The Department of Chemical Sciences is engaged in the study of matter and changes in matter – a science that is central to many aspects of life. Around the globe, chemists are applying the principles and skills they’ve learned to decipher troubling problems that have gone unsolved for years.
As a close-knit community of students, teachers, mentors and scholars, we pride ourselves on our small class sizes and on the individual attention our students receive.
Dr. King's current research focuses on studying the extent of contamination of soil with arsenic leaching from in-service pressure treated lumber (such as play structures, picnic tables, decks and fences). Arsenic is a major component of the pesticide chromated copper arsentate or CCa used in pressure-treated lumber to prevent rot. To determine the possible human risk of exposure to arsenic from contaminated soil, total and bioaccessible arsenic is determined from soil samples using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Another aspect of this research involves determination of risk of exposure to arsenic from direct contact with CCA-treated wood.
BS, University of the Philippines
PhD, University of Cincinnati, Ohio
Over the past ten years Dr. Brush has mentored over thirty research students at Bridgewater State University, many of whom are currently attending graduate school or teaching high school science. His "bioorganic team" is synthesizing simple organic compounds as potential therapeutic agents. The "energy team" is investigating efficient methods to produce BSC biodiesel. Prospective high school teachers are developing green chemistry lab materials and unit plans that follow the State frameworks. Dr. Brush and his student collaborators present their work at the annual American Chemical Society conference and the Bridgewater Undergraduate Research Symposium. Bridgewater State University science students who want to learn more about these projects can contact Dr. Brush at any time.
BS, Kings College
PhD, Pennsylvania State University
BS, Adelphi University Biology
PhD, Dartmouth College
Research Interests:
Synthesis, spectroscopy and structures of transition metal coordination and organometallic complexes with particular emphasis on bi- and polymetallic systems. Applications in the areas of metal carbohydrate chemistry, catalysis, molecular recognition, metal-metal bonded assemblies, and the development of supramolecular systems.
Recent Courses:
Intermediate and Advanced Inorganic (CHEM 242, 444)
Chemical Principles I/II (CHEM 141/142)
Survey of Chemistry I/II (CHEM 131/132)
Laboratory Techniques (CHEM 492)
Undergraduate Research (CHEM 390)
Honor Research Colloquium (CHEM 135H)
Practicum Supervisor for Accelerated Post-Baculaurate
BS, UCLA
PhD, Michigan State University
Research Interests:
Biochemistry
Maintaining the integrity of DNA is essential for the survival of all living organisms. Cellular DNA is under constant assault by a variety of internal and external sources. For example, exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays has the ability to cause DNA base pairs to crosslink, which potentially could lead to skin cancer. Cells have evolved a variety of mechanisms to repair resulting damaged DNA, but some of these lesions remain and increase the potential for mutagenesis. In addition to having the ability to alter the DNA's coding potential, DNA lesions present severe blocks to normal DNA replication. The recent discovery of a large group of translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) polymerases, the Y-superfamily, has shed light on how cells are able to handle DNA lesions. Unlike replicative DNA polymerases, this family of DNA polymerases has the ability to traverse a variety of DNA lesions. Understanding how these DNA polymerases are able to bypass DNA lesions has obvious implications toward mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. In the lab, use of a variety of molecular, biochemical, and structural techniques elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these DNA polymerases are able to bypass specific DNA carcinogens
Recent Courses:
Biochemistry I/II (CHEM 461/462)
Advanced Biochemistry Lab (CHEM 466)
Research in Chemistry (CHEM 390)
Survey of Chemistry II (CHEM 132)
BS, Oakland University
PhD, Wayne State University
Post Doc, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York
Research Interests:
Physical Chemistry
Recent Courses:
Physical Chemistry I/II (CHEM 381/382)
Chemical Principles I/II (CHEM 141/142)
Survey of Chemistry I (CHEM 131)
BS, MS, Kobe University, Japan
PhD, Stanford University, California
Research Interests:
Dr. Waratuke is engaged in the synthesis and spectroscopic studies of titanium aryloxide, arylsulfide, carbamate, and related organic compounds and their use as catalysts for organic transformations. The development of these organometallic compounds, (existing and novel systems) for hydroamination and cross-coupling reactions of alkenes and alkynes is his current focus. The research work is driven by engaged student collaboration with the department undergraduate majors.
Recent Courses:
Organic I and II (CHEM 343, 344)
Organic I and II Labs (CHEM 343L, 344)
Survey of Chemistry I (CHEM 131)
Environmental Organometallic Chemistry (special topic, CHEM 490)
Advanced Organic, Environmental, Research Problems in Chemistry (CHEM 390)
Computers in Chemistry (CHEM 100)
BS, University of Pittsburgh
PhD, Purdue University
BS, Cal. State San Francisco
PhD, Clemson University
The department offers a BA or BS in Chemistry, a BS in Chemistry/Geology (jointly with the Department of Geological Sciences), and a Master of Arts in Teaching (Clinical Master’s/Chemistry, Chemistry or Physical Sciences). Chemistry majors may choose one of three areas of concentration: Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry or Professional Chemistry. Undergraduate research is a central part of our programs. Unlike the faculty at many research universities, our faculty is actively engaged in direct research collaboration with our students.
Chemistry graduates are well-equipped for careers in medicine, dentistry, education, environmental sciences, chemical or pharmaceutical sales, pharmacy or veterinary medicine.
