Department of Chemistry: Faculty Research
L. Shannon Davis
Dr. Davis is interested in Green Chemistry as applied to the general field of catalysis -not just applying novel chemistry solutions for remediation, but applying the concepts of atomic selectivity with a ‘right first time’ approach to synthesizing materials of commercial interest. In particular, the oxidation of alkanes using traditional oxidants in nontraditional ways is interesting, challenging chemistry as well as being industrially relevant.
Adipic acid is used in the manufacture of nylon, a ubiquitous plastic found in carpet, tires, plastic computer components, and dental floss; adipic acid can also be found in food products such as Tums, Maalox, and SweetTarts, and is used to produce plasticizers and other chemical products. Over 5 billion pounds of adipic acid are produced domestically through the oxidation of cyclohexane annually, using 60-year-old technology that also produces approximately 3 billion pounds of waste products which include intractable byproducts and greenhouse gases. A one-step process for the production of adipic acid directly from cyclohexane would reduce the amount of waste generated by the current two-step technology, and could potentially reduce the cost of manufacturing this material.
My research group studies a variety of approaches for the one step oxidation of cyclohexane to produce adipic acid. A major area of interest is transition metal catalysis – using metals and metal oxides, supported on zeolites, and homogeneously, as catalysts for this reaction. Biocatalysis, using hydroxylase and peroxidase enzymes as catalysts, is a very intriguing emerging area of research. A recent publication has outlined the first enzyme to demonstrate significant activity for the oxidation of cyclohexane. New methods to support enzymes, and the activity of these materials as catalysts, are areas for further exploration.
S. Todd Deal
Dr. Deal's research focus is synthetic carbohydrate chemistry, specifically carbocyclization reactions of carbohydrates and the use of the products of these reactions in the synthesis of biologically active compounds and in stereochemical control of organic reactions. His research group is currently focusing on the following two projects.
Synthesis of a Chiral 2-Deoxystreptamine
Several carbohydrate based antibiotics including kanamycin and gentamicin contain a 2-deoxystreptamine
residue as their central component. Total syntheses of these compounds
have long been hindered by the fact that 2-deoxystreptamine is a meso compound,
thus making it impossible to preferentially glycosylate its hydroxyl groups.
Starting from D-glucose, a chiral, naturally occurring compound, we seek
to synthesize a differentially protected, and therefore, chiral 2-deoxystreptamine.
Chiral Dienophiles for the Diels-Alder Reaction
In an attempt to control the orientation of attack in a Diels-Alder reaction, and thus limit the
number of potential products, we seek to synthesize chiral cyclohexenones
as potential dienophiles. The starting materials employed are naturally
occurring monosaccharides. The natural chirality of these compounds will
be translated into the potential dienophiles and used to direct the attack
of dienes.
Contact Information for Dr. Deal
Allison J. Dobson
The study of solid state structures is important to Dr. Dobson because it impacts the study of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. X-ray diffraction is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to determine the structures of newly synthesized compounds produced by those who wish to make pharmaceuticals and bio-organic compounds. In addition, the x-ray diffraction method has always been essential to the fields of protein and carbohydrate biochemistry. Structure analysis is accomplished by collecting x-ray diffraction data, which is then analyzed by modern computer-based models to determine the molecular structure. The major emphasis of her research is crystallization of synthetic amino carboxylic acids. These structures provide information necessary in the solution of the structures of very complex biological systems which are often "solved" in pieces very closely associated with these much smaller synthetic amino acids. Her research with undergraduates contributes to a vast knowledge base that is necessary for others to solve much larger structures. She sees this work with students important because it gives them the opportunity to become familiar with an analytical tool used extensively in industry and graduate chemistry departments.
Laura Frost
1. Dietary fats aggregate together in the body since they contain non-polar portions and body is mainly aqueous. Watching these molecules aggregate and finding out how big they are in certain environments is where my interest lies. This aggregation behavior can be observed using light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques.
2. Molecular modeling is a powerful tool for visualizing molecules and macromolecular assemblies. Predicting aggregation behavior can be done using these techniques.
3. I have had undergraduates work on the development of some biochemistry laboratory exercises (depending on their intereste) which included other biochemistry studies in DNA extraction, PCR, phospholipid vesicle diffusion, enzyme kinetics assays and microplate screening.
Michael O. Hurst
| I am very interested in doing research with students taking our undergraduate research course, CHEM 4890. This work is suitable for students taking 1-3 credits per semester, and for students who are freshmen, seniors, or in between. | |
| 1. | My current main interest in bioorganic work with a compound called p-nitrophenylglyoxal (PNPP). This compound is of interest to biochemists because it reacts with the amino acid arginine (amino acids are found in proteins). The vast majority of chemical reactions start out at a steady rate and then slow down, but under certain conditions this reaction waits awhile, and then suddenly starts and speeds up. It’s as if you turned the key of your car and it did nothing for twenty minutes, and then suddenly took off. I want to find out why this is happening. Currently we are working on new ways to make the starting material, PNPP. I also need a student to work on studying the reactivity of related compounds, particulary p-hydroxyphenylglyoxal, with an –OH replacing the –NO2. A student working on this project would be working with organic synthesis, chemical kinetics, and various instrumental techniques such as NMR and UV-visible spectrophotometry. |
| The above is the current main interest of my lab. Below you can see some other research interests. | |
| 2. | Isolation and structural determination of a milkweed compound with a chromophore with an unusually low pKa. I have the milkweed and the idea, I need an organically inclined student to develop it. |
| 3. | Studying the reaction of p-nitrobenzyl chloride with cyanide. The product is orange and we know its structure and spectra and something of the kinetics, but under certain solvent conditions the product is red and I would like to explore this further. |
| 4. | I would like to develop some ideas I have on better or improved general chemistry lab experiments. Students who have had some general chemistry and who have an interest in making those experiments work better or in making them more interesting or relevant are very welcome. These projects currently include: - Developing a CHEM 1146 kinetics experiment with utilizes the new colorimeters on the general chemistry computers. - Developing a CHEM 1145 experiment or exercise relating crystal angles and structure to the ionic structure of the crystal. - Developing a CHEM 1145 redox demonstration. |
| 5. | Developing a simple way of crystallizing MgATP, in collaboration with Dr. Dobson, in order to develop a CHEM 5541 lab experiment. |
| 6. | I have some ideas for some library research projects. These type of projects are good for students who have had general chemistry (or more), and sometimes can end up in the Journal of Chemical Education. They include: - The relationship of the mineral hardness scale (some of you learned about this in geology or earth science) to chemical bonding. Why does the hardness vaty the way it does? - The role of chemistry in military history, especially explosives. Chemistry has had a huge role in warfare, from the change from bronze to iron in armor to the development of modern high explosives. The chemical details of this, however, are not well known, especially at the molecular/atomic level. This would be a good library research project for someone who wants to know about the chemistry of their deer rifle, the goal being a poster presentation or a paper in the Journal of Chemical Education. |
Brian P. Koehler
1. My research involves the analysis of compounds occurring naturally in food-plants, with a focus on those common in the typical Southern diet. Of current interest are “phytosterols” (plant-derived sterols), which are reported to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the occurance of certain forms of cancer. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, these plant-sterols are believed to function by inhibiting intestinal absorption of cholesterol, thereby decreasing the levels in the blood. The project will focus on identifying and quantifying the sterol content in the foods studied so that the health benefits can be assessed.
2. My second research interest revolves around using spectroscopic techniques to study the transition metal or metal-cluster in the active-site centers of metalloenzymes. Using ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and resonance raman (RR) spectroscopies, the type of metal center in the active site and its coordination in the enzyme can often be determined. Current research focuses on collaborative work with Dr Michelle Davis (GSU) on the marine metabolite, Adenochrome. This research currently neccessitates travel to the University of Georgia (Athens) in order to use equipment located in facilities there.
3. Another project of mine has been in improving the educational experience in the general chemistry laboratories. The object has been to design on-line tutorials to illustrate concepts and guide students through the experimental procedures before entering the lab. It is hoped that by better preparing students in the techniques and use of the equipment that will be needed, that students will be better prepared to focus on the chemical concepts and advanced understanding of the material.
David I. Kreller
Dr. Kreller is interested in physical and chemical processes that occur in the natural environment where water (specifically freshwater, such as river water, lake water, ground water and water in soils) is in contact with solids such as sediments, rocks and minerals. The chemical composition of these bodies of water can be affected by the reactions and processes at the surfaces of the solids with which the water is in contact. There are environmentally important cases in which a chemical substance that is dissolved in water becomes bound to the surface of the solid, a phenomenon which is called ‘adsorption’. Adsorption processes remove chemical substances from the water, which is desirable in the case of toxic pollutants.
The Kreller research group is studying the adsorption of a few substances that are present in water to the surfaces of iron and aluminum oxide minerals. These types of minerals are very abundant in the environment. The dissolved ‘adsorbing’ substances of interest in the Kreller group is currently limited to naturally occurring dissolved humic substances, however in the future the research will expand to include pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides and endocrine-disrupting compounds.
The Kreller research group employs a very new experimental technique to study the adsorption of dissolved chemicals on mineral surfaces. The technique is based on an application of the high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) in which the HPLC columns are manually packed with the solid mineral phases. The auto-injection capability of the HPLC is used to introduce the adsorbing chemical to the column over a series of a large number (typically 40-60) of injections. The HPLC based method allows researchers to investigated adsorption processes in a more rapid, data-rich and efficient manner than the traditional methods, which include batch adsorption and continuous-flow column techniques.
In its first phase of research, the Kreller group is carrying out a set of experiments designed to answer outstanding questions that environmental scientists still have in the area of the adsorption of dissolved humic substances to surfaces of iron oxide minerals. There also is a project underway in the Kreller lab in which the effects of oxidation on the structures of dissolved humic substances is being studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
James M. LoBue
Dr. LoBue is currently involved in two very different projects:
1. Investigating the photochemical properties of tetra-substituted porphyrins. These molecules have properties that make them candidates for a type of cancer therapy called photodynamic therapy. This work involves the use of various spectrometers available in the Chemistry Department, principally the ISS-K2 Phase Modulated Spectrofluorometer.
2. During the past two summers (2004 and 2005) Dr. LoBue has been working in the laboratory of Dr. John Larese. This work involves the study of highly uniform surfaces by high resolution volumetric adsorption. The current project is to understand the interaction of ethylene with an MgO surface.
Michele Davis McGibony
1. My research is in the area of bioinorganic chemistry which investigates the role of metals in biological processes and their use in medical treatments. Of primary interest is the isolation and preparation of novel iron-chelation therapy drugs. This class of drugs is used to reduce the amount of "free iron" in the bloodstream which can occur from medical treatments for anemia, genetics, and certain diets. Free iron can generate oxygen radicals that can lead to heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. My research students have isolated the novel marine metabolite adenochrome from the branchial hearts of an octopus and are attempting to characterize the material utilizing several spectroscopic techniques and determine its potential for chelating iron.
2. A second bioinorganic research project focuses on the protein chromadulin. It has recently been shown that the oligopeptide chromadulin (or also known as low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance, LMWCr) binds to insulin receptor in response to insulin. This interaction results in the signal of insulin to be increased, which is a must for people suffering from adult-onset diabetes (90% of all diabetes cases in the United States). This is a condition where body tissues become insensitive to insulin. Chromadulin has been isolated from dog's liver, beef liver, and shrimp. My research team will attempt to isolate chromadulin from an octopus liver via ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, and electrophoresis. The isolated product will be characterized on the basis of structure and function and compared the other known chromodulins.
3. Another interest of mine is a class of bis(indole) alkaloids isolated from marine sponges called dragmacidins. These natural products are quite interesting due to their wide range of biological activities; they are inhibitors of protein phosphatases (PP1 and PP2) and possess anti-viral and anti-cancer activities. My research students will attempt to isolated these types of compounds from local marine sponges and determine their structures via 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectrometry. The newly isolated materials will be tested for biological and pharmacological activity along with recently synthesized dragmacidins derivatives prepared by Dr. Christine Whitlock's research team.
Mark C. Morvant
Dr. Morvant's research interests are in the synthesis of small molecule and polymers with electronic properties and the investigation of the electronic behavior to determine possible applications. His current research is focused on the synthesis of substituted [2.2]paracyclophanes and incorporation of these molecules into conductive polymers. He is also hoping to continue to do research in the area of in-situ conductivity and chemical education.
Jessica N. Orvis
All aspects of teaching and learning of general chemistry are of interest to me. What motivates students to learn and do well in a general chemistry class? How influential are the laboratory experiences? How can the classroom and laboratory become more effective in teaching and learning? The study of educational outreach in the form of either chemistry shows or more specific lessons in chemistry or physical science to area schools is also part of my research effort.
Norman E. Schmidt
Dr. Schmidt has three areas of research interest. The first is a study of the chemistry of Vidalia Onions. New methods of analyzing onions are being developed in order to better understand the unique flavor of a Vidalia onion. A paper has recently been published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry on the analysis of the lachrymatory factor of onions. (This is the chemical which makes your eyes water when you cut an onion.)
The second area of interest is the chemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence of ruthenium complexes. These chemicals are of interest because they also intercalate into DNA and can be used as a probe of DNA structure. Ruthenium complexes emit light at an electrode surface with the proper voltage. However they also intercalate into DNA. Therefore an equilibrium is set up between free ruthenium complexes and ruthenium complexes bound to the DNA. The goal of this research is to determine how the complex's structure affects the equilibrium with DNA.
Dr. Schmidt's other research involves the study of heavy metals and pesticides in environmental samples. Currently he is studying the levels of lead found in snails. This research is in conjunction with the Biology department of Georgia Southern University.
Karen T. Welch
Dr. Welch's research is focused on determining structure–activity or structure–reactivity relationships relating to how molecules interact on the molecular level. She uses molecular modeling and dynamics as well as 1D and 2D NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) techniques to carry out investigations and also does organic synthesis (in order to have molecules to study). Because her background is in carbohydrate chemistry, that is the primary focus. However, she is always looking for interesting structural or conformational problems to study. Current projects include synthesis and conformational analysis of molecules that mimic aminoglycoside antibiotics (a collaboration with Dr. Deal), the determination of the 3D structures of carbohydrate–aluminum complexes (a collaboration with Dr. Dobson and Dr. LoBue), and the rational design of nonsugar carbohydrate analogs as potential therapeutic agents.
Christine R. Whitlock
Dr. Whitlock's research is in the area of organic synthesis and involves the total synthesis of novel bisindolyl marine alkaloids. Of primary interest is the synthesis of derivatives of the naturally-occurring dragmacidin alkaloids, which possess anticancer and other biological properties. Research also involves the preparation of novel trisindolyl amines with iron chelating properties.
Last updated April 16, 2008
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