This week's seminar speaker will be Dr. David McCamant, from the University of Rochester, who will speak on "Probing Photochemical Dynamics with Ultrafast Electronic and Vibrational Spectroscopy".
Please join us at 3:30 in Weyandt 240. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information on Dr. McCamant's research, see his website.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
NSF Grant Awarded to Faculty
Dr. Mike Brigss and Dr. George Long were awarded a National Science Foundation grant of $148,000 to support research into a method of evaluating teaching methods based on the theoretical concept of construction of mental models of chemical concepts.
The title of the proposed research is “Student Construction of Mental Models: A Framework for the Evaluation of Inductive Teaching Methods in Chemistry”. The grant will be used to recruit participants into the research project and to hire student workers to assist in the research work.
The investigators are pleased to be awarded this peer reviewed research grant because it confirms interest in their theoretical perspectives and the correctness of the methodological framework. The grant runs for two years and is a Phase I grant with the possibility of obtaining a Phase II grant after the current work is completed.
The title of the proposed research is “Student Construction of Mental Models: A Framework for the Evaluation of Inductive Teaching Methods in Chemistry”. The grant will be used to recruit participants into the research project and to hire student workers to assist in the research work.
The investigators are pleased to be awarded this peer reviewed research grant because it confirms interest in their theoretical perspectives and the correctness of the methodological framework. The grant runs for two years and is a Phase I grant with the possibility of obtaining a Phase II grant after the current work is completed.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Alumni News - Catie (Gumm) Brewer Awarded NSF Fellowship
Ms. Catie (Gumm) Brewer, a 2007 graduate now in a Ph.D. program at Iowa State University, was recently awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. The fellowship funds up to $121,500 for three years of studying in a graduate research program focusing on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Brewer received her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and today is pursuing her doctorate in chemical and biological engineering at Iowa State.
Brewer, originally from Seattle, plans to use the fellowship to fund her research on the biochar project within the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies.
Brewer received her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and today is pursuing her doctorate in chemical and biological engineering at Iowa State.
Brewer, originally from Seattle, plans to use the fellowship to fund her research on the biochar project within the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Chemistry Seminar - 10/10
This week's speaker will be Dr. Frank Bright from SUNY-Buffalo, who will discuss "Xerogels: A Platform for Chemical Sensors". For more information on Dr. Bright's research, visit http://www.chem.buffalo.edu/bright.php.
The chemistry seminar will be held in Weyandt 240 at 3:30pm on Friday, Oct. 10.
Light refreshments are provided.
The chemistry seminar will be held in Weyandt 240 at 3:30pm on Friday, Oct. 10.
Light refreshments are provided.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Entry Level Analytical Chemist Position
POSITION TITLE: Chemist I
LOCATION: Petrolia Plant
DEPARTMENT: Laboratory
POSITION REPORTS TO: Technical Director – Laboratory or Laboratory Supervisor
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under immediate supervision, performs all types of analyses and tests in connection with raw material evaluation, quality control, process control and process improvement in the white oil, Sulfonate, petrolatum, wax hydrogenation and environmental areas of the plant.
JOB DUTIES:
1. Performs routine chemical analyses, test and determinations involving the application of established laboratory methods and techniques.
2. Assists higher level chemists by performing assigned phases of work where little evaluation, originality or ingenuity is required.
3. Records results of tests and assignments and reports results to senior professional or group leader.
4. Learns and develops to become able to interpret test results and determine their technical significance.
5. Determine, verify, implement the appropriate analysis method and technique.
6. Identify method and procedures for investigation of analytical discrepancies.
7. Support Quality programs and procedures.
Travel Time: N/A
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform essential knowledge and skills.
• Solid foundation & understanding in Analytical Chemistry.
• Knowledge of appropriate method development/validation practices for the CPI.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills required.
• Working knowledge in statistics.
• Ability to work and communicate with a broad range of Technical and Non Technical personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Good organizational skills.
COMPETENCIES/EXPERIENCE:
Education: BS/BA in Chemistry or equivalent
Supervision: No regular supervisory responsibilities
Experience: Entry Level Position
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills required. Ability to communicate and work with a broad range of Technical and Non technical personnel.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Experience & working knowledge with the following analytical instrumentation/methods: Wet chemistry analysis, automatic titrator, HPLC, NMR, FTIR, AA, GC, GC/MS, UV-vis.
• This position requires communication with all levels of Associates and customers, handling discrepancy issues quickly & professionally while adhering to established Quality procedures and practices. This position will require multi-tasking, making decisions/performing multiple functions under tight deadlines, prioritizing projects, meeting deadlines frequently set by another dept or customer, assuring proper documentation is completed and maintained, following up with sample analysis, project progress details.
Contact:
Anita Orozco, SPHR
Director, Human Resources
Sonneborn
100 Sonneborn Lane
Petrolia, PA 16050
anita.orozco@sonneborn.com
724-756-9327 phone
724-756-9351 fax
LOCATION: Petrolia Plant
DEPARTMENT: Laboratory
POSITION REPORTS TO: Technical Director – Laboratory or Laboratory Supervisor
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under immediate supervision, performs all types of analyses and tests in connection with raw material evaluation, quality control, process control and process improvement in the white oil, Sulfonate, petrolatum, wax hydrogenation and environmental areas of the plant.
JOB DUTIES:
1. Performs routine chemical analyses, test and determinations involving the application of established laboratory methods and techniques.
2. Assists higher level chemists by performing assigned phases of work where little evaluation, originality or ingenuity is required.
3. Records results of tests and assignments and reports results to senior professional or group leader.
4. Learns and develops to become able to interpret test results and determine their technical significance.
5. Determine, verify, implement the appropriate analysis method and technique.
6. Identify method and procedures for investigation of analytical discrepancies.
7. Support Quality programs and procedures.
Travel Time: N/A
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform essential knowledge and skills.
• Solid foundation & understanding in Analytical Chemistry.
• Knowledge of appropriate method development/validation practices for the CPI.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills required.
• Working knowledge in statistics.
• Ability to work and communicate with a broad range of Technical and Non Technical personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Good organizational skills.
COMPETENCIES/EXPERIENCE:
Education: BS/BA in Chemistry or equivalent
Supervision: No regular supervisory responsibilities
Experience: Entry Level Position
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills required. Ability to communicate and work with a broad range of Technical and Non technical personnel.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Experience & working knowledge with the following analytical instrumentation/methods: Wet chemistry analysis, automatic titrator, HPLC, NMR, FTIR, AA, GC, GC/MS, UV-vis.
• This position requires communication with all levels of Associates and customers, handling discrepancy issues quickly & professionally while adhering to established Quality procedures and practices. This position will require multi-tasking, making decisions/performing multiple functions under tight deadlines, prioritizing projects, meeting deadlines frequently set by another dept or customer, assuring proper documentation is completed and maintained, following up with sample analysis, project progress details.
Contact:
Anita Orozco, SPHR
Director, Human Resources
Sonneborn
100 Sonneborn Lane
Petrolia, PA 16050
anita.orozco@sonneborn.com
724-756-9327 phone
724-756-9351 fax
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Chemistry Seminar - 10/3
Join us this Friday, Oct. 3 in Weyandt 240 as four of our undergraduate students present some of their summer research.
Ms. Jessica Nichol will present "Photochromatic Azobenzene Dye Synthesis".
Ms. Elizabeth Paladin will present "Mycobacteriophage Isolation, Characterization, and Bioinformatics"
Mr. Andrew Kerr will present "Summer Lovin' with Uranium"
Ms. Beth Leverett will present"Progress in the Study of Quaternary Diamond-Like Semiconductors"
Seminar begins at 3:30. Light refreshments will be served.
Ms. Jessica Nichol will present "Photochromatic Azobenzene Dye Synthesis".
Ms. Elizabeth Paladin will present "Mycobacteriophage Isolation, Characterization, and Bioinformatics"
Mr. Andrew Kerr will present "Summer Lovin' with Uranium"
Ms. Beth Leverett will present"Progress in the Study of Quaternary Diamond-Like Semiconductors"
Seminar begins at 3:30. Light refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Lab Technician Position at ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, Clinton Township, NJ, has an opening for a Research Technician. Candidates applying for the position should have a Masters or Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field and possess a strong organic chemistry background.
The Research Technician position is a synthetic organic chemist position involving the chemical synthesis and physical manipulation of small organic molecules, polymers and hydrocarbons (e.g., crude oil and its fractions) which requires a good understanding of basic chemistry and chemical engineering principles and safe handling of chemicals. Responsibilities include conducting synthesis, purification and characterization of organic compounds using modern synthetic methods. Abilities to synthesize, purify and handle air and moisture-sensitive organic compounds under inert atmosphere using Schlenk lines technique and/or to conduct experiments inside nitrogen glove box. Successful candidates will possess strong practical synthetic organic chemistry skills in a standard organic laboratory setting and have some familarity with basic polymer chemistry. Hands-on experience with thin-layer chromatography (TLC), flash chromatography, HPLC, NMR, MS, UV/vis and FTIR spectroscopic techniques is essential for this position. Some fundamental knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms, kinetics and thermodynamics principles is required. Candidates should also possess strong computing skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ChemDraw, data analysis program, online literature and database searching. This position is also required to collect, summarize, analyze, and, in some cases, interpret experimental data under the supervision of senior scientists. Administration of laboratory inventory and supplies is expected. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for maintaining a safe laboratory environment and producing high quality work. Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, along with self-motivation and prompt handling of responsibilities is essential.
ExxonMobil offers an excellent working environment, competitive salary, attractive benefits and an opportunity to join a dynamic organization.
Interested candidates should send an indication of interest to:
Human Resources Recruiting – Research Technician Group MKN
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
PO Box 998
Annandale, NJ 08801-0998
ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Research Technician position is a synthetic organic chemist position involving the chemical synthesis and physical manipulation of small organic molecules, polymers and hydrocarbons (e.g., crude oil and its fractions) which requires a good understanding of basic chemistry and chemical engineering principles and safe handling of chemicals. Responsibilities include conducting synthesis, purification and characterization of organic compounds using modern synthetic methods. Abilities to synthesize, purify and handle air and moisture-sensitive organic compounds under inert atmosphere using Schlenk lines technique and/or to conduct experiments inside nitrogen glove box. Successful candidates will possess strong practical synthetic organic chemistry skills in a standard organic laboratory setting and have some familarity with basic polymer chemistry. Hands-on experience with thin-layer chromatography (TLC), flash chromatography, HPLC, NMR, MS, UV/vis and FTIR spectroscopic techniques is essential for this position. Some fundamental knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms, kinetics and thermodynamics principles is required. Candidates should also possess strong computing skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ChemDraw, data analysis program, online literature and database searching. This position is also required to collect, summarize, analyze, and, in some cases, interpret experimental data under the supervision of senior scientists. Administration of laboratory inventory and supplies is expected. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for maintaining a safe laboratory environment and producing high quality work. Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, along with self-motivation and prompt handling of responsibilities is essential.
ExxonMobil offers an excellent working environment, competitive salary, attractive benefits and an opportunity to join a dynamic organization.
Interested candidates should send an indication of interest to:
Human Resources Recruiting – Research Technician Group MKN
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
PO Box 998
Annandale, NJ 08801-0998
ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Chemistry Seminar - 9/26
This week's guest speaker is Ms. Selar Sulaiman from IUP. She will present the talk "Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography of Biopolymers with Diamond as a Stationary Phase".
Please join us in Weyandt 240 on Fri. 9/26 at 3:30pm. Light refreshments will be served.
Please join us in Weyandt 240 on Fri. 9/26 at 3:30pm. Light refreshments will be served.
Friday, September 5, 2008
IUP Chemistry Student Presents Research in Osaka, Japan
Ms. Beth Leverett presented her research findings at the 21st Congress and General Assembly of the International Union of Crystallography in Osaka, Japan August 23-31, 2008. The IUCr was established in 1948 to promote international cooperation in crystallography and it organizes the largest crystallographic conference in the world. Ms. Leverett was one of nearly 300 students to attend and was one of the only attendees from a non-Ph.D.-granting institution. Close to 3,500 crystallographic professionals attended this year’s meeting.
Ms. Leverett's presentation entitled "Twinning in the Adamantine-Like Quaternary Chalcogenide Li2ZnSnS4: A Crystallographic Detective Story" was well received and attracted the interest of a number of world-class scientists. This work has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Solid State Chemistry and will be published later this year. This is Ms. Leverett's first scientific publication.
To attend the conference, Ms. Leverett earned a $1,000 Pittsburgh Diffraction Society Travel Bursary Award. She received additional funding from the Robert E. Cook Honors College Enhancement Fund, the Department of Chemistry, the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Ms. Leverett's presentation entitled "Twinning in the Adamantine-Like Quaternary Chalcogenide Li2ZnSnS4: A Crystallographic Detective Story" was well received and attracted the interest of a number of world-class scientists. This work has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Solid State Chemistry and will be published later this year. This is Ms. Leverett's first scientific publication.
To attend the conference, Ms. Leverett earned a $1,000 Pittsburgh Diffraction Society Travel Bursary Award. She received additional funding from the Robert E. Cook Honors College Enhancement Fund, the Department of Chemistry, the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
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