Currently, Dr. Hagan is involved in two research projects, one laboratory-based and the other dealing with educational trends. In lab, his group is investigating the targeting and entry of photodynamic molecules into the cell as a means of anti-tumor therapy. On the educational front, he is investigating trends in teaching biochemistry to non-biochemistry majors, especially non-scientists. Additional details for these projects (and others) can be found on:
http://users.etown.edu/h/hagan/prof.htm.
Gary Hoffman – Theoretical Chemistry
Dr. Hoffman’s research is in the area of theoretical chemistry, mainly in the area of electronic structure theory. A number of projects are aimed at applying commercially available programs (e.g., Gaussian, GAMESS) to molecular systems of interest. Some other projects are in the area of methods development. Some recent work has focused on the use of FHNC theory on electronic structure theory. Some projects are in the area of formal theory development and some involve chemical education. Further details may be found at:
Kristi Kneas – Analytical Chemistry
An analytical chemist by training, Dr. Kneas’s research interests include:
- The development of luminescence-based sensors for analytes of interest in the areas of environmental science, forensic science, and biotechnology. Specifically, her research with students in this area is directed at improving available sensing materials and sensing strategies, extending the range of possible analytes that can be measured using luminescence-based methods, designing a multi-functional luminescence-based sensor for the detection of 2 or more analytes of interest, and improving the current understanding of the relationship between luminescent reporter and polymer support.
- Building on knowledge gained from the use of polymer supports in the development of luminescence-based sensors, Dr. Kneas is working in collaboration with Dr. Heather Watson (Engineering) and research students on the development of improved polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells.
- Construction of instrumentation for use in the department and development of methods to address forensic problems are also of interest. For example, laser-based instrumentation such as light scattering and excited state lifetime systems are being constructed, and analytical methods are being developed for the forensic dating of questioned documents by analysis of ink degradation products.
James MacKay – Organic Chemistry
Dr.
MacKay’s research interests are in the area of organic synthesis of
biologically active molecules, especially heterocycles (compounds with
rings that contain atoms other than carbon) and carbocycles (compounds
with rings containing all carbon). The construction of compounds with
rings constitutes a large part of the field of organic chemistry, and
we seek to develop new ways of doing this. A current project involves
the synthesis of beta-lactam heterocycles which are common structural
motifs of many antibiotics. We have also initiated a program aimed at
new developments for the intramolecular Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction.
Common
to all projects are two reoccurring themes (1) Nucleophilic Catalysis,
using nucleophiles to catalyze reactions, and (2) Enantioselective
Catalysis, the synthesis of asymmetric compounds in non-racemic fashion
from achiral compounds in the synthesis of new compounds.
Charles Schaeffer – Inorganic Chemistry
The
research interests of Dr. Charles D. Schaeffer, A.C. Baugher Professor
of Chemistry, involve the synthesis, reactivity, properties, and
structure of novel main-group 14 organometallic compounds of silicon,
germanium, tin, and lead. Since most of these elements possess one or
more NMR-active nuclei, high-field multinuclear NMR spectroscopy plays
a central role in the characterization of these compounds.
Current studies involve the systematic study of: (1) potential five-
and six-coordination in novel organogermanium amines of the type RGe(OCH2CH2NMe2)3, RGe(OCH2CH2CH2NMe2)3, RGe[N(CH2CH2OMe)2]3, and
RGe[N(CH2CH2CH2NMe2)2])3
as determinated in part by germanium-73 NMR spectroscopy; and (2)
substituent effect transmission in series of substituted ortho-, meta-,
para-, and polysubstituted aryltrimethylgermanes as revealed in part by
carbon-13 and germanium-73 NMR spectroscopy. Further details are at the
following link:
