)
“Synthesis via Entanglement”
Oct. 28- Don Kurtz (UTSA)
“How Microbes Sense and Detoxify Diatomic Oxygen and Nitrogen
Species: The Non-Heme Iron Paradigm”
Nov. 4- Henry White (U. Utah)
“Structural Analysis of Single-Base DNA Damage Using Protein
Nanopores”
Nov.11- Karen Wooley (Texas A&M)
“Sophisticated Plastics: Diverse Opportunities—from materials to
Medicine for Will-Defined Polymer Chemistry”
Nov. 18- Scott Grayson (Tulane)
“The Preparation of Nanoscale Polymer Architectures for Improved Drug
Delivery”
Dec. 2- Renhau Li (UT Houston)
“Structure and Regulation of a Blood-Clotting Receptor”
39
MAJOR INSTRUMENTATION IN THE CHEMISTRY
DEPARTMENT
Instrument Year
Varian 500 MHz NMR spectrometer
Bruker Tracer III-SD handheld XRF
Varian 720-ES ICP-OES
CD Spectrometer
CS Bio CS336 Automated Peptide Synthesizer
HEL parallel reactor system
Revco Ultra Low Temp. Freezer
Jasco J-815 CD Spectropolarimeter with Peltier
Temperature Control
Bio-Logic Stopped Flow System
Thermo Scientific Biomate 5 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
Varian Saturn 2100T ion trap GC/MS with MS/MS
Varian 3900 capillary GC
Akta Prep. FPLC
Biotek Absorbance Plate Reader
Jasco UV-Visible Spectrophotometer
New Objective Nanospray MS Source and 2005
Michrom Flow splitter
Beckman Fluorescence Detector/Melles Griot Laser
Beckman PA800 Capillary Electrophoresis
Autosampler/software upgrades for HPLC 1100
Waters Preparatory HPLC
PTI Fluorescence Microwell Plate Reader
PTI.Model QM-7 Fluorescence Spectrometer
ThermoFinnegan LCQ Deca XP Ion Trap MS with
MALDI, ESI, LC (w/biology)
Microcal VP-ITC Microcalorimeter(w/biology)
Ocean Optics UV/visible spectrometer
Dell PC Linux Cluster
Agilent 6890N Capillary GC
2 Polax Polarimeters
Nicolet Nexus 470 FT-IR
BAS Epsilon Electrochemical Analyzer
UVDetector with CE Flow Cell
Finnigan GC-MS
Varian Mercury 300 NMR Spectrometer
SRI Instruments GC (2)
Nicolet Nexus 470 FT-IR
Quanta Chrome Inst. Co. Autosorb 1-C Chemisorption,
Physisorption, and Pore Size Analyzer
Varian Cary 100 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
Varian Atomic Absorption SpectrAA 220 FS
Beckman P/ACE MDQ Capillary Electrophoresis
Beckman HPLC
40
Acquired
2010
2010
2010
2009
2008
2008
2008
2007
2007
2007
2006
2006
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2003
2003
2003
2003
2003
2002
2002
2002
2002
2001
2001
2001
2000
2000
BOARD OF ADVISORS
MEMBERSHIP 2009-2010
The individuals listed below meet usually twice each year on the Trinity campus to
advise the department on a variety of matters. The Board has been instrumental in
assisting the department in fund-raising efforts, particularly for equipment. The
Board members serve each spring as judges for the senior poster competition that
are part of the McGavock program.
We all owe these folks a great deal of thanks for their unselfish work on our behalf.
Dr. Andrew Burke
SSCI, Incorporated
3065 Kent Ave.
W. Lafayette, IN 47906
Mr. Bruce A. Story
Dow Chemical
Texas Division
Bld B-1470
Freeport, TX 77541-3257
Dr. Judy Guy-Caffey
TETRA Technologies
Technology Center
200 S. Trade Center Pkwy
Conroe, TX 77385
Dr. Andrew L. Vance
Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory
PO Box 808, L-091
Livermore, CA 94550
Dr. Randle Collard
6601 NE New Brooklyn Rd.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Dr. Sue Weintraub
Department of Biochemistry
University of Texas Health
Science
Center
7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78284-7760
Dr. Jodie Conyers
University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston
6410 Fannin Street Suite 1100.15
Houston, TX 77030
Dr. Andrew Rusinko III, PhD
Alcon Research Ltd., R0-19
6201 S. Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76134
41
Joshua Woody
23026 Fairway Bridge
San Antonio, TX 78258
ALUMNET
Trinity University, through the office of Alumni Relations, has set up a web site
devoted to alumni information, and called ALUMNET. It includes information
about events on campus, news about alumni, information about job openings, and
other information of potential interest to alumni. There are online forms for posting
of information and sending requests. The site may be found at the URL:
www.trinity.edu/departments/alumni_relations/Anindex.htm.
Alumni may also send information to Chemistry Department by contacting any of
the following faculty by e-mail:
Steve Bachrach steven.bachrach@trinity.edu
Michelle Bushey mbushey@trinity.edu
Bert Chandler bert.chandler@trinity.edu
Jessica Hollenbeck Jessica.hollenbeck@trinity.edu
Laura Hunsicker-Wang laura.hunsickerwang@trinity.edu
Nancy Mills nmills@trinity.edu
Chris Pursell cpursell@trinity.edu
Adam Urbach adam.urbach@trinity.edu
Finally, don't forget Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_161512913892741&ap
=1, or google facebook chemistry department alumni.
Gifts and Donations
The Chemistry Department gratefully acknowledges the support of
friends and alumni during the past year. This support has come in the form of
equipment donations, time, restricted and unrestricted monetary donations. All
support, no matter what the form, helps us to better meet our mission. Unrestricted
donations allow us to make special purchases during the year, and to support faculty
and student research in ways that our regular department budget does not allow. We
have been remiss in the past by not publicly thanking those who have supported our
efforts. We hope to remedy that now and in future annual reports. Our supporters
include American Chemical Society, John Burke, Randy Collard AMGEN
PACMATCH GIFT PROGRAM, Jodie Conyers Jr., Yolanda Fintschenko and
Andrew L. Vance, Andrew Gum, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Michael J.B. Rugh
Victoria L. Tang, William R. Veal, Frank Walmsley
42