Chemistry Faculty Research Projects
CHEM 4222 Course Information
CHEM 4222 Forms
CHEM 4222 Oral Presentation Rubric
Dr. Susan F. Hornbuckle is an associate professor of chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences at Clayton State University.
As an organic chemist, Dr. Hornbuckle is interested in investigating intramolecular and intermolecular cyclopropanation competition reactions using laboratory techniques and instruments such as FTIR, GC/MS, TLC, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and column chromatography.
Dr. Hornbuckle is also interested in investigating intramolecular and intermolecular aziridination competition reactions using laboratory techniques and instruments such as FTIR, GC/MS, TLC, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and column chromatography.
In the area of environmental chemistry, Dr. Hornbuckle is interested in investigating organic contaminants in soil and in aqueous environments via GC/MS.
Dr. Hornbuckle is also interested in studying over the counter drug and prescription drug interactions with herbal medicines via various spectroscopic methods such as UV-VIS, GC/MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FTIR. Further studies can be performed using cell cultures.
Dr. Hornbuckle is also interested in mentoring students who wish to design and implement their own research project in the areas of chemistry or organic chemistry..
Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (3.0 or higher is preferred).
- CHEM4222 students will be required to write a research proposal, write a scientific paper about their research, and give an oral presentation to the Natural Sciences faculty.
- Successful completion of CHEM 2412 and CHEM 2412L.
To participate in one of these projects or to discuss the development of another project, please contact Dr. Hornbuckle
Dr. Hornbuckle's Undergraduate Research Students Site
Dr. Patricia Todebush is mentoring research projects in Computational Chemistry. The aim of the project is to use theoretical models to explain and predict complex biochemical mechanisms by analyzing the electronic structure of small molecules and their interactions with larger biological systems such as proteins and DNA.
Participants will be required to have:
- An interest in organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry
- The ability to work independently
- Willingness to dedicate at least 2 semesters to the project
- Ability to present results in poster and presentation format at regional and national meetings
Dr. Todebush is also interested in taking students to do research in the CHEM3222 course. Please see Dr. Todebush if you are interested in either research opportunity.
Dr. Caroline Clower is an assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences at Clayton State University.
Research interests:
- Chemical Education: I am currently mentoring internship projects in Organic, Biochemistry, or Medicinal Chemistry. Examples of student projects include developing and teaching a lab experiment or lab practical, or development of an instructional webpage, course material, or activity.
- Photochemistry: My research interests lie in the general areas of photochemistry and physical organic chemistry. In particular, I study proton-transfer reactions of hydroxyarene compounds in the excited state. Previous research projects included the investigation of the dynamics of photoacids (a series of synthesized derivatives of 2-naphthol or hydroxyquinoline N-oxides) in microheterogeneous conditions using both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. The effects of additional cyano, aminomethyl, maleimide, or perfluoroalkanesulfonyl substituents were studied in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, as well as at polymer-water and protein-water interfaces.
If you are interested in working with Dr. Clower on any of the projects listed below, contact her at carolineclower@clayton.edu. The amount of course credit given (3222/4222) and the pre-requisite requirements for participation will vary depending on the nature of the project. See Dr. Clower for details.
This page is maintained by Dr. Susan Hornbuckle, CSU Chemistry WebMaster.