Summer Research Opportunities
in Chemistry
at Illinois State University
Professor Gregory M. Ferrence
Department of Chemistry
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4160
Presented to URC cohort on February 2, 2007
at Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL.
Welcome to ISU
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/
NSF-URC Site Visit
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/
Structure of ISU Chemistry Including URC
MSAC
LSAMP
LSAMP
LSAMP
Project
SEED
CCC Science and
Partners
ISU
Chem
NSF
EWP
NIH
Bridges
2YC/4YC-NSF-URC
Teach.chem
Pipeline
blueprint
High School
Outreach
PRISM
IVCC
ICC
ChemWest
CeMaST
Vernacular
2YC – 2-year college
4YC – 4-year college/university
ACS – American Chemical Society
Bridges – NIH funded
CCC – City Colleges of Chicago
CeMaST – Center for Math, Science, and Technology
ChemWest – southwest Chicagoland high school chemistry teacher organization
DP – Distinguished Professor
EWP – Enrichment Workshop Program – component of Szczepura’s NSF-CAREER
HS – High School
IBHE – Illinois Board of Higher Education
ICC – Illinois Central College
ISBE – Illinois State Board of Education
ISU – Illinois State University
IVCC – Illinois Valley Community College
LSAMP - Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
MSAC – Minority Student Academic Center
NIH – National Institute of Health
NSF – National Science Foundation
PFIG – Pre-tenure Faculty Initiative Grant
Pipeline – ISU major initiative to facilitate quality education in Chicagoland high schools and community
colleges.
PRF – Petroleum Research Fund
PRISM – Partnerships for Research in Science & Math Education
RC – Research Corporation
RSP – Research and Sponsored Programs
SEED – Project SEED was established by ACS in 1968 to help expand the career outlook of high school
students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Teach.chem – ISU managed network for HS chemistry teacher continuing education
URG – University Research Grant
Senior Personnel (SP)
URL with more information about SP
Active funding reference
(many SP have more than the one listed)
Quote by this SP
Photos of SPs and
undergraduate researchers
Data from or information regarding undergraduate
research projects (freshman/sophomore accessible)
Gregory M. Ferrence, (NSF-CHE-0348158)
www.ilstu.edu/~gferren
CAREER: Crystallography And Rare-Earth Educational and Research activities
“Freshman scientists bring a lot of enthusiasm; it is
critical that we tap into that energy before they direct it
towards other pursuits. By the time they are juniors,
we have missed a window of opportunity.”-GMF
At right are shown: Freshman Kristin Geary and Samantha
Robinson giving their first research poster presentation.
(After 14 wk @ 4 h/wk)
We maintain the ISU Center for Structure
Determination (X-ray) and carry out studies
involving
novel
organolanthanide and
coordination
complexes.
Ferrence and undergraduate researchers
{HB[3-tBu,5-Me-(C3N2H)]3}Yb(I)(OC4H8)
Steven J. Peters, (Dreyfus-suppl. grant)
www.che.ilstu.edu/people/faculty/peters.htm
Solution Phase Chemistry Between the Free Radical Nitric Oxide and Semiquinones
“Introducing freshman and sophomore students to
fundamental chemical research is one of the key factors
in persuading these talented young scientists to choose
a career in
our field.”
-SJP
+
O
O
CH3
H 3C
C
N
O
O
EPR Spectrum
Above: Freshman David Hahn, learning from
Peters, to glass blow a scientific apparatus.
Below: Amy Sudhoff, winner of our department’s
2006 Outstanding Freshman Award, and Peters.
Computer
Simulation
We utilize
primarily
3472
3474
3476
3478
3480
3482
Magnetic Field (Gauss)
electron
paramagnetic
resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic
techniques to explore the chemistry of biologically
important quinone anion radicals with nitric oxide.
David J. Cedeño, (RC-CC6382)
www.ilstu.edu/~dcedeno
Rational design of photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitizers
‘“The reward is not economic’, says David Cedeño, an
asst. prof. of phys. chem. and SEED coordinator at ISU.
‘The reward is
seeing that these
kids have a chance
in life.’”
C&E News 2006,
84(12), 49-51.
Cedeño teaching Farragut Career Academy
(Chicago, IL) high school students visiting
ISU for a “laboratory field-trip”
Our research deals with investigating how alterations in
novel porphyrin molecular structure affect photophysical
properties, particularly the ability to produce active oxygen
species. Current investigations include the study of
extended conjugation porphyrins, providing high yields of
active species in the optimal red region of the visible
spectrum.
Christopher G. Hamaker, (ISU-URGs)
www.ilstu.edu/~chamake
Novel Sulphur-Containing Ligands and Crystal Engineering
“Getting students started early in their academic career is
important. Not only do they learn to do research, they build
confidence and experience that is invaluable during the course
of their studies.”-CGH
Student Ramone Joyce and
mentor Chris Hamaker (front)
We are interested in the preparation of novel sulphur-containing,
mixed donor ligands. We are currently developing new chiral
ligands for asymmetric catalysis and new multidentate ligands
for heavy metal
removal. We
are also
interested in
using hydrogen
bonds to
prepare new
materials.
Undergraduate researchers
Danielle Corgliano (MS student at Northern IL U.)
and Ben Oberts (PhD candidate at Michigan State U.)
PdCl2(PhCH2SC6H4-2-CH=NC6H4-4-NEt2)
Jon A. Friesen, (NSF-MCB-0343534)
www.ilstu.edu/~jafries
RUI: Cellular Role of CTP:Phosphocholine Cytidylyltransferase Isoforms
“The research laboratory is an extension of the classroom
as a student becomes the epitome of an active learner,
acquiring knowledge through inquiry-based instruction.
Within the laboratory environment a student learns to
solve problems. It is often the laboratory that provides
the most effective and highest impact learning.”-JAF
At right is shown: Undergraduates Elizabeth Marshall and
Chadrick Evans presenting their research poster
presentation at the ASBMB National meeting in San
Francisco in April 2006.
Friesen serves as director of the ISU Biochemistry /
Molecular Biology undergraduate degree program,
an interdisciplinary
program
administered
by the
Departments
of Chemistry
and Biological
Sciences.
Friesen (right) and undergraduate
researchers in San Francisco
DNA sequence to verify mutation of a gene
Marjorie A. Jones
www.ilstu.edu/~majone3
Coproporphyrinogen Oxidase Catalyzed Reactions
“In my 5th year as a mentor for Project SEED students, I
continue to be energized by their interest in science and
how living things 'work'. They get to apply their high
school chemistry and biology course work to research in
my lab as we study enzymes in heme biosynthesis and
development of heme analogs as potential therapies for
the tropical parasite, Leishmania.”-MAJ
Jones and undergraduate researchers
Above from C&E News May, 2005: Nan Lin, Project
SEED student with M. Jones, now attends Bradley
University, Peoria, Ill.
Craig C. McLauchlan, (ISU-PFIG)
www.ilstu.edu/~ccmclau
Vanadium Coordination Chemistry: From Biology to Materials
“Chemistry is a laboratory science and is best appreciated in
the laboratory through hands-on experiences. Involving
students in laboratory work, especially in independent
research, teaches hands-on chemical skills and gives students
a much better ‘chemical intuition’ than merely reading
reactions on a page.”-CCM
McLauchlan and his co-workers
Tris(pyrazol-1-yl)methane, Tpm
Then-freshman Nick
Marshall works on the
Schlenk line in the
McLauchlan lab. (Begins
University of Illinois PhD
chemistry program, fall
2006)
Currently, my research interests lie with vanadium coordination
chemistry, with one conceived project focused on materials and
catalysis and another involving bio-mimetic activity of V
complexes. These topics have been chosen with student interests
and education in mind in that they each expose students to a
variety of synthetic and characterization techniques while
pursuing some intriguing chemical problems.
Shawn R. Hitchcock, (ACS/PRF-40777-B1)
www.che.ilstu.edu/srhitch/
Intramolecular Chiral Relay at Stereogenic Nitrogen
“By participating in scholarly research in an atmosphere of students from diverse backgrounds,
students gain invaluable professional and interpersonal experiences that will
help them become leaders in academia, industry and government.”-SRH
X-ray crystal structure of an aldol
adduct of an oxadiazinone
(Org. Lett. 2002,4,3739).
Shown left: Undergraduates
Edwin Scott, Alexandro
Dominguez and Chris Kelly
conducting research on the
chemistry of oxadiazinones
in the Hitchcock (center)
Research Group.
In our group, as many as a dozen undergraduate and masters student researchers work as a team to
carry out a wide range of synthetic organic chemistry operations aimed at developing new methods
for synthesizing medicinal agents that exist as single isomer drugs.
Lisa F. Szczepura, (NSF-CHE-0239805)
www.che.ilstu.edu/people/faculty/szczepura.htm
CAREER: Octahedral Hexanuclear Clusters: Fundamental Studies and Inquiry
Into Potential Applications
“Conducting research with students from
underrepresented groups early on in their college careers
is important in attracting them into the major. This is
critical, as diversity is important in order to solve the
complex chemical problems of today. ”-LFS
Heather Bowen discusses her cluster
chemistry with fellow undergraduate
researchers.
Cover of 2004-05 ISU Undergraduate Catalog
featuring then-undergraduate researcher Betty
Ooro working in glove box with mentor
Szczepura. Betty is currently a PhD candidate
in chemistry at Miami University.
Our current focus is on hexanuclear molybdenum (Mo) and rhenium (Re) based clusters that are
structurally similar to the cluster depicted above. Students conducting research in the Szczepura group
have the opportunity to synthesize and characterize new cluster complexes. Common characterization
techniques include NMR (1H,13C and 31P), UV-vis and IR spectroscopies.
DP Timothy D. Lash, (NSF-CHE-0134472)
www.ilstu.edu/~tdlash
Novel Macrocyclic Systems Related to the Porphyrins
“Over the last 25 years, I have worked with over one hundred
undergraduate research students, and an average of four
undergraduates work in my laboratory each summer. These
students are a joy to work with, and their enthusiasm has been
a major factor in the success of my research program.”-TDL
ISU RSP website currently features Tim Lash and undergraduate researcher and Beckman Scholar Patrick Rauen
(upper-right), who now is a chemist at deCode Genetics.
Synthesis of biologically and geochemically significant porphyrins;
synthesis, spectroscopy and metalation of porphyrin analogues
including carbaporphyrinoid systems.
Goldwater Fellow Denise Colby,
now UC Berkeley PhD candidate,
coauthored 9 papers as an undergraduate researcher with Lash
William J. Hunter, (NSF-CHE-0086354)
www.che.ilstu.edu/teach.chem
GK-12 Graduate Fellows for Science and Math Education
“For four years, we have been trying various methods to
promote student choices within the sciences. Our NSF, NIH,
IBHE and ISBE-funded projects have all shown that when
students are engaged in research on real problems and with
real scientists, they begin to see themselves as
scientists and their future career as being
inextricably linked to science.”-WJH
Hunter’s freshman chemistry class
learning to assess and evaluate
peers’ chemical presentations
“Within GK12 Fellows, our evaluation protocols were
vital in helping to modify the program mid-course
and to help PIs identify particular strategies that were
working well, and to modify those that were
struggling. Without this careful and critical selfanalysis, the day to day running of projects is so
consuming that leaders are in danger of simply
continuing to do what they have done, without considering alternatives. Our expertise can help
leaders to identify the key intermediate benchmarks which more likely lead to project success.”
Clifford Dykstra
http://chem.iupui.edu/Faculty/Dykstra/
ISU Department of Chemistry Chairperson, July, 2006.
“About 40 undergraduates have carried out computational
research in Dykstra’s group. Several have done work as early
as the end of their freshman year. The majority have been coauthors on research publications, and a large fraction have
continued to graduate school. Very good experience has
developed for motivating and nurturing students in their first
research efforts.”-CD
Dykstra brings Journal of Molecular
Structure—Theochem to Illinois State. Dykstra group undergraduate investigators
He serves as its Editor
(2005) David Swenson, Jessica White,
Sean Woodruff, and Heather Jaeger.
Swenson is now working on his PhD at
Berkeley, Jaeger will begin her PhD work at
Work in Dykstra’s group
the University of Georgia this fall, and
concerns clustering of
Woodruff is pursuing an MS at IUPUI.
small molecules and
weak intermolecular interaction with recent applications interests turning to
carbon dioxide entrapment and molecular hydrogen storage technology. An
invited Feature Article on this work appears in the May 25, 2006 issue of J.
Phys. Chem. and it has David Swenson and Heather Jaeger as co-authors.
The cover of the issue shows the interaction energy and preferred
J. Phys. Chem. 2006, 110, 6399 – 6407.
orientations for a complex of benzene and hydrogen.
ACS-SEED at ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Coordinator: David L. Cedeño
SEED is a nationwide educational program sponsored by the ACS designed
to encourage economically disadvantaged H.S. students into careers in the
chemical sciences. The program provides them with a summer research
opportunity under the mentorship of a chemistry Faculty
Continuously running since 2003
21 High school students (11-12th grade)
11 Faculty volunteer mentors (50% of Chemistry Faculty)
5 High schools (4 local and 1 from South of Chicago)
2 alumni have been awarded competitive nationwide ACS scholarships to
attend college
1 publication in a peer reviewed journal. Others in preparation
Scientific presentations at Regional ACS and local professional meetings
Featured nationwide in C&EN Magazine (March 20, 2006)
Julian Giles published his work in
Acta Crystallographica E, 2004,
E60.
Julio Martinez was awarded an
ACS-SEED $5,000 college
scholarship.
Illinois Heartland ACS
‘The reward is seeing that these
kids have a chance in life.’”
C&E News 2006, 84(12), 49-51.
Mentor Marjorie Jones, Casey
Huftington, Nan Lin, Delano
Robinson, mentor David Cedeño
Nan Lin was awarded one of 40
nationwide $5,000 Bader college
scholarships.
ISU-NIH-Bridges, (NIH-1 R25 GM073606-01)
Coordinator: Karen Lind
The “Central Illinois Bridge Program” began April, 2005. As of the 31 January 2006 report:
Aim 1:
Strengthen partnerships between the community colleges and university related to the
targeted program areas.
Supported the teaching of five summer courses at the partner CCs and ISU with a
minority/total enrollment of 37/76.
Implemented at Truman College (TC) a introductory summer Biotechnology Program for HS
students and 1st year college minority students (24/24).
At TC, we are creating HS/CC dual enrollment chemistry and biology courses for Farragut HS.
Aim 2:
Recruit, select, and support talented students from underrepresented groups in biology
and chemistry.
18 minority HS and CC students conducted biology and chemistry research at ISU.
33 minority Farragut high school students from Chicago conducted experiments at ISU.
Aim 3:
Expand the professional development opportunities for project students.
12 minority students presented their research at the ISU Undergrad. and HS res. symposium.
10 minority students were co-authors on published or submitted scientific papers.
Aim 4:
Improve retention for under-represented students in biology and chemistry.
Aim 5:
Increase the number of under-represented students who enter graduate or professional
schools in the biomedical sciences.
Aim 6:
Identify specific strategies that enhance under-represented students’ professional and
career aspirations.
After year 1, most participants believed that they, personally could accomplish science. Most
expressed a desire to continue on a science path in college.
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/
Good faculty.
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/
2005 Cover featuring
ISU’s Lash science
26 peer reviewed papers, most with
undergraduate co-authors are published annually.
The 21 faculty hold active external funding
amounting to over $3,000,000 (not incl URC)
3 NSF CAREER Awardees
2 Distinguished Professors
Numerous scientific presentations at
professional meetings
Noted in C&E News Magazine at least 4 times
in the past three years
Stevenson is recipient of 2007 National ACS
Award for Research with Undergraduates.
ISU’s Lash honored in 2004
ISU’s Stevenson
honored in 2002
ISU’s Jones honored
in 2006 (not shown)
2006 Cover featuring
ISU’s Baur science
Great students.
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/
ISU undergraduate
Colby’s Angew. Chem.,
Int. Ed. 2004, 43, 13461349 publication include
a featured fronticepiece.
Denise Colby (BS 2005) co-authored 9 manuscripts as an
undergraduate researcher with Professor Lash.
Matt Kiesewetter (BS 2004) co-authored 6 papers in J. Am. Chem.
Soc. as an undergraduate researcher with Professor Stevenson.
An average of 60 undergraduates conduct research with ISU
chemistry faculty during each academic semester.
An average of 50 undergraduates conduct research with ISU
chemistry faculty each summer.
A large number of these researchers co-author papers with faculty
Our students make more than 100 annual scientific presentations
at local professional events as well as Regional and National meetings
annually.
ISU undergraduate Kiesewetter’s
2005 JACS publication noted as
“Editor’s Choice” in Science.
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/
We hope you will stay awhile.
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/
Students celebrating at
Departmental graduation
gathering.
Chemistry student Betty Ooro
just after receiving her diploma.
Chemistry student Betty
Ooro with her mother at
Departmental graduation
gathering.
Jenny Ausec with family at
Departmental graduation gathering.