ACS Alums – Where Are They Now? Lander students who were active in the university’s American Chemical Society chapter and graduated with degrees in chemistry are working in education and industry. Others are enrolled in advanced degree programs. Among them: Mandy Wilkes Lloyd, ’04, received a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of South Carolina and now teaches chemistry at Laurens High School. Calton Sparks, ’07, is a laboratory research technician at Milliken Chemical in Spartanburg. Heather Brooke, ’02, worked at Fujifilm in Greenwood for three years. She is a candidate at USC for a doctorate in physical analytical chemistry with an emphasis on infrared spectroscopy. Brittney Wells, ’05, took a job as an analyst at Davis & Floyd in Greenwood after graduation, and for the last year has been employed at Capsugel. Ryan Lockwood, ’07, is a quality control chemist for Perrigo Pharmaceuticals in Greenville and is a member of the national ACS. Alexandra Foguth, ’07, is pursuing a doctorate in material science and engineering at Clemson University. She is one of only 30 students in that discipline nationwide selected for a three-year, $120,000 Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation.
Professor Edward Stampf was instrumental in organizing the Lander ACS chapter a quarter-century ago and served as its adviser for nine years. He was followed by Professors Lynn Deanhardt, Lisa Root and Peter Vahjen. Vahjen was an adviser or co-adviser for seven years. Dr. Ralph Layland, associate professor of inorganic chemistry and chair of the Physical Sciences Department, and Dr. Lisa Brodhacker, assistant professor of organic chemistry, are the current coadvisers. Layland, who has been associated with the ACS at Lander for 10 years, said, “The chapter’s record of achieveAs part of the group’s service to the comment is impressive since we are a small munity, Lander ACS chapter members often perform chemistry “magic” shows school competing with larger schools for area schoolchildren. Here, chapter that have more financial resources.” secretary Ebony Miller mixes chemicals The chapter, which has a current to produce slime in one of the chapter’s membership of 40 to 50 mostly chemmost popular experiments for youth. istry and science majors, gives students insight into the chemistry field and identifies career opportunities. It also helps them become more involved in the campus community. Brodhacker said, “Several freshmen are members, and they have opportunities to interact with upperclassmen and faculty in science programs.” Dr. Bruce Bursten, national ACS president, took note of the Lander chemistry faculty’s involvement in local chapter activities saying, “Their efforts certainly represent the best in undergraduate science education and mentoring around the country.” Bursten congratulated the Lander chapter for “setting a fine example for other chapters and preparing the next generation of chemical professionals.” In its overall summary, the evaluation committee said, “You are an amazingly active chapter that obviously deserved your outstanding designation last year and have continued in the same vein. Great job, keep it up.” Dr. David Slimmer, dean of Lander’s College of Science and Mathematics, said, “The award is a powerful statement because the chapter has kept alive a tradition of being recognized for its activities.” Lander’s ACS and the other award-winning chapters were to be recognized in Chemical and Engineering News, the weekly national ACS magazine, and in Chemistry, the official publication of the student affiliates, and at the organization’s national meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, in March. Lander ACS chapter vice president Stephanie Adams observes chemical reactions in a flask of liquid as part of an experiment.
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Lander Magazine • Spring 2009