K. Kenneth Caswell
kcaswell@usf.edu
Curriculum Vitae with Publications
Education
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Ph.D., Chemistry
2003
Thesis: “Synthesis and reactivity of inorganic nanoparticles for biological applications.”
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
B.S., Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Cum Laude
1999
Military Experience
1984–1998, U.S. Air Force, Honorable Discharge
Teaching Experience
2004–2014, Instructor, University of South Florida Tampa
Courses Taught
Semesters (Students per Course)
Chemistry for Today for Non-Science Majors
F05 (2x200), SP06 (200)
Chemistry for Today for Science Majors
S06 (25), F06 (2x200), SP07 (200), S07 (13), F07 (2x200), SP08
(Preparatory Chemistry)
(200), F08 (2x200), SP09 (200), F09 (2x200), SP10 (200), F10
Also Course Coordinator
(2x200), SP11 (200), F11 (2x200), SP12 (160)
General Chemistry I
F04 (3x200), SP05 (3x200), SP06 (200), SP07 (200), F07 (200), F08
(200), SP09 (200), F10 (200), F11 (200)
General Chemistry II
SP08 (2x200), SP09 (200), SP11 (2x200), SP12 (2x200)
Introductory Biochemistry
F09 (200), SP10 (200)
Topics in College Chemistry Teaching
SP06 (10), SB14 (13)
Natural Sciences Honors
F11 (25), SP12 (25), F12 (25), SP13 (2x25)
Undergraduate Research
F05 (5), SP06 (6), SP11 (1), F11 (3), SP12 (2), F12 (2). SP13 (3)
Historical Perspectives of Chemistry
SB14 (8)
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Initiated and collaboratively developed the ongoing Science division of the USF World Education Abroad program,
including two newly designed courses.
Extensive curriculum development efforts have included redesigning Chemistry for Today to serve non-science majors
and science majors separately in two independent courses.
Emphasized, in Chemistry for Today for non-science majors, chemistry in context, especially with regard to
environmental opportunities and challenges.
Designed separate Chemistry for Today for science majors course, with discussion sections using guided-inquiry
investigations, as a true preparatory course for General Chemistry.
Coordinated Chemistry for Today courses (for both science and non-science majors), ensuring sections taught by
various colleagues provided pertinent material and employed cutting-edge teaching methods, as well as writing exam
questions and providing both in- and out-of-class instruction.
Designed, coordinated, and taught multiple 200-person sections of a dedicated Preparatory Chemistry course based on
a small-group guided-inquiry and problem-based approach for both discussion and lecture sections.
Focused on varied methods to communicate required information to diverse student body, including visual
presentations, small-group investigations, clickers, student networking, and group discussions.
Broad familiarity with technologically advanced teaching tools, including “smart classrooms,” Blackboard, iPad,
classroom response systems (clickers), and various software including SoftChalk and Camtasia.
Integrated various new media forms, including podcasts, wikis, and Elluminate software, to enhance communication
and interaction.
Worked closely with Chemical Education laboratory to investigate and implement innovative, experimental
pedagogical methods and their assessment, including POGIL activities.
Co-taught graduate-level Topics in College Chemistry Teaching.
Designed a learning community for Honors-level Natural Sciences course, in cooperation with students, involving:
 Development of a novel, recurring course centered on the consideration of current, credible, scientific information
to use in making informed decisions about and for a community (“Chemistry/Science in the Day of a Life”).
 Creation of wholly original materials designed to encourage the investigation of contextually interesting ideas in
accordance with weekly “umbrella” themes.
K. Kenneth Caswell
kcaswell@usf.edu

Leadership of an innovative, teaching/learning community dedicated to community-focused problem solving
through mixtures and integration of lateral, creative, critical, and vertical thinking to innovate, act, and do grand
and great things.
1999–2000, University of South Carolina, General Chemistry
 Provided teaching and individual tutoring for approximately 200 students per semester.
 Employed CAPA, a computer-assisted learning module, to reinforce lecture materials.
Teaching-Related Activities
Summer B 2014
 Co-developed the inaugural Science Program for USF World Study Abroad and co-taught two courses in Florence,
Italy.
Fall 2011-2013
 Served as Honors thesis advisor for multiple honors students, supervising the development of their work, from the
idea phase, through review of multiple drafts, to project completion.
Fall 2011-Summer 2012
 As an invited Faculty Fellow, headed the initial STEM Faculty Learning Community, tasked with member
recruitment, coordination of members’ activities, determination of Student Success Initiatives, and presentation of
findings.
 Invited member of the USF Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL).
Fall 2011-Spring 2012
 Participated in Student Success Conferences, events, and initiatives.
Summer 2010
 Active participant in the Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence’s Advanced Institute for Transforming
Online Teaching and Learning.
 Focus group participant in the Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence’s Innovative Teaching Opportunities
with iPads Program.
Summer 2009
 Active participant in Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence seminars: “Increments and Transformations:
Using Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning.”
 Active participant in Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence seminars: “Teaching USF Undergraduates: A
Workshop for International Teaching Assistants.”
Summer 2008
 Active participant in Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence seminars: “Increments and Transformations:
Using Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning.”
Spring 2007
 POGIL National Meeting at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo
Spring 2006
 POGIL National Meeting at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC.
Summer 2005
 Active participant in Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence seminars: “Increments and Transformations:
Using Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning.”
Fall 2005
 POGIL workshops, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.
 Special POGIL Workshop on Peer Coaching at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI.
K. Kenneth Caswell
kcaswell@usf.edu
Research Experience
2013–present, Biochemical Research, University of South Florida Tampa
 In collaboration with Dr. David Merkler, working to identify and characterize arylalkylamine N-acyltransferases
that catalyze the formation of long-chain N-acylserotonins.
2006–2013, Chemical Education Research, University of South Florida Tampa
 Investigations of optimal, emerging technologies, pedagogies, and spaces that can facilitate meaningful learning,
particularly for large-lecture courses in Chemistry and related sciences.
 Assessed the efficacy of self-authored small-group investigations, small group work in lecture and discussion, and
technological learning aids for Introductory (Preparatory) Chemistry course.
 Helped track student performance through Introductory (Preparatory) Chemistry into higher-level chemistry
courses.
2005–2013, REU program, University of South Florida Tampa
 Coordinated multiple undergraduate students to conduct research into the synthesis and coherent self-assembly of
various nanomaterials within molecular cages, nano-probes and sensors, and novel nano-vaccine approaches.
1999–2004, Graduate and Postdoctoral, University of South Carolina
Catherine J. Murphy, research advisor
 Synthesized, characterized, and surface modified spherical and anisotropically shaped (wires, rods) nanoparticles of
primarily gold, silver, and cadmium sulfide and alloys.
 Developed novel methods to produce silver wires without surfactants and biological component-mediated metal
particle growth.
 Detected anomalous DNA structures using both luminescent mineral nanoparticles of protein-sized cadmium sulfide
and SERS.
 Assembled nanoparticles using biological components by taking advantage of the protein streptavidin’s high affinity
for its vitamin H ligand biotin using disulfide biotin analog linkers.
 Worked extensively with DNA, including modification, purification, characterization, and analysis.
 Experience with UV-vis spectroscopy, HPLC, LC, TEM, SERS, CD, fluorescence, electrophoresis; exposure to GC,
MS(/MS), SEM, NMR, AFM, dark-field microscopy.
Undergraduate, Loyola University Chicago
Ken Olsen, research advisor; Protein Chemistry/Blood Substitute Research
 Developed LC methods for purifying hemoglobin from red blood cells.
 Stabilized the hemoglobin tetramer using various length aspirin-based linkers.
 Analyzed the linked products' ability to bind and release oxygen.
Jan Savitz, research advisor; Population Genetics/Tag and Release Studies of Smallmouth Bass Populations
 Analyzed local populations and movement patterns of smallmouth bass in Lake Michigan.
K. Kenneth Caswell
kcaswell@usf.edu
Service
Scholarship Support
Funded:
 Caswell Outstanding Chemistry Society Member Award: Monetary award to recognize outstanding efforts by a
Chemistry Society member in organizing and participating in community outreach (annual).
 Outstanding High School Citizen Award: Monetary award to recognize outstanding efforts and ability by a
college-bound high school student who assists and supports family and community while maintaining academic
pursuits (annual).
Contributions:
 Multiple USF Faculty and Staff funds
Committees
 Faculty Fellow, STEM Faculty Learning Community
 General Chemistry Restructuring Committee
 University General Education Council
 College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Council
 Chemistry Department Undergraduate Council
 Safety
 Instrument
Faculty Advisor for Student Organizations
 Undergraduate Chemistry Society—American Chemical Society affiliate
 University of South Florida Cycling Team
 WWAKE (“World Watch: Animals, Kids and Earth”)—a community service-oriented student organization.
Community Outreach
 Ongoing facilitation of Coalition of Science Literacy workshops to improve K-12 education.
 Conducted House Calls and “Chemistry of Cooking” seminars under the aegis of Academic Initiatives, Housing
and Residential Education, to engage with and encourage retention of first-year students in residence halls.
 Facilitated exam and final exam review sessions, open to all sections of CHM 2023, CHM 2045, and CHM 2046.
 With USF Chemistry Society, persistent participation in
o Ongoing events with Reddick Elementary School in Wimauma, Florida: Approximately 85% of
Reddick’s students live below the poverty line and a large number of the students are children of migrant
worker families. The Chemistry Society has organized initiatives to provide regular science
demonstrations, Saturday FCAT science support for students, food and clothing drives, and
family/community outreach.
o Multiple iterations of the Great American Teach-In at Reddick Elementary, dedicated to active
participation, engagement, and excitement of first- through fifth-grade students through visual scientific
demonstrations, competitions, conversations, and dissemination of USF materials.
o No Excuses University, a program to encourage primary school children from traditionally
underrepresented areas to consider college a real option. The Chemistry Society members adopt a
classroom (at Hoffman Estates Elementary School, in Chicago, Illinois), write individual letters, offer
personalized support of, and represent the University of South Florida (e.g., USF t-shirts, flags, pencils,
pens) in first- and sixth-grade classes.
o Initiatives to encourage high school students’ interest in the sciences and to attend college, particularly
those of underrepresented inner city schools; separate events facilitated at local high schools and at USF
(e.g., ~200 students attended Spring 2010).
o Establishment and continued facilitation of the highly successful Chemistry Help Center tutoring room.
o Fundraising to support the purchase of USF Chemistry Society t-shirts, USF paraphernalia, funding of
Chemistry Society scholarship, and other organizational efforts.
o Direction of the purchase and sale of American Chemical Society General Chemistry Final Exam Study
Guides as a further fundraising opportunity for the USF Chemistry Society.
o Hoops for Hope.
o American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
o Stampede of Service.
o Hillsborough River clean up and planting/beautification initiatives.
o Recycling initiatives.
K. Kenneth Caswell
kcaswell@usf.edu
Awards
Teaching Awards
Excellence in Service to Students Award, The National Society of Leadership and Success
2011
University of South Florida Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award (university-wide),
2008
(nominated by Chemistry and Biology advisors)
Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, University of South Florida
2008
(highest student ratings in history of USF’s Chemistry Department)
USF Outstanding Faculty Member, University of South Florida
2007
(nominated by a student being recognized for outstanding GPA)
Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, University of South Florida
2006
Grants
Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence’s Innovative Teaching Opportunities with iPads Program
Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence’s Grant to Facilitate Innovative Teaching
Research & Scholastic Awards
J.R. Durig Graduate Student Award, University of South Carolina
2001
Joseph W. Bouknight Award: Excellence in Teaching, University of South Carolina
2000
Department of Biology Research Award, Loyola University of Chicago
1999
Golden Key Honor Society
1999
Selected Publications
Dempsey, D. R., Jeffries, K. A., Bond, J. D., Carpenter, A-M, Ospina, S. R., Caswell, K. K., Merkler, D. J. 2013.
Mechanistic and Structural Analysis of Drosophila Melanogaster Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase. In press,
Biochemistry.
Caswell, K.K. 2013. Academic Coaching and Mentoring. Working paper, University of South Florida.
Caswell, K.K. 2013. Adaptive Meaningful Learning Communities and Networked Systems: A Bottom-Up Design and
Assembly of Education. Working paper, University of South Florida.
Xu, X., Caswell, K.K., Tucker, E., Kabisatpathy, S., Brodhacker, K.L., Scrivens, W.A., 2007. Size and Shape Separation of
Gold Nanoparticles with Preparative Gel Electrophoresis. J. Chromatogr. A 1167: 35-41.
March, J., Caswell, K., Lewis, J., 2007. Introductory Chemistry Modules: A Guided Inquiry Approach, Cengage: Brooks,
CA.
Caswell, K.K., Murphy, C.J., 2004. Assembly of Gold Nanorods. In: Yang, Xia, Liu, and Lakeman (Eds.), Nontraditional
Approaches to Patterning, Vol. EXS-2, Materials Research Society.
Caswell, K.K., Mahtab, R., Murphy, C.J., 2004. Optical Detection of Thymine Dinucleoside Monophosphate and its cis-syn
Photodimer by Inorganic Nanoparticles. J. Fluores. 14 (4): 407-415.
Caswell, K.K., Wilson, J.N., Bunz, U.H.F., Murphy, C.J., 2003. Preferential End-to-End Assembly of Gold Nanorods by
Biotin-Streptavidin Connectors. J. Am. Chem. Soc. Comm. 125 (46) 13914-13915.
Xiaodong, L., Hongsheng, G., Murphy, C.J., Caswell, K.K., 2003. Nanoindentation of Silver Nanowires. Nano Letters. 3
(11): 1495-1498.
Murphy, C.J., Jana, N.R., Gearheart, L.A., Obare, S.O., Caswell, K.K., 2004. Synthesis, Assembly and Reactivity of
Metallic Nanorods. In: Rao, Muller, and Cheetham (Eds.), The Chemistry of Nanomaterials, Wiley-VCH: New
York.
Caswell, K.K., Bender, C.M., Murphy, C.J., 2003. Surfactantless Wet Chemical Synthesis of Silver Wires. Nano Letters 3
(5): 667-669.
Murphy, C.J., Mahtab, R., Caswell, K.K., Gearheart, L., Jana, N.R., Hammami, S., Best, D., 2001. Inorganic Nanoparticles
as Optical Sensors of DNA. In: Murphy (Ed.), Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces: Novel Reporters with
Biological Applications, Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging Vol. 2, No.15. Proceedings of SPIE Vol.
4258.
Gearheart, L., Caswell, K.K., Murphy, C.J., 2001. Recognition of Hypermethylated Triplet Repeats in vitro by Cationic
Nanoparticles. J. Biomed. Opt. 6 (2): 111-115. (invited)