Issuu

C hemistry M ATTERS

Otterbein University

Spring 2024

Letter from the Chair

Letter the Chair

We have an outstanding program, and I am excited to share this issue of Chemistry Matters with you! You will find information about current students, faculty, and alumni, and new in the Department of Chemistry.

I am thankful to the alumni who returned to campus to participate in our STEM Career Jumpstart! event. 2024, Otterbein launched this event as a new part of the Otterbein READY program, which seeks to better prepare students for a career after college. Sophomore students and alumni came together for an interactive evening, where students were introduced to STEM careers alumni and a event. We were enough to have several alumni join us in person for the event, Sam Farrar '20, now a chemist at Battelle; Devon '15, an environmental engineer at Honda; and Jeremy '00, and CEO of SCI Engineered Materials.

We have an outstanding chemistry program, and I am excited to share this issue of Chemistry Matters with you! You will find information about current students, faculty, and alumni, and new happenings in the Department of Chemistry. I am thankful to the alumni who returned to campus to participate in our inaugural STEM Career Jumpstart! event. In January 2024, Otterbein University launched this event as a new part of the Otterbein READY program, which seeks to better prepare students for a career after college. Sophomore students and alumni came together for an interactive evening, where students were introduced to STEM careers through alumni panels and a networking event. We were lucky enough to have several alumni join us in person for the inaugural event, including Sam Farrar ’20, now a chemist at Battelle; Devon Fitzgerald ’15, an environmental engineer at Honda; and Jeremy Young ’00, President and CEO of SCI Engineered Materials.

We are also grateful to Michael Huston '86, Senior Technical Fellow at the Lubrizol Corporation, who visited campus to have lunch with students, present a seminar on Sustainability and Specialty Chemicals: Lubrizol as a Case Study, and discuss with faculty how we incorporate sustainability into our chemistry curriculum.

you are an alum who is interested in involved with current students, please let us know! There are opportunities to in future Career Jumpstart! events, to serve as a mentor for majors in our Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program, and/or to your expertise guest seminars and review of our curriculum. Best,

We are also grateful to Michael Huston ’86, Senior Technical Fellow at the Lubrizol Corporation, who visited campus to have lunch with students, present a seminar on Sustainability and Specialty Chemicals: Lubrizol as a Case Study, and discuss with faculty how we incorporate sustainability into our chemistry curriculum. If you are an alum who is interested in being involved with current students, please let us know! There are opportunities to participate in future Career Jumpstart! events, to serve as a mentor for majors in our Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program, and/or to provide your professional expertise through guest seminars and review of our curriculum. Best,

Dr. Joan Esson

Johnston receives National Science Foundation Grant

Dr. Johnston recently awarded $271,261 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a entitled Research in Undergraduate Institutions: Solvent-Free Synthesis of Transition Metal Halide Clusters. As part of this project, students in Johnston's group will develop new synthetic routes to substituted transition cluster als. Metal halide clusters are comprised of an octahedral core of metal atoms surrounded by a cube of halide atoms. This family of clusters is strongly phosphorescent and has electrochemical making the clusters pouseful for catalysis, and oxygen sens

The central cluster core is very stable, making it an ideal building block for the creation of new compounds, linkcluster units to form chains or three-dimensional networks.

Dr. Johnston was recently awarded $271,261 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a project entitled Research in Undergraduate Institutions: Solvent-Free Synthesis of Transition Metal Halide Clusters. As part of this project, students in Johnston's group will develop new synthetic routes to substituted transition metal halide cluster materials. Metal halide clusters are comprised of an octahedral core of metal atoms surrounded by a cube of halide atoms. This family of clusters is strongly phosphorescent and has unique electrochemical properties, making the clusters potentially useful for bioimaging, catalysis, and oxygen sensing. The central cluster core is very stable, making it an ideal building block for the creation of new compounds, linking cluster units to form chains or three-dimensional networks.

This funding will provide student stipends to support summer research as well as funding for travel to national meetings. The grant is also supporting the acquisition of new equipment and upgrades to existing equipment, including the Xray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy instruments acquired through Johnston’s prior NSF awards.

This funding will student stipends to support summer research as well as funding for travel to national meetings. The grant is also supporting the acquisition of new equipment and upgrades to existing equipment, including the Xray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy instruments acquired through Johnston's prior NSF awards.

Students and Faculty Travel to National Scientific

Students and Faculty Travel to National Scientific Meetings

Six Otterbein students, together with Drs. Joan Esson and Robin Grote, attended the March 2023 American Chemical Society National Meeting held in Indianapolis. The students networked with chemists from across the country and their papers:

 Megan Caldwell, ’23, Rebuilding community at Otterbein University (Advisor: Esson)

♦ Megan Caldwell, '23, Rebuilding community at Otterbein University (Advisor:

♦ McKenna '25, Technical art analysis of the Woo collection at Otterbein University (Advisor: Esson)

 McKenna Campbell ’25, Technical art analysis of the Woo collection at Otterbein University (Advisor: Esson)

 Amanda Marchi ’24 and Olive Schnittker ’24, Analysis of steric effects on the synthesis of stilbenes using the Wittig reaction (Advisor: Grote)

♦ Amanda Marchi '24 and Olive Schnittker '24, of steric effects on the synthesis of stilbenes the reaction (Advisor: Grote)

 Lindsey Payton ’23, Technical analysis of a late 19th century paint box (Advisor: Esson)

♦ Lindsey Payton '23, Technical analysis of a late 19th century box (Advisor: Esson)

 Jaden Watkins ’23, Evaluating the propensity for the formation of melamine complexes via spartan modeling and examination of crystallographic data from x-ray diffraction and Raman/infrared spectra (Advisor: Hietsoi)

♦ Jaden '23, Evaluating the for the formation of melamine complexes via spartan and examination of crystallographic data from x-ray diffraction and Raman/infrared spectra (Advisor:

Jaden described research that he completed during his summer National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program at Middle Tennessee State University, where he worked with Dr. Oleksandr Hietsoi, while Megan highlighted activities of Otterbein’s American Chemical Society Student Chapter. The other students described research they completed at Otterbein with their faculty mentors.

In addition to attending talks and exploring the expo, students also met with Otterbein alumni who either lived in the Indy area or were attending the meeting, including Allie Weber Brackbill ’15 and Brittney Sowers Mize ’18. Some of the students also enjoyed their behind-the-scenes tour of the conservation science laboratory at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

Jaden described research that he completed during his summer National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF program at Middle Tennessee State University, where he worked with Dr. Oleksandr Hietsoi, while Megan highlighted activities of Otterbein's American Chemical Society Student Chapter. The other students described research they completed at Otterbein with their faculty mentors. In addition to attending talks and exploring the expo, students also met with Otterbein alumni who either lived in the Indy area or were attending the Allie Weber Brackbill '15 and Sowers Mize '18. Some of the students also enjoyed their behind-the-scenes tour of the conservation science laboratory at the Museum of Art at Newfields.

Eight Otterbein students attended DiscoverBMB, the national meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology held last April in Seattle Washington. Among the student presentations were:

Eight Otterbein students attended DiscoverBMB, the national of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular held last in Seattle Washington. Among the student presentations were:

Mara Shields ’23, Perilipin 5 Trafficking in CHO Cells (Advisor: Tansey)

♦ Mara Shields '23, 5 Trafficking CHO Cells (Advisor:

Olivia Miller ’23, Otterbein ASBMB Student Chapter Outreach and Involvement (Advisor: Tansey)

♦ Olivia Miller '23, Otterbein ASBMB Student Chapter Outreach and Involvement (Advisor: Tansey)

Kaitlin Dean ’23, Evidence of metabolite binding to the hydrophobic clefts of perilipins 3 and 5 (Advisor: Tansey)

♦ Dean '23, Evidence of metabolite to the hydrophobic clefts of perilipins 3 and 5 (Advisor: Tansey)

Olivia Miller was also an invited panelist for a conversation about careers science.

Olivia Miller was also an invited panelist for a conversation about careers in science.

Otterbein was awarded the National Student Chapter of the Year award for our student involvement and engagement, outreach, research, and engagement with ASBMB. This is Otterbein's fourth time winning this honor.

Otterbein was additionally awarded the National Student Chapter of the Year award for our student involvement and engagement, outreach, research, and engagement with ASBMB. This is Otterbein’s fourth time winning this prestigious honor.

Otterbein had six students inducted into the ASBMB honor Chi Omega Lambda, in Spmig 2023: Olivia '23, Olivia Miller '23, Kaitlin Dean '23, Jennifer McPeek '23, '23, and Patel '24. Students are chosen based on their scholarly achievement, research accomplishments and outreach activities.

Finally, Otterbein had six students inducted into the ASBMB honor society, Chi Omega Lambda, in Sprnig 2023: Olivia Brickey ’23, Olivia Miller ’23, Kaitlin Dean ’23, Jennifer McPeek ’23, Mason Nolan ’23, and Ashni Patel ’24. Students are chosen based on their scholarly achievement, research accomplishments and outreach activities.

Jaden Watkins ’23, Lindsey Payton ’23, McKenna Campbell ’25, Amanda Marchi ’24, Olive Schnittker ’24, and Megan Caldwell ’23 (left to right)

Mara Shields ’23 presenting her poster at DiscoverBMB

7 23, Lindsey Payton '23, McKenna Campbell

7 25, Amanda Marchi '24, Olive 24, and Megan Caldwell '23 (left to right)

Shields '23 presenting her poster at DiscoverBMB

Department Acquires New Instrument

The Chemistry Department is now home to a new handheld portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer!

The is now home to a new handheld x-ray fluorescence analyzer!

With a generous leading donation from Douglas and Mary Pat Knight, coupled with money from the Stichweh Fund and other donors who have given to the Chemistry Department Gift Account and the Frank Museum of Art Gift Fund, the Department was able to obtain a pXRF. This portable analyzer can conduct multielement analysis and has the option to be used outside the confines of a traditional laboratory. This instrument is finding widespread use in research and teaching laboratories. The Esson laboratory is using it to study colorants in the Frank Museum of Art’s C. Y. Woo Collection (see other articles in the newsletter).

With a generous leading donation from Douglas and Mary Pat Knight, coupled with money from the Stichweh Fund and other donors who have given to the Chemistry Department Gift Account and the Frank Museum of Art Gift the Department was able to obtain a pXRF. This analyzer can conduct multielement analysis and has the option to be used outside the confines of a traditional laboratory. This instrument is finding use in research and laboratories. The Esson laboratory is using it to study colorants in the Frank Museum of Art's C. Y. Woo Collection (see other articles in the newsletter).

Students in an upper-level spectroscopy course have used it to study the composition of ancient and modern coins and in their course capstone projects. For example, Owen Gregg ‘24, worked with librarian Shannon KupferTrausch of the State Library of Ohio to analyze a subset of 19th century books. Previous studies in the Poison Book Project have shown that some book covers were made with Emerald Green, a toxic arsenic containing compound. Luckily, none of the green-covered books Owen studied with the pXRF contain arsenic; they likely are made with chrome yellow.

Students in an upper-level spectroscopy course have used it to study the composition of ancient and modem coins and in their course capstone projects. For Owen '24, worked with librarian Shannon KupferTrausch of the State of Ohio to analyze a subset of 19 century studies the Poison Book Project shown some book covers were made with Emerald Green, a toxic arsenic compound. Luckily, none of green-covered Owen studied with contain arsenic; they likely are made with chrome yellow.

Non-chemistry majors are also benefiting from the new instrument. Students in Dr. Esson’s sections of the Integrative Studies course “Chemistry in Art” are gaining a better understanding of the Bohr model of the atom and how science is used to authenticate art. They are using the pXRF to identify materials used in select paintings by Woo and in a case study where they investigate if a painting is a forgery.

Non-chemistry are also from the new instrument. Students Owen '24 using the new in Esson's sections of the Integrative Studies course "Chemistry in Art" are gaining a better of the Bohr model of the atom and how science is used to authenticate art. They are using the identify materials used in select Woo and in a case study where they investigate if a painting is a forgery.

Chemistry Educators

We are proud to have several students pursuing licenses to become high school chemistry teachers: Owen Gregg ’24, Kaitlynn Gleich ’24, Mick Cave ’25, and Eneko Dillenberger ’25. In July 2023, two of these students, Owen and Eneko, along with Drs. Joan Esson (Chemistry) and Paul Wendel (Education) attended the ChemEd Conference at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. The target audience for this conference is high school chemistry teachers.

We are to have several students licenses to become high school chemistry teachers: Owen Gregg '24, Kaitlynn Gleich '24, Cave '25, and Eneko Dillenberger '25. In July two of these students, Owen and Eneko, with Drs. Joan Esson (Chemistry) and Paul Wendel (Education) attended the ChemEd Conference at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. The target audience for this conference is high school chemistry teachers.

Owen and Eneko were able to expand their deattending sessions on inquiry and lab-based teaching, classroom management, and effective demonstrations. the group enjoyed sessions television personality, author and STEM teacher Steve Spangler, learning how teachers can use interactive demonstrations and personal stories to interest students in science, as well as accomplished educator and author Dr. Joe Schwarz, who discussed the importance of educating past misinformation and falsehoods. They were also able to expand their network; Owen was even able to meet the educator who would soon be his neighbor, during Owen's student

Owen and Eneko were able to expand their professional development, attending sessions on inquiry and lab-based teaching, classroom management, and effective demonstrations. Additionally, the group enjoyed plenary sessions by television personality, author and STEM teacher Steve Spangler, learning how teachers can use interactive demonstrations and personal stories to interest students in science, as well as by accomplished educator and author Dr. Joe Schwarz, who discussed the importance of educating past misinformation and falsehoods. They were also able to expand their professional network; Owen was even able to meet the educator who would soon be his teaching neighbor, during Owen’s student teaching!

teaching!

At the conference, Joan, Paul, and Dublin Jerome Chemistry teacher Amy Pochodylo presented a talk on their partnership in developing a STEAM curriculum at the high school level. They also hosted a workshop for a packed class of high school teachers to learn about some of the arts-integrated chemistry activities.

At the conference, and Dublin Jerome Chemistry teacher a talk on their in developing a STEAM curriculum at the school level. They also hosted a for a class of school teachers to learn about some of arts-integrated chemistry activities.

Eneko Dillengerber ’25, Dr. Paul Wendel , Dr. Joan Esson, and Owen Gregg ’24

Owen Gregg ’24 using the new pXRF

Eneko Dillengerber '25, Dr. Paul Wendel , Dr. Joan Esson, and

Owen Gregg '24

Faculty Publish Book Chapters

Dr. Carrigan Hayes and Dr. Ramos each a chapter in the 2023 American Chemical Society Chemistry in General Education, edited Dr. Garland Crawford and Dr. Kloepper Mercer

This book originated from a 2022 Biennial Conference in Chemical Education (BCCE) Symposium on "Meeting Students Where They Are," which focused on teaching chemistry content in non-STEM-majors' courses. Both chapters described chemistry courses developed for Integrative Studies (IS or INST), here at Otterbein.

Dr. Carrigan Hayes and Dr. Brigitte Ramos each published a chapter in the 2023 American Chemical Society book, Chemistry in General Education, edited by Dr. Garland Crawford and Dr. Kathy Kloepper at Mercer University. This book originated from a 2022 Biennial Conference in Chemical Education (BCCE) Symposium on “Meeting Students Where They Are,” which focused on teaching chemistry content in non-STEM-majors' courses. Both chapters described chemistry courses developed for Integrative Studies (IS or INST), here at Otterbein.

Dr. Ramos collaborated with Dr. Robin Grote (now on the chemistry faculty at University of Wisconsin at La Crosse) in recounting the development and teaching of "Chemistry, Drugs, and the Body" (INST 2411), a course investigating concepts in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Since 2020, each of the two professors has brought creative ideas and unique perspectives to the overall course topic. Dr. Ramos developed a hybrid course that blends two distinct focuses: first, synchronous discussion sessions and background material (from General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry); second, timely case studies involving the SARS-COv-2 virus. At the semester’s close, these two tracks converge via discussions of DNA, RNA, and mutations. Dr. Grote’s asynchronous course, taught during summers from 2020 to 2023, similarly examined applications of traditional GOB Chemistry material; Dr. Grote used popular science books written for general audiences, such as Napoleon’s Buttons: Seventeen Molecules That Changed History by Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson, On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Bliss, and Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quinones (Otterbein’s 2020 Common Book), bolstering her discussions of chemistry concepts by showing students the real-world implications of this material.

Dr. Ramos collaborated with Dr. Robin Grote (now on the chemistry faculty at University of Wisconsin at La Crosse) in recounting the development and teaching of "Chemistry, Drugs, and the Body" (INST 2411), a course concepts in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Since each of the two has creative ideas and perspectives to the overall course topic. Dr. Ramos developed a hybrid course that blends two distinct focuses: first, synchronous discussion sessions and material (from General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and second, timely case studies the SARS-COv-2 At semester's close, these two tracks converge via discussions of DNA, RNA, and mutations. Dr. Grote's asynchronous course, taught during summers from 2020 to 2023, similarly examined applications of traditional GOB Dr. Grote used science books written for general audiences, such as Napoleon's Buttons: Seventeen Molecules That Changed by Penny Le Couteur and Burreson, On Immunity: Inoculation by Eula Bliss, and Dreamland: The True Tale ofAmerica's Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quinones (Otterbein's 2020 Common Book), bolstering her discussions of chemistry concepts by showing students the real-world implications of this material.

Dr. Hayes wrote about her experiences developing INST 2408, "Chemistry in Art," in the 2011-2012 academic year, as well as the ways the course has evolved within the INST Program in the decade-plus since: using artistic techniques as frameworks (no pun intended!) with which to see the underlying chemical principles; developing multiple partnerships with area museums and artists to better illustrate the interdisciplinarity of the course theme; centering recent discussions around the current INST Theme of "Knowledge, Action, and the Public Good." Dr. Hayes also provided a review of materials and resources already in the literature (including those by Dr. Joan Esson, who has since used this general course theme to develop her own courses and research projects) for faculty members who might be interested in beginning their own Chemistry in Art course. (Of note, Dr. Hayes has been directing INST since 2020, so writing this article was a good chance to consider the role of STEM courses in general education more broadly.)

Dr. Hayes wrote about her experiences developing INST 2408, "Chemistry in Art," in the 2011-2012 academic year, as well as the ways the course has evolved within the INST in the decade-plus since: using artistic as frameworks (no pun with which to see the underlying chemical principles; developing multiple with area museums and artists to better illustrate the interdisciplinarity of the course theme; recent discussions around the current INST Theme of "Knowledge, Action, and the Public Good." Dr. Hayes also provided a review of materials and resources already in the literature (including those Dr. Joan Esson, who has since used this general course theme to develop her own courses and research projects) for faculty members who might be interested in their own Chemistry in Art course. (Of note, Dr. Hayes has directing INST since 2020, so this article was a good chance to consider the role of STEM courses in general education more

The symposium that led to these publications occurred at the 2022 BCCE at Purdue University; specific chapters were invited, written, peer-reviewed, and submitted in Summer 2023; and the book was published in December 2023.

The symposium that led to these publications occurred at the 2022 BCCE at Purdue University; specific chapters were invited, peer-reviewed, and submitted in Summer 2023; and the book was published in December 2023.

Congratulations to our Spring 2023 Graduates and Farewell to the Grote Family

Congratulations to our Spring 2023 seniors Jaden Watkins, Keith Kaiser, Caleb Montgomery, and Mara Shields.

Best wishes to Robin and Matt Grote in their new at of Wisconsin - La Crosse.

Best wishes to Robin and Matt Grote in their new positions at University of Wisconsin - La Crosse.

The 2022 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) was held at Purdue University in Summer 2022. Subsequently, in mid-2023, Drs. Grote, Hayes, and Ramos were asked to contribute chapters related to their BCCE presentations for an American Chemical Society book entitled Chemistry in General Education.

Science Lecture Series Brings Dr. Diana Aga to Campus

On 21 February 2024, Otterbein hosted the 2024 Science Lecture Series (SLS), featuring Dr. Diana Aga, the Henry Woodburn Professor of Chemistry and a State University of New York (SUNY) Distinguished Professor at the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Aga is a world-renowned expert in environmental chemistry and has won multiple awards from the American Chemical Society. She presented her general lecture (“‘Free Drugs,’ ‘Superbugs,’ and ‘Forever Chemicals’ in the Environment: Occurrence and Implications”) at 6 p.m. in Riley Auditorium to a wide audience of interested students and faculty members. Earlier in the day, she had presented her technical lecture at The Point to an audience of chemistry and environmental studies majors. Throughout the day, Dr. Aga also generously provided additional time to meet with students via a more informal question-and-answer session and at a lunchtime discussion. Dr. Brigitte Ramos represented CHEM as the faculty chair for the Science Lecture Series this year, working with the SLS Committee and the Office of Academic Affairs to manage the logistics of Dr. Aga’s visit.

Dr. is a world-renowned expert in environmental and has won awards from the American Chemical Society. She her general lecture ("'Free Drugs,' 'Superbugs,' and 'Forever Chemicals' in the Environment: Occurrence and Implications") at 6 p.m. in Auditorium to a wide audience of interested students and faculty members. Earlier in the day, she had her technical lecture at The Point to an audience of chemistry and environmental studies Throughout the day, Dr. also additional time to meet with students via a more informal question-and-answer session and at a lunchtime discussion. Dr. Brigitte Ramos CHEM as the faculty chair for the Science Lecture Series this year, working with the SLS Committee and the Office of Academic Affairs to manage the logistics of Dr. Aga's

Dr. Diana

The SLS has a long legacy at Otterbein; it was established in 1987 by Dr. Jerry Jenkins (Chemistry) and Dr. Philip Barnhart (Physics). Responsibilities for hosting the SLS currently float among the science departments at Otterbein; previous chemistry-themed lectures in the past decade have welcomed Dr. Richmond Sarpong (University of California, Berkeley) in 2019 and Nobel Laureate Dr. Robert Grubbs (California Institute of Technology) in 2014.

The SLS has a long legacy at Otterbein; it was established 1987 by Dr. Jenkins (Chemistry) and Dr. Philip Barnhart (Physics). Responsibilities for hosting the SLS currently float among the science departments at Otterbein; chemistry-themed lectures in the past decade have welcomed Dr. Richmond Sarpong (University of California, Berkeley) in 2019 and Nobel Laureate Dr. Robert Grubbs (California Institute of Technology) in 2014.

Faculty Receive Recognition

Dr. John Tansey was named a Fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. ASBMB selects fellows based on their outstanding commitment to the ASBMB through participation in the society, as well as accomplishments in research, education, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, advocacy, and service to the scientific community. Peter Kennelly, chair of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech and a 2024 ASBMB Fellow, nominated Tansey and wrote: “He stands out as an influential leader of both his university community and of the ASBMB’s scientist-educator community. The impact of John Tansey’s multiple and sustained contributions as a thought leader and advocate both at Otterbein and beyond clearly and vividly embody the core values of the ASBMB Fellows program.”

Dr. John Tansey was named a Fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. ASBMB selects fellows on outstanding commitment to the ASBMB through participation in the society, as well as accomplishments in education, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, advocacy, and service to the scientific community. Peter chair of at Virginia Tech and a 2024 ASBMB Fellow, nominated Tansey and wrote: "He stands out as an influential leader of both his community and of the ASBMB's scientist-educator community. The impact of John Tansey's multiple and sustained contributions as a thought leader and advocate both at Otterbein and clearly and embody the core values of the ASBMB Fellows program."

excellence in STEM education at Otterbein Ohio PKAL noted that Joan was chosen based on her lasting on Otterbein's Chemistry program and on STEM education in the State of Ohio, which are wellaligned with the mission of Ohio PKAL and serve as an inspiration to peers.

Dr. Joan Esson was selected as the Ohio Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) STEM Educator of the Year in 2023. In the nomination materials, colleagues described her commitment to creative and engaging pedagogies for students and work with peers and the community. Colleagues noted how Joan encouraged students to be curious and help them to develop real-world skills in chemistry. They also highlighted her scholarly approach to teaching, and leadership in change efforts for excellence in STEM education at Otterbein University. Ohio PKAL noted that Joan was chosen based on her lasting impact on Otterbein’s Chemistry program and on STEM education in the State of Ohio, which are wellaligned with the mission of Ohio PKAL and serve as an inspiration to peers.

Dr. Diana Aga

Dr. Esson (left) receiving the Ohio PKAL STEM Educator of the Year Award

Dr. Esson receiving the Ohio PKAL STEM of Year Award

A

wide range of undergraduate chemistry research projects are ongoing on campus during 2023-2024!

wide range of undergr aduate chemistry research projects are ongoing on campus during 2023-2024!

Six students have been working with Dr. Esson over the past year. Eneko Dillenberger ’25 helped to organize and hold a workshop for high school teachers from Ohio that described ways to incorporate art into the secondary school chemistry curriculum. Together with Dr. Paul Wendel (Education), they are also investigating the impact of the workshop and activities on the teachers and students in their classrooms.

Six students have been with Dr. Esson over the past year. Eneko Dillenberger '25 helped to organize and hold a for school teachers from Ohio that described ways to art into the secondary school chemistry curriculum. Together with Dr. Paul Wendel (Education), they are also investigating of the and activities on the teachers and students in their classrooms.

Jordan Thompson '24 investigated the composition of 1 9 century tubes housed in the Otterbein University archives that to a former student, Lizzie Crayton Carr (Class of 1886!), who was from a family volved in the early of the school. These are especially to study because many synthetic routes for new colorants were developed in the 19 century, and the quality of varied as new manufacturers came onto the market with the development of the tube only a few decades earlier. Meanwhile, Mull 25 is adapting an EPA method for target analysis of several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater.

Jordan Thompson ’24 investigated the composition of 19th century paint tubes housed in the Otterbein University archives that belonged to a former student, Lizzie Crayton Carr (Class of 1886!), who was from a family involved in the early history of the school. These paint tubes are especially interesting to study because many synthetic routes for new colorants were developed in the 19th century, and the quality of paints varied as new paint manufacturers came onto the market with the development of the paint tube only a few decades earlier. Meanwhile, Maddy Mull ’25 is adapting an EPA method for target analysis of several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater.

Justin Dyer ’24, Drew Holman ’24, and McKenna Campbell ’25 are studying different aspects of the C. Y. Woo collection at Otterbein’s Frank Museum of Art. Woo was a 20th century Chinese American artist who spent the early part of his career in China and emigrated to the United States in the latter half of the 20th century ahead of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. They are hoping to establish a timeline of his approximately 1,000 undated works by studying the materials Woo used in paintings with a known creation date. Justin focused on developing and using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopic methods to identify colorants in the painting seals, while Drew and McKenna used several types of non-destructive techniques to identify the compounds in white pigments and colored materials, respectively. As part of his Honors thesis, Drew also explored possible substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis of colorants.

Justin Dyer '24, Holman '24, and McKenna Campbell 7 25 are studying different aspects of the C. Y. Woo collection at Otterbein's Frank of Art. Woo was a 2 0 century Chinese American artist who spent the early part of his career in China and emigrated to the United States in the latter half of the 2 0 century ahead of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. They are to establish a timeline of his approximately 1,000 undated works studying the materials Woo used in with a known creation date. Justin focused on developing and using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and Raman methods to identify colorants in the painting seals, while Drew and McKenna used several types of non-destructive techniques to identify the compounds in white and colored materials, respectively. As part of his Honors thesis, Drew also explored possible substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis of colorants.

Eneko, Jordan, Drew and McKenna will be presenting their research at the Spring 2024 National ACS Meeting. In Dr. Hayes's computational chemistry lab, Elizabeth Douglass ’25 has explored the potential of computational techniques to bolster experimental work ongoing in the Johnston Lab, looking at the acidity of compounds with implications for pharmaceutical chemistry. Acid-base behaviors can impact the shelf-life and stability of medications; Elizabeth has been examining whether a computational route to pKa data will be feasible, expanding on preliminary work completed by Sarah Frix ’24 in Summer 2021. Paul Scott ’26 has been investigating the use of small monocyclic heterocycles as models for the complex systems of particular interest to lignocellulosic biofuel combustion: using the smaller compounds (which do not require as many computational resources) to understand the combustion patterns of the significantly larger compounds involved in lignocellulose. Both Elizabeth and Paul submitted abstracts that have been accepted for the American Chemical Society's Spring 2024 National Meeting, to be held in New Orleans in mid-March.

Eneko, Jordan, Drew and McKenna will be presenting their research at the Spring 2024 National ACS Meeting. In Dr. Hayes's chemistry lab, Elizabeth '25 explored the of computational to bolster experimental work ongoing in the Johnston Lab, looking at the acidity of compounds with implications for chemistry. Acid-base behaviors can impact the shelf-life and stability of medications; Elizabeth has been examining whether a computational route to pKa data will be feasible, expanding on preliminary work completed by Sarah Frix '24 Summer 2021. Paul Scott '26 has been investigating the use of small monocyclic heterocycles as models for the complex systems of particular interest to lignocellulosic biofuel combustion: using the smaller compounds (which do not require as many computational resources) to understand the combustion patterns of the significantly larger compounds involved in Both Elizabeth and Paul submitted abstracts that have been accepted for the American Chemical Society's Spring 2024 National so,Na Meeting, to be in New Orleans in mid-March.

..o,s�so,Na

The Tansey lab is labeling molecules with infrared fluorescent dyes using click chemistry for detection.

In the Tansey lab, Jen Vallejo '25 has work synthesizing a near infrared fluorescent to be used in labeling lipid droplet binding proteins. To do this she is employing click chemistry in aqueous solutions, but this poses added challenges. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the lipids labeled, initial attempts gave relatively low yields. Our current strategy is to generate nanostructures, mixed micelles of the target lipid (phosphatidyl ethanolaand a carrier (phosphatidyl choline) to provide solvent access to the amino containing head groups of the phosphaethanolamine.

In the Tansey lab, Jen Vallejo ’25 has begun work synthesizing a near infrared fluorescent probe to be used in labeling lipid droplet binding proteins. To do this she is employing click chemistry in aqueous solutions, but this poses added challenges. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the lipids being labeled, initial attempts gave relatively low yields. Our current strategy is to generate nanostructures, mixed micelles of the target lipid (phosphatidyl ethanolamine) and a carrier (phosphatidyl choline) to provide solvent access to the hydrophilic amino containing head groups of the phosphatidyl ethanolamine.

(Continued on next page)

The Tansey lab is labeling mo lecules with infrared fluorescent using click for detection.

High School Teachers Explore Art and Chemistry

High School Explore Art and Chemistry

In Summer 2023, over 20 teachers from high schools around Ohio descended on Otterbein's campus to learn how art activities into school classrooms. While those of you this newsletter likely have a love of chemistry, it can be challenging to interest and engage younger students in high school chemistry classrooms. Dr. Joan Esson, together with colleagues Dr. Paul Wendel (Education).

In Summer 2023, over 20 teachers from high schools around Ohio descended on Otterbein’s campus to learn how to incorporate art activities into their high school classrooms. While those of you reading this newsletter likely have a love of chemistry, it can be challenging to interest and engage younger students in high school chemistry classrooms. Dr. Joan Esson, together with colleagues Dr. Paul Wendel (Education). Amy Pochodylo (high school teacher from Dublin Jerome High School), and Eneko Dillenberger ’25, developed a high school chemistry curriculum that integrated art as a way to make the content more accessible and interesting to all students.

Pochodylo (high school teacher from Dublin Jerome High School), and Eneko 25, developed a school chemistry curriculum that art as a way to make the content more accessible and interesting all students.

Chemistry teachers spent a day students themselves, exploring different ac

Chemistry teachers spent a day being students themselves, exploring different activities that integrate art and chemistry together. They marbled paper, made salt-paper photographs and cyanotypes, and restored paintings among other activities. With funds from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, teachers took back several hundred dollars of supplies to each of their high schools to incorporate the activities. The development team and teachers continued to regularly meet so that teachers had the support they needed as they adapted the activities to their schools. The Ohio teachers returned to Otterbein in Fall 2023 to attend a presentation by color chemist and author Dr. Mary VirModernity of Ancient Pigments,” a talk which was hosted by the Columbus Local Section of the

tivities that integrate art and chemistry together. They marbled paper, made salt-paper and cyanotypes, and restored paintings among other activities. With funds from the Martha Holden Jennings teachers took back several hundred dollars of supplies to each of their high schools to

incorporate the activities. The development team and teachers continued to meet so teachers support they needed as adapted the activities to their schools. The Ohio returned to Otterbein in 2023 to attend a presentation by color chemist and author Dr. Mary Virginia Oma, who spoke on the "Modernity of Ancient Pigments," a talk which was hosted by the Columbus Local Section of the American Chemical Society.

(Continued from

(Continued from previous page) The past year has been a busy one in the Johnston lab. Over the summer, six students worked on a set of projects funded by Dr. Johnston's recent grant from the National Science Foundation. The research focused on the preparation and characterization of reactive salts of metal halide clusters that will lead to new materials with unique structural or photochemical properties. Olive Schnittker ’24 and Erin Hunt ’23 prepared and determined the structures of eight new metal complex salts, demonstrating the versatility of non-aqueous gels for the preparation of single crystals. In a related project, Duaa Khan ’26 and Colleen Bungard ’24 prepared a series of solvated metal ion cluster salts that are very promising starting materials for new cluster-based materials. Owen Gregg ’24 and Jalen Leavell ’26 prepared and studied the thermal properties of a number of new ammonium cluster salts, looking for the elimination of hydrogen chloride as a new route to substituted metal clusters. All six students will be presenting their work at the American Chemical Society's Spring 2024 National Meeting in New Orleans.

The past year has been a one in the Johnston lab. Over the summer, six students worked on a set of funded Dr. Johnston's recent grant National Science Foundation. The research focused on the preparation and characterization of salts of clusters that lead to new materials with unique structural or properties. Olive Schnittker '24 and Erin '23 prepared and determined the structures of eight new metal complex salts, demonstrating the versatility of non-aqueous gels for the of single crystals. In a related Duaa Khan '26 and Colleen Bungard 724 a series of solvated metal ion salts that are very promising starting materials for new cluster-based materials. Owen Gregg '24 and Leavell '26 and studied the thermal properties of a number of new ammonium cluster salts, looking for the elimination of hydrogen chloride as a new route to substituted metal clusters. All six students will be presenting their work at the American Chemical Society's Spring 2024 Meeting in New Orleans.

High School Teachers as students

Marbled paper

Dr. Paul Wendel, Amy Pochodylo, Dr. Joan Esson, and Eneko Dillenberger ’25

L-R back Colleen Bungard ’24, Jalen Leavell ’26, Duaa Khan ’26, Erin Hunt ’23, Dean Johnston, front Olive Schnittker ’24, and Owen Gregg ’24

High School Teachers as students

Marbled paper

Arts-Integrated Chemistry Workshop Welcome to Otterbein!

Dr. Paul Wendel, Pochodylo, Dr. Joan Esson, and Eneko Dillenberger '25

L-R back Colleen Bungard '24, Jalen '26, Duaa Khan '26, Erin Hunt '23, Dean Johnston, front Olive Schnittker '24, and Owen Gregg '24

The Cardy Chemistry Cluster

Otterbein's Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has hard at work this past year: rebranding the name to attract more students, creating comwithin the department, and educating and engaging with the Westerville community. To start, the chapter's executive board consisting of Olive Schnittker '24, Colleen Bungard '25, Elizabeth Douglass 1 25, and Jen Vallejo 25, decided to rebrand the chapter's name to "The Chemistry Cluster" or "The CCC" for short.

Otterbein’s Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has been hard at work this past year: rebranding the name to attract more students, creating community within the department, and educating and engaging with the Westerville community. To start, the chapter’s executive board consisting of Olive Schnittker ’24, Colleen Bungard ’25, Elizabeth Douglass ’25, and Jen Vallejo ’25, decided to rebrand the chapter’s name to “The Cardy Chemistry Cluster” or “The CCC” for short.

Event wise, the CCC started the semester off with hosting the "Chemistry Welcome Back Party" for the chemistry majors and minors. The organization then in Westerville' s October Fourth Friday presenting kid -friendly demos including a puking

Schnittker '24 the Ebru marbling, and alginate. Much more re- puking pumpkins cently the CCC hosted a breakfast as part of the Global Women's Breakfast to celebrate the United Nations Day of Women and Science free donuts. The CCC has also been

study sessions this semester for the students to get together

and work on homework and getting to know each other.

Event wise, the CCC started the semester off with hosting the “Chemistry Welcome Back Party” for the chemistry majors and minors. The organization then participated in Westerville’s October Fourth Friday by presenting kid friendly demos including a puking pumpkin, Ebru marbling, and alginate. Much more recently the CCC hosted a breakfast as part of the Global Women’s Breakfast to celebrate the United Nations Day of Women and Girls in Science by providing free donuts. The CCC has also been holding weekly study sessions this semester for the students to get together and work on homework and getting to know each other.

Students in the Department Earned Awards for Excellence

♦ Columbus Local ACS Section Outstanding Junior Award- Owen Gregg '24

 Columbus Local ACS Section Outstanding Junior Award – Owen Gregg ’24

 Columbus Local ACS Section Outstanding Senior Award – Mara Shields ’23

♦ Columbus Local ACS Section Outstanding Senior Award- Shields '23

 ACS Analytical Chemistry Award – Jordan Thompson ’24

♦ ACS Chemistry Award-Jordan Thompson 7 24

 Outstanding Performance in First Year Chemistry – Ben Giera ’25, Naima Ibrahim ’26, Jalen Leavell ’26, Michael Odoi ’26, Paul Scott ’26, and Caitlin Wilkins ’26.

♦ Outstanding Performance in First Year Chemistry-Ben Giera '25, Naima Ibrahim '26, Jalen Leavell '26, Michael Odoi '26, Paul Scott '26, and Caitlin Wilkins '26.

 The Kekule Sophomore Award for academic excellence in Chemistry – McKenna Campbell ’25, Jonathan Daniel ’25, Eneko Dillenberger ’25, Maddy Mull ’25, and Tatum Poulton ’25.

♦ The Kekule Sophomore Award for academic excellence in - McKenna Campbell '25, Jonathan Daniel '25, Eneko Dillenberger '25, Maddy Mull '25, and Tatum Poulton '25.

♦ The Dalton Junior Award for academic excellence in Douglass '24, Sarah Frix '24, Kaitlynn Gleich '24, Owen Gregg '24, Drew Hol'24, and Olive Schnittker '24.

 The Dalton Junior Award for academic excellence in Chemistry – Elizabeth Douglass ’24, Sarah Frix ’24, Kaitlynn Gleich ’24, Owen Gregg ’24, Drew Holman ’24, and Olive Schnittker ’24.

 The Mendeleev Senior Award for academic excellence in Chemistry – Caleb Montgomery ’23, Mara Shields ’23, and Jaden Watkins ’23.

♦ The Mendeleev Senior Award for academic excellence in Chemistry-Caleb Montgomery '23, Shields '23, and Watkins '23.

 The Bert and Jane Horn Endowed Student Research Fund in the Sciences – Andrew Holman

♦ The Bert and Jane Hom Endowed Student Research Fund in Sciences -AndrewHolman '24

 Hajek Family Endowed Fund – Olivia Brickey ’23, Megan Caldwell ’23, McKenna Campbell ’25, Kaitlin Dean ’23, Savanna Glass ’23, Amanda Marchi ’23, Olivia Miller ’23, Mason Nolan ’23, Ashni Patel ’24, Olivia Schnittker ’24, Mara Shields ’23, and Jaden Watkins ’23

♦ Hajek Endowed Fund Olivia Brickey '23, Megan Caldwell '23, McKenna Campbell 7 25, Dean '23, Savanna Glass '23, '23, Olivia '23, Mason Nolan '23, Patel '24, Olivia Schnittker '24, Mara Shields '23, and Jaden Watkins '23

♦ Priest-Miller - Shields '23

 Priest-Miller Award - Mara Shields ’23

♦ Weinland Chemistry Award Kaitlyn Gleich '24

 Weinland Chemistry Award – Kaitlyn Gleich ’24

OTTERBEIN

U N I V E R S IT Y

Department of Chemistry

1 South Grove Street

Westerville, OH 43081

1 South Grove Street OH

Phone: 614-823-1517

E-mail: drhodeback@otterbein.edu

CONNECT WITH US

CONNECT WITH

Are you interested in keeping up-to-date more regularly Chemistry Department activities and people, and in networking with other Otterbein alumni? Then join the Otterbein Department Linkedln page and/or Facebook page!

Are you interested in keeping up-to-date more regularly with Chemistry Department activities and people, and in networking with other Otterbein alumni? Then join the Otterbein Chemistry Department LinkedIn page and/or Facebook page!

We also invite alumni to interact with current students. If you are an alum who wants to a technical talk, in a about careers, or is willing to mentor a current student, please reach out to Dr. Joan Esson (jesson@otterbein.edu)

We also invite alumni to interact with current students. If you are an alum who wants to give a technical talk, participate in a panel about careers, or is willing to mentor a current student, please reach out to Dr. Joan Esson (jesson@otterbein.edu).

Owen Gregg ’24 and Mara Shields ’23, Columbus Local ACS Section Outstanding Seniors

Jen Vallejo ’25, Kylee Segner ’25, and Colleen Bungard ’24

Olive Schnittker ’24 with the puking pumpkins

Jen 7 25, Kylee Segner '25, and Coll een

Bungard '24

Owen '24 Mara Shields '23, Columbus Local ACS Section Outstanding Seniors