Department of Chemistry
The Chemistry Department at Georgia Southern University offers a modern chemistry program leading to a B.S. certified by the American Chemical Society. With over 400 chemistry majors, the Department ranks in the top 25 producers of ACS-certified B.S. chemistry majors nation-wide. Our ACS Student Affiliate chapter has been recognized as an Outstanding Chapter of the ACS.
The program combines student-centered classes, broad-based laboratory instruction and opportunities for research into a comprehensive chemistry education for our students. Sound fundamental training is provided for those who plan to pursue graduate studies; work in chemical or chemical-related industry; or enter medical, dental, or other health-science professional schools. The Department occupies a new building with well-equipped laboratories and modern instrumentation for instruction and research. Faculty members pursue research in a wide range of areas including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, chemical education, food chemistry, organic synthesis and physical chemistry.
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Research being conducted by Dr Shannon Davis and student Christopher Riley was cited recently in WIRED Magazine as one of the Top 5 Amazing Chemistry Projects in their article on the recent ACS meeting. This is an unusual place to see chemistry referenced, but neat to see the application chemistry research can have in the everyday lives of all people. You can see the article at this link: |
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The Georgia Southern Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society ("ChemClub") were again at this year's Relay for Life walk-a-thon fundraiser to raise awareness and money needed toward finding a cure for cancer. This annual event is still one of the largest charitable fund-raisers in the local area. Participants walking past their shelter saw demonstrations (and explosions! of course) of chemistry that always seem to be a highlight for younger children present. They also grilled hamburgers and hotdogs behind their tent for the faculty and student members who came.  |
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Several faculty and members of the Georgia Southern Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society ("ChemClub") were at the National ACS Meeting in New Orleans to accept their award as an 'Commendable SAACS Chapter' in recognition of their extra activities to present chemistry in the local community throughout the year. Holding the award is the club's faculty advisor, Dr. Michele McGibony. |
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| Raymond Bogdon | Georgia Southern University |
| Kia Burch | Georgia Southern University |
| Nicole Christian | Columbus State University |
| Yesenia De León | Humboldt State University |
| Ebonni Fisher | Clark Atlanta University |
| Juliette Jordan | Georgia Southern University |
| Esther Kibakaya | Tennessee State University |
| Eladio Mendez | Florida International University |
| Shakir Saud | City College of NY |
| Abram Townsend | University of Maryland Eastern Shore |
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Dr. Laura Frost and her husband, Baxter, attended the 4th Annual Regents Awards for Excellence in Education Celebration where she was awarded one of three Board of Regents' 2007 Awards for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and is now entered into the Reagents' Hall of Fame. Laura is a leader in incorporating process-oriented, guided-inquiry learning into introductory chemistry courses. The news release of her award can be viewed on the USG website. |
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Congratulations to Jessica Gunn, the first GSU winner of a 2008 Eli Lilly Women Chemists Committee Travel Grant, shown here with Dr. Dawn Brooks, Director, Exploratory R&D, Eli Lilly Company. Jessica presented a poster on her research into the cobalt catalyzed oxidation of cyclohexane at the recent ACS National Meeting in New Orleans. Her research mentor is Dr. Shannon Davis. |
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| Please join us in congratulating Jessica Orvis for being named Georgia Southern's Outstanding First Year Advocate! Jessica is richly deserving of this award for her extensive work with the First Year Experience Task Force, leadership with the Conversations with Professors initiative and Chemistry ELEmentS Residential Interest Group. Jess's dedication to her students was evident through her nomination by one of the RIG students. You can read more about Jessica's award HERE. |  |
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We are deeply saddened to announce news that one of our recent alumni, Laura Kirkland (Class of '05) was killed in a car accident on the FJ Torras Causeway that connects St. Simons Island to Brunswick. Both she and a passenger in the other car were killed. It seems particularly tragic to lose someone at such a young age. Laura was a very warm and friendly student we were pleased to have in our program. Our hearts go out in sympathy to Laura's family. |